As part of the state government’s International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan, the first group of international students from Singapore finally arrived in Sydney on Dec. 6.
Because of concerns about the omicron variant, Australia said last month that it will postpone the reopening of its borders to overseas students from Dec. 1 to 15.
Key Takeaways:
- As part of the state government’s International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan, the first group of international students from Singapore landed in Sydney on Dec. 6.
- As part of a pilot program to welcome back 500 international students in December, NSW will maintain its borders open to international students.
- According to the University of Sydney, more flights are expected to begin in early January next year.
Despite Australia’s border closure, New South Wales (NSW) will keep its borders open to international students as part of a pilot program to welcome back 500 international students in December.
It can be recalled that students who have become stranded have been overseas for more than 20 months. Many of them have taken to social media to express their concerns, using the hashtag #LetUsBackToAus on Twitter and Facebook.
Those who have been stuck from their education can now finally enjoy the university experience for which they have paid.
Students from over 15 countries participated in the pilot program, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China, and Canada.
Professor Ian Jacobs, UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor, said the university has been working with government and health authorities for more than 18 months to bring back international students.
While just a few students are permitted to return to the state, the University of Sydney advises accepted students to proceed with their student visa application.
According to the website, obtaining a student visa allows students to travel at a later date and ensures that students who begin their studies remotely have their offshore studies recognized for any post-study employment rights.
On Dec. 24, a second flight bringing students from South Asia is planned to arrive in Sydney.
The second trip will depart from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and link with aircraft from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, according to UNSW.
More flights are expected to begin in early January next year, according to the institution.
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