International students’ return to Australia is finally expected after an 18-month ban on travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia’s pilot plan initiative is finally taking off, and international students return to La Trobe University at their Victoria campus.
The pilot program will see international students return to Australia as early as the end of December. Universities are all set to open their campus gates to incoming international students. The pilot program has been implemented in New South Wales and Victoria, two major student cities of Australia. International students return to La Trobe and are extremely excited about the initiative taken by the Australian Government. John Dewar, Principal of La Trobe University expressed his excitement said international students were “greatly missed” on campuses.
The international students’ return to La Trobe has been carefully planned and the university is expected to follow coronavirus protocols. Phase one of the international students’ return to Australia will see 120 students travel to the country. In the coming months, the pilot plan will be executed on a larger scale as more students travel to Australia.
How Can International Students Return to Australia?
The pilot plan has certain eligibility criteria in place to ensure compliance with COVID-19 measures and the safety of citizens. Only those international students return to Australia who have a valid student visa and have been fully vaccinated. Students will also be required to quarantine for a certain period depending on their country of residence. As international students return to La Trobe, the university ensured students that their quarantine costs will be covered by them.
As the pilot plan is in its first phase, only priority students will be admitted into the country. International students’ return to La Trobe University will see researchers and those who require practical work for their course. This is exciting news as 47,000 eager international students return to Australia in phases since the travel ban.
