Back on Track: International Students in New South Wales

(Estimated reading time: 2 minutes)

In an interview with Margy Osmond, Executive Director of the Tourism and Transport Forum, she said that Australia needs international students to return “at the speed of light.” Additionally, she stated that they are not only the support of the university sector but are a critical part of the hotel and tourism industry. Local news reported that NSW ministers urge their federal counterparts to allow pass to international students and tourists. That is when the state met its long-awaited target of 80% on Saturday with double-dose vaccination.

Meanwhile, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean stated that he wants to bring international students and tourists back to the state ASAP. Even after the federal government intervened to prevent it, prioritizing working with the Commonwealth to make the proper setup. Currently, the NSW’s pilot plan allows about 500 international students to return in December, but hopes to do more. The goal of scrapping quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers is to ensure Australians abroad can return home. Furthermore, opening borders to international students and tourists to jump start the economy. However, he did not indicate when fully vaccinated international students and tourists can enter NSW, as the Commonwealth sets this as it controls the issuance of visas.

The IEAA

Separately, Financial Review reported that the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) would launch a campaign to convince the public of the benefits of international education for the broader community. This includes jobs, diversity, and education. In addition, universities are pressuring Education Secretary Alan Tudge and Immigration Secretary Alex Hawke to reform the student visa system to more directly link education with skilled jobs and permanent residency. Similar to policies implemented under the administration of Howard.

According to Honeywood, the IEAA had presented Tudge and Hawke with a policy document suggesting that any international student who completes an additional year in skilled labor shortage areas should receive double the permanent residence migration points. In a separate speech to the government, the Australian Technology Network proposed linking student visas to jobs. Also, set your Pilot Plans in studying New South Wales with this 5-min read guide.

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