NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan
The NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan to return international students to NSW has received support from the Australian Government and NSW Government.
The Pilot Plan will allow a limited number of 250 international students studying with NSW education providers to return each fortnight from 6 December 2021.
Under the Pilot, international students who return to Australia must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recognised COVID-19 vaccination before landing in Sydney.
Monday 6 December
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 6 December.
This 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 in late December.
A significant milestone
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.
Quarantine free
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.
This is an important milestone for NSW and reinforces the State’s standing as a world-leading study destination.
Source: Study NSW