As the COVID-19 restrictions ease, the question arises at to when it will be possible for international travellers to come to Australia. Whilst international travel in general still some time away, recent announcement by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison suggests that international students may be able to travel to Australia as early as July.
Roadmap to a Covid Safe Australia (https://www.pm.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/covid-safe-australia-roadmap.pdf) reveals that trans- Tasman, Pacific and international student travel should be included as part of the last stage of lifting Australia out of the lockdown. However, the implementation is to take place as early as July this year.
Australia has long been one of the top ranking countries in the world when it comes to the lucrative education sector, where learners come to study and stay temporarily to achieve an internationally recognised qualification.
Whilst education providers have experienced significant ups & downs in overseas student numbers from 2009 to 2019, Australia still sits as one of the leaders with about 650000 students when it comes to the International Students Sector.
International Students, regardless of their country or background, have a common requirement – Genuine Intentions for a ‘Temporary Stay’ in Australia - for the purpose of study only.
It is evident that COVID-19 has had a massive impact on the education sector, with many education providers offering deferment options or an overall reduction of fees. Those students who are currently on-shore experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work where available and own savings to sustain themselves in Australia.
Where students are unable to support themselves, they should make arrangements to return to the usual country of residence, noting that it is a condition of all Student visas that holders have access to funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay in Australia.
Students who have been in Australia longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.
The Government will continue to engage with the international education sector which is providing some financial support for international students facing hardship.
Future offshore applicants will need to demonstrate evidence of sufficient funds as required depending on the risk level.