NSW borders: Over 250 international students finally land in Australia

Australia announced last month that it would delay the reopening of its borders to international students from December 1 to December 15 over concerns about the Omicron variant. Despite Australia’s border closure, NSW borders will remain open to students under the states’ pilot plan to bring back some 500 international students in December.

The first batch of international students touched down in Sydney on December 6. These students arrived from Singapore on Monday morning as part of the state government’s International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan. 

Stranded students have spent more than 20 months stuck abroad. Many have not been shy to voice their concerns on social media platforms using the #LetUsBackToAus hashtag on Twitter and Facebook. Now, those stranded from their studies can finally get the uni experience they paid for. 

NSW borders: Second pilot to arrive on Christmas Eve

Students from the pilot programme come from over 15 nations including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China and Canada. 

“I’m really excited to get the chance to be on the first flight of the NSW pilot programme,” said Chloe Zhu, a University of New South Wales (UNSW) Science undergraduate from China said. “I’m looking forward to being back in Sydney, catching up with friends, strolling around the campus, joining student societies and clubs, and starting my colourful university life!”

Students under NSW’s pilot plan include those from over 15 nations, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China and Canada. Source: Saeed Khan/AFP

UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said the university has been working closely with government and health authorities for more than 18 months to bring international students back. “International students play a vital role in the UNSW community, and the vibrancy they bring to our university has been sorely missed,” he said. 

“While the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 Omicron variant remains, we remain cautiously optimistic that this cohort will be the first of many to arrive for the start of the first term next year.” 

NSW borders: Unis cautiously optimistic for more students to return

While only a handful of students can return to the state, the University of Sydney recommends students who have been accepted to proceed with their student visa application.

“Obtaining a student visa will allow students to travel at a later date and for those commencing their studies remotely, it ensures their offshore study is recognised towards any post-study work rights,” said the university on its website.

“Whilst we recognise this latest change might be challenging for those students that had planned their immediate return, the slight delay to the border re-opening has been made by the Australian government with the health and wellbeing of the community in mind.”

A second flight carrying students from South Asia is scheduled to arrive in Sydney on December 24.

According to UNSW, the second flight will be out from Colombo, Sri Lanka and will connect with flights from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The university also expects more flights from early January next year. 

This is just the start! 💛 After 20+ months, we loved welcoming 55 of our international students who arrived in Sydney yesterday. Their smiles were shining brightly (even through the masks)! pic.twitter.com/hUyrXzC6nu

— UNSW (@UNSW) December 6, 2021

Dr. Peter Hurley, an education policy expert at Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute, believes 2022 will be the most challenging hurdle for Australian universities to overcome as they adjust from the post-pandemic crisis. Numbers for new international students were about 70 to 80% below pre-pandemic levels, he told ABC News.

Macquarie University’s website said because of the small scale of pilot flights in December and January, eligible students who can return to Australia will be contacted directly by the university. With the upcoming pilot plans to bring back international students, there is no quarantine requirement, as long as travellers test negative. For the latest details, visit Study NSW’s website.