Released 22/10/2021
The ACT will welcome back international tertiary education students who are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised COVID-19 vaccine for the start of the 2022 academic year.
Students will need to follow all Australian Government vaccination and testing requirements for international arrivals. Quarantine will not be required in the ACT for fully vaccinated students.
Higher education institutions provide a considerable social and economic contribution to Canberra. The return of international students will be very welcome news for our city.
The ACT Government will continue to work with the universities and CIT as they prepare for the return of international students.
Quotes attributable to:
Brian Schmidt, Vice-Chancellor ANU:
“It’s great to have clarity about arrangements in the ACT and to know that as soon as the borders open our students can come straight home to campus. We will continue to work with the Commonwealth on arrangements to open the borders to students as soon as Australia safely can.”
Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra:
“Welcoming back our international students will provide huge flow on benefits to the Canberra community, our international students become nurses in Canberra hospitals and the allied health professionals that will be supporting Canberrans in their everyday lives. As our economy starts to rebound, we will need the talents our international students bring, and we all benefit from the vibrancy they bring to our campus and our city."
Professor Harvi Sidhu, Acting Rector, UNSW Canberra Acting Rector:
“It is important for international students to return to ACT Universities for valuable research to continue, including defence research and capability development which is a key focus of the university. We look forward to welcoming international students once again to Canberra.”
Leanne Cover, Chief Executive Officer, CIT:
“This news is welcomed by the CIT, as we understand how important our international students are to the fabric of the Canberra community, particularly in areas of essential work such as health, hospitality and the building and construction trades. We look forward to providing quality skills and training to our valued international students and the contribution they make to our local workforce.”
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases