The Australian Government’s decision to approve the South Australian Government’s plan for the safe and secure return of international students is a major step towards ensuring the sustainability of our international education sector, said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson.
While further work is yet to be done, the SA Government plan to quarantine up to 160 students at Parafield Airport, meets the necessary strict protocols and guidelines required by the Australian Government.
“This development in South Australia sends an important signal to our international student community and represents a significant step forward for our universities, our students and local economies,” said Ms Thomson.
“As the Education Minister Alan Tudge has pointed out, the plan will not take any quarantine places from Australians returning home.
“The South Australian Government should be commended for developing a plan that prioritises the health and safety of our students and the broader population, putting public safety first,” said Ms Thomson.
Go8 universities currently have around 30,000 students studying offshore. For every three international students studying at a Go8 university, $1 million is injected into the Australian economy. This international education sector will play an important role in the Australia’s post COVID economic recovery.