Study in Australia

The federal government has confirmed it will consider exempting international students from Australia’s travel ban as early as July.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed a national three-stage framework out of coronavirus restrictions on Friday that opened the door for overseas-based students to return to Australian universities.

While specifics around the exemption have not been outlined, Mr Morrison said it would only be done if strict quarantine restrictions were met.

“Issues of international students, you’ll note that it does come into the third step of the plan, that is a possibility,” he said.

“We are open to that, and we would be working with institutions to see how that could be achieved.

“But it must be done according to those strict quarantine restrictions and how that’s done, and how those costs are met.”

At least 10 per cent of international students enrolled at Australian institutions are stuck overseas with the industry worth $40 billion a year to the economy.

Australian universities are expected to record large losses as a result of forced campus closures and border restrictions.

The international education lobby has been pushing for an exemption to travel bans for international students.

“Clearly without any international students coming into the country, Australia’s fourth-biggest industry is in a major crisis,” International Education Association of Australia CEO Phil Honeywood said.

National COVID-19 Coordination Commission Chair Nev Power stressed the importance of rebooting education as quickly as possible and suggested the possibility of university-funded charter flights to bring overseas students back to Australia.

“There is an opportunity for the universities to work with the government to provide safe processes … expedite those visas, get those international students back here as quick as possible,” Mr Power told the Australian Financial Review.

“We’ll need to put quarantine provisions in. We’ll need to make sure that unis are reconfigured to incorporate safe practices. But that way we can accelerate that because right now, this academic year, you could have them back.”

However, the uncertainty faced by international students has left many considering if it is worth committing to another semester in Australia.

Belle Lim of the Council of International Students Australia said some students were choosing to defer their studies.

“The next semester is starting soon, some of them have received a conditional offer but they don’t know if they should take it,” she said.

“They don’t know if they can come back to Australia in time.”

The peak body for Australian universities insists any rush for a return to face-to-face teaching will need to meet strict medical guidelines.

“The health of our student and staff body is always the number one priority,” Universities Australia CEO Catriona Jackson said.

“None of this happens if we don’t get the OK to do so from health authorities.”

Source: https://amp-sbs-com-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.sbs.com.au/v1/article/scott-morrison-opens-the-door-for-international-students-to-return-to-australia/fd09138c-1865-4585-b467-b7d0a26824d9

Deakin has announced up to $25 million in additional targeted support for international students experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the support for impacted international students was available for the next six months and in addition to the financial assistance for domestic students.

“Many international students, through no fault of their own, are struggling with the costs of living and studying, yet are not eligible for the same Government COVID-19 assistance available to our domestic students,” Professor Martin said.

“Some of those students face a very desperate situation where their part-time and casual work is gone or drying up, and they can’t return home yet can’t afford to stay. This is an untenable position.

“With no access to Government assistance, our additional hardship support will prevent students from falling through the cracks during the difficult months ahead. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our international students.”

Professor Martin said the hardship support for international students was available through Deakin’s existing support services and that the University would continue to take a case-managed, individual approach to assist.

“When students connect to our support services, we are talking one-on-one to identify how we can best help that student continue their studies at Deakin,” he said.

“That direct conversation is the best way to determine specific and unexpected personal circumstances and tailor our support as necessary. So far, we have approved more than 1200 requests for immediate financial and hardship support, with hundreds more applications currently being assessed.

“My message to every Deakin student is that if COVID-19 has made it hard for you to continue your studies, then please step forward and let us know.

“We want our international students to continue at Deakin, and as of this week, more than 95 per cent remain enrolled. I hope this additional support will keep it that way. Of course, should an international student decide they simply cannot continue, we will support that decision and help with either a transition to online study or by holding their place for the future.”

Further flexibility and supports for Deakin students include:

• Additional time to change enrolment or withdraw from a course without incurring any penalty. The two-week Census grace period remains in-place until Wednesday 15 April 2020. Deakin has also extended the time for late withdrawals until 1 June 2020.
• The extension period for assignment due dates has been extended to up to three weeks, with medical certificates no longer required. It is also easier for students to apply for special consideration.
• The T1 exam period will continue as planned with online assessments.

For more information about Deakin’s student supports, visit: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/enrolment-fees-and-money/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-assistance

UOW researchers crucial in University’s rise to position 238 in world

The University of Wollongong (UOW) improved its rank and score in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings announced on Thursday morning.

UOW rose an estimated five positions from 243 in 2019 to 238 in 2020, continuing on its ascension path laid in recent years.

THE rankings measures universities on their teaching, research income and reputation, citations, international outlook, and knowledge transfer to industry.

In a year, UOW’s overall score lifted from 50 to 50.5, following a better performance in research, industry income and international outlook indicators.

UOW researchers were integral to the University’s success in the 2020 rankings, as the research indicator has the greatest bearing on a university’s overall score.

UOW Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Jenny Martin said UOW had increased its standing thanks to the hard work of academics and staff.

“We’re proud to see the University of Wollongong again climb in international rankings,” Professor Martin said.

“These results are the fruits of the continuing commitment of UOW staff, and I want to acknowledge their hard work.

“Our researchers continue to lead the way in producing quality, impactful research that leads to positive economic and social outcomes.

“The high quality research taking place, both independently and in collaboration with partner institutions around the world, is strengthening our academic reputation.”

The University’s formidable result comes in a competitive environment, both nationally and further afield.

Nearly two thirds of Australian universities rose in the 2020 THE World University rankings.

As the Australian university sector improved markedly, UOW moved from equal 11th to equal 12th in Australia.

Source: https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2019/international-success-in-latest-higher-education-rankings.php