In March this year, thousands of international students were unable to enrol after Australia closed its border. Australian media disclosed that as a popular destination for studying abroad, Australia's international education industry has suffered a heavy blow, and universities are facing a capital shortage of billions of Australian dollars. Australian media predict that if the border is closed until 2021, the whole country's higher education may face a disastrous situation, which may last for several years.
In response to the new outbreak, in late March this year, Australia announced a border blockade to prohibit all non Australian citizens and non permanent residents from entering the country. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from overseas will be quarantined for 14 days. Thousands of international students are unable to return to school on time due to what local media call the most stringent border control measures in history.
The impact of the ban on Australia's international education industry began to show. According to Australian media reports, the tuition income of international students in 2018 accounted for nearly 30% of the total income of Australian universities. So far, the budget of major Australian universities has shrunk seriously, and large-scale layoffs have to be carried out.
The Australian National University announced this week that in addition to more than 200 people who voluntarily left their jobs, 215 jobs will be cut; the University of New South Wales said it will cut 256 full-time jobs in order to reduce financial expenditure; the Royal Melbourne Polytechnic University confirmed on the 17th that 355 people have voluntarily left their jobs, and another 250 will be laid off before the end of the year; the University of Sydney has also announced the layoff plan, which is not expected to happen In the next four years, the school's income will be reduced by a $550 million due to the drop in the number of students.
According to the National Higher Education Alliance of Australia, more than 11000 jobs have been cut in Colleges and universities in response to the new epidemic. Up to 21000 full-time jobs could be cut by the beginning of next year. In addition, thousands of temporary workers will not be able to renew new contracts in the coming months.
In addition, as a popular destination, Australia has received fewer applications this year than in previous years. Recently, according to a data released by the Australian Ministry of the interior, as of June this year, applications for studying abroad from India have decreased by 46%, Nepal by 60% and China by 20%.
According to Australian media, the number of international students arriving in Australia reached 144000 in July last year, while only 40 international students with visa returned to Australia in July this year, Australian media reported.
Phil, chief executive of the Australian Association of international education, said Australia's "real crisis" was that a large number of international students would be lost in the first semester of next year.
"If we don't act as soon as possible, Australia will lose a large number of international students and students will continue to flow to other countries."
When will overseas students return to Australia?
In order to compete for international students, foreign universities have taken action.
British universities charter flights for Chinese students to study in the UK. (source: SMH)
British media previously reported that more than more than 20 universities, including Manchester University and Bolton University, jointly provide charter flights for Chinese students to return to school. On September 21st, 74 Chinese students on charter flights to the UK set out from Chongqing to fly to Manchester, UK. The flight is China's first international return charter flight since the outbreak of the new crown epidemic.
Sheridan College of Canada announced that if foreign students are dissatisfied with the tuition fees for online courses during the outbreak of the new coronation, the university will provide a refund service only so that foreign students can continue to study at the University.
Australian media disclosed that Australia is planning to launch a pilot program to bring up to 300 international students back to South Australia. After arriving in Australia, these students will be subject to compulsory isolation, and the cost of isolation will be paid by the universities.
But the plan has raised doubts among Australians stranded overseas because of the travel ban and has not yet been approved by the Australian federal government.
It is reported that the Australian federal government will give priority to solving the border ban and international entry restrictions, and then approve international students to take flights to South Australia. However, according to Australian media reports, it seems unlikely that the border will be reopened quickly. In July, the novel coronavirus pneumonia in Vitoria, the second largest state in Australia, was forced to re-enter the blockade after the surge of new crown pneumonia. The Australian government was more cautious in opening up the border issue.
Nevertheless, South Australian Governor Steven Marshall said the plan is necessary for the recovery of South Australia's economy and will make every effort to launch it around Christmas. "International students are an important part of our community, adding to our diversity and vitality. Nan'ao welcomes the return of overseas students."
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