The New South Wales Government has announced it will not require international students to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised vaccine. This aligns with quarantine requirements for returning Australians.
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, December 6.
The first flight will carry around 250 students from over 15 nations, including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China and Canada, with a second flight to bring in students from South Asia and India also scheduled.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said international education plays a vital role in connecting NSW to the world, with almost 290,000 students studying here before the pandemic, supporting more than 95,000 full-time jobs.
“This is a significant milestone in our roadmap to recovery and I can’t wait to welcome back such an important part of our community,” Mr Perrottet said.
“They don’t just make a significant contribution to our economy, but international students play a role in our culture and contribute to our community and lifestyle.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said students will require Commonwealth Government approval to travel to Australia.
“I welcome continued collaboration with the Commonwealth Government in supporting international students as they return to NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“This sends a clear message about how much NSW values our international students.”
Students will return via flights to NSW from December until further notice through the pilot plan’s phased approach. Scape Redfern will continue as the accommodation partner supporting international students as they return.