International flights are still restricted for international students to return to Australia Australian universities push economic incentive programs

Australia announced the full opening of international borders from February 21, but educational institutions are skeptical about whether international students can really return, because although the policy allows, there are still very few international flights to help international students return to Australia.

"Australian Financial Review" reported on the 9th that with the opening of the Australian international travel channel, international students will be able to return to Australia, and universities will flexibly arrange students to register online for reporting, and then conduct face-to-face teaching after they arrive in Australia. Many universities also offer financial incentives in the form of financial discounts, scholarships, and subsidies to help international students pay for additional expenses related to mandatory testing and quarantine.

Mike Ferguson, director of international admissions at the University of Canberra, said the university offered a $1,500 grant for international students arriving in Australia, saying: "Universities are putting in place mechanisms to encourage international students to return to Australia earlier and try to make it more attractive. ”

Andrew Parfitt, vice-chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney, said the university had not put financial incentives on the agenda because it monitored the relatively slow return of international students to Australia. Parfit said short-term initiatives and the upcoming reopening of the border will have little impact on the flow of international students, at least until the next semester. Like other universities, UTSS has flexible arrangements for when students can arrive at the school, especially from China.

Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, said international education was a long-term decision-making process before students arrived, saying: "Unlike tourism, you can't restart international education like turning on a tap. It takes months for each family to decide which country to study in. In the first semester of the year, Australia was seen as having more problems than Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. ”

Ehssan Veiszadeh, deputy chief executive of the Committee for Sydney, said: "It's very exciting that we're coming back with international students. Without them, Sydney would be completely different. It's not just about economic recovery, local jobs and skills shortages, it's about cultural exchanges and colorful activities in our CBD. (Compiled by Wang Yuqing)