November 22, 2021

Students and universities vital to Australia’s post-COVID-19 recovery

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) welcomes the announcement today by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Education and Youth and other Ministers on the further opening of Australia’s borders to international students.

From 1 December, fully-vaccinated international students with an eligible visa can come to Australia without needing a travel exemption.

IRU Chair and Griffith University Vice-Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans welcomed this significant development.

“This announcement from the Australian Government is clear recognition of the importance of international students and universities to Australia’s post-COVID-19 recovery,” she said.

“In addition to the significant contribution of international education to the Australian economy, international students are valued members of the diverse communities that IRU universities serve. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to campus.”

With members across all States and Territories except Tasmania, IRU universities have been actively engaged with the full range of plans for the return of international students.

This welcome announcement from the Australian Government provides greater certainty for students, their families and the university staff that teach and support them.

IRU Executive Director Paul Harris said today’s announcement sends a clear signal that international students will be back on campus for the start of the 2022 academic year.

“We acknowledge the Australian Government’s work over recent months to recognise vaccines and re-open borders. We look forward to continuing to work closely with government to accelerate the numbers of returning students as part of Australia’s post-COVID-19 recovery.”