November 12, 2021

NSW Government announcement on return of international students welcomed

Decision brings NSW universities a step closer to welcoming back international students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) welcomes and supports the New South Wales Government’s announcement that international students will not be required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised vaccine.

The first chartered plane of returning international students under the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan is scheduled to touch down in Sydney on Monday 6 December 2021, and will include a number of UOW students.

UOW is pleased to have had the opportunity to have worked so closely with the rest of the NSW higher education sector, and with the NSW and Commonwealth governments, to facilitate this initiative.

UOW acknowledges the NSW Government’s strong support for the higher education sector and thanks NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres for their leadership and support throughout the development of this program.

UOW also appreciates the work of the NSW Vice-Chancellor’s Committee in leading and coordinating the sector’s engagement with government.

While the initial numbers are small, this important milestone brings UOW—along with other NSW universities—one step closer to welcoming back international students, many of whom face a pressing need to resume their studies onshore in Australia.

International students make valuable cultural and economic contributions to the communities in which UOW operates its nine Australian campuses. The different cultural perspectives they bring greatly enrich the diversity of campus life and all students’ learning experience.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, UOW has kept the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and the communities in which we operate as its highest priority.

UOW is pleased that the arrangements announced today contain the necessary precautions to manage the safe return international students while ensuring the safety of other students, staff and the wider community.

Further information

Study NSW: https://www.study.sydney/return

UOW: https://www.uow.edu.au/coronavirus/returning-to-australia/