October 8, 2021

IRU welcomes government commitment to the return of international students

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) welcome the strong commitment to the return of international students provided today by the Minister for Education and Youth, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, in his speech to the Australian International Education Conference.

The Minister’s clear message about the importance of accelerating the safe return of international students to Australia will be warmly received by IRU students and the communities of which they are valued members.

IRU Chair and Griffith University Vice-Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans welcomed the government’s commitment to students and to universities.

“The Minister’s speech today sends an important positive message to our current and prospective students about the re-opening of Australia for education in 2022 and beyond”, she said.

“The Minister is right to point to the significant impacts that COVID-19 has had on students and universities, and to thank our international students for their patience and resilience.”

The IRU also welcomes the Victorian Government’s International Student Arrivals Plan, announced today, and the Federal Minister’s commitment to moving quickly from small numbers of returning students in select states, to much larger numbers across the country.

IRU Executive Director Paul Harris noted the significant work done by government on issues such as the recognition of international vaccines, and international vaccine certificates, as key elements of the return to two-way international student mobility.

“Major global changes in recent years make international engagement in education and research even more important for Australia”, he said. “The IRU looks forward to working with government on its International Education 2030 Strategy and the path forward.”