Australian universities with well-equipped facilities and quality education are hard to miss by students looking for a springboard to expedite their career.
For years, Australia’s appealing educational setting has been a money-spinner for the nation’s economy. Simultaneously, thousands of jobs in the travel sector have depended on the vast annual influx of international students.
Last year, the situation grew rather downbeat for the network of industries reliant on overseas learners as the COVID-19 pandemic grounded many students in their home nations.
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Travel players feel the pinch as the border closures impact the current student travellers. At the same time, Australia’s stringent measures for the long run is feared to push the educational aspirants to other competitive markets like Canada, Germany, and the UK.
According to the latest overseas travel figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the arrivals of temporary student visa holders in Australia dipped by 99.6% in March 2021 compared to the last year. However, on the bright side, the numbers show an uptick of 16.9% from February 2021.
The question doing the rounds is whether the Australian economy, currently at a tipping point, can afford to witness further drastic fall in its international students’ intake.
The lack of a clear message about flight resumptions and vaccination delays is undoubtedly a worrisome signal for the educational players. The universities are calling the Federal Government to fast track its actions to welcome back the international students.
However, not everything is down and out, and the recent developments send positive current to the tourism Industry concerning student’s arrival.
Travel Bubbles In Place & Upcoming Prospects
Australia and New Zealand recently opened the Trans-Tasmanian bubble, giving the nod to the green flights where passengers travelling would not require quarantining. It has not only been a significant step to reunite the families and send backpackers for an escapade, but the travel bubble is also sending a positive signal for similar probable developments that would help in bringing back international students.
The Government is already in talks with Singapore, and the move would clear pathways for bringing more students into the country.
However, Australia has yet to see similar initiatives with countries like China and India, from where comes a large proportion of annual intakes. The ongoing tensions between Australia and China and the dire COVID-19 scenario in India are expected to delay similar arrangements with these nations.
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New Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030
It appears that Australia is, after all, not ready to let go of its effective position in the international education market, which it has maintained through consistent quality service. Australia is on track to begin a new golden era of its education system, with the consultations started to devise a fresh strategy for international study for the coming decade.
Through the strategy, the Government focuses on making the education sector more resilient and guiding its recovery. The feedback and collaboration are being invited to foster innovation and responsiveness of the sector.
Vaccination Passports for International Students
Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge recently indicated that international students would not return en masse to Australia until 2022. He noted that the success of the vaccination program would essentially steer the future of bringing back international students.
Furthermore, the education sector must ideally wait for the global authentication system to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccination certificates. It means that that the students returning will have to show a proof of their vaccination, approved by health protocols.
Mr Tudge further indicated that more clarity on the border opening and student’s arrival issue is expected by mid-2021, while he also hinted at the opportunity to bring international students in “small, phased pilots”.
Despite the daunting challenge of studying abroad, Australia has become one of the global hotspots for international students, thanks to its vibrant cities and ability to accommodate diverse cultures. However, to maintain its position, the Government and educational bodies should preferably step up and provide a clear message, reopening schedule and likewise plans.
SOURCE: KALKINE MEDIA
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