Australia considering entry of international students by July

Australia recently announced a three-step plan to re-open the economy after the number of Coronavirus cases in the country has come down. The three-stage exit plan to reopen the economy was announced by the Australian government.

The government’s plan to bring normalcy in the country is a step by step process. In step 1 small gathering of up to 10 people will be allowed and retail shops and small cafes will reopen. In step 2 more businesses will be allowed to reopen and services such as gyms and cinemas will resume. Gatherings of up to 20 people will be allowed and more retail outlets will open. In step 3 gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed and interstate travel and international student travel will resume.

Entry for international students in July

Keeping this in view international students will be able to come to Australia in time for the July intake of students in universities. They can enter the country if they follow strict quarantine regulations. The government is thinking over the cost of setting up and maintaining quarantine set-ups for international students. 

Contribution to the Australian economy

The higher education sector contributes about 40 billion dollars to the Australian economy annually and resuming courses for international students will only be beneficial to the economy. Supporters of the move are citing the example of Canada. They are saying that it will be possible to admit students and follow the strict quarantine and health checks for students just like Canada.

Universities in Australia have shown a positive reaction to the decision and are hoping the entry of international students in July will bring things back to normal in Australian universities.

Measures to help international students during the pandemic

Student visa holders in Australia are lucky that due to COVID-19, the Australian Government has taken a flexible approach to visa requirements. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the government has also updated the working conditions for these visa holders.

Student visa holders whose study period has ended and if they are unable to leave Australia, may apply for a visitor visa or a Subclass 600 visa before the expiry of their Australian student visa.

Universities in Australia on their part are actively supporting foreign students by allowing online learning, relaxing the calendar for the first semester, making additional courses accessible in the later semesters and creating student helplines.

 Work options for international students

Students who have completed their course according to schedule or those who are under a break can work for unlimited hours.

Similarly, students who are doing a master's or doctorate degree can work for an unlimited number of hours.

Students whose courses are postponed can work 40 hours per fortnight.

Certain categories of students can work for more than 40 hours provided they are working in sectors that support the supply of essential goods and services.

The Australian government has been trying its best to support international students during the Coronavirus pandemic and is keen to welcome international students to its universities in its plan to revive the economy.