New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee statement 22 November

Sydney, 22 November 2021 NSW and ACT universities welcome imminent return of international students The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), the peak body for all universities in NSW and the ACT, has welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that fully vaccinated international students will be welcomed back into the country from December 1, without the need to apply for a travel exemption or stay in quarantine. Convener of the NSWVCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, said tens of thousands of international students were keen to return to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in order to resume or commence their education. “During the past two years we have always said that we looked forward to when it would be safe to welcome back our students stuck overseas – it looks like that day is soon to arrive,” he said. “We have missed these students and the vibrancy they bring to our campuses and communities. They also help support a number of important sectors, such as hospitality and tourism, and will make an important contribution to recharging our economy. “We expect that there may be some shortage in seat availability as Australia opens up, therefore necessitating the continuation of the pilot plan for the time being. We are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of international students on Monday 6 December 2021. “We would like to thank the State and Federal Governments for working so collaboratively with the university sector in preparation for this important moment.” F