Monash University is thrilled to announce plans for welcoming international students back to Australia are underway after the Federal Government endorsed the Victorian Government’s International Student Arrivals Plan.
The first stage of the plan will allow a small group of university students to begin returning to Victoria by the end of 2021.
An Expression of Interest process, currently in development, will help determine who is to be included in the first cohort. Priority will be given to students who urgently need to return to Victoria to continue or complete their degrees in the early stages of the program. Priority will be given to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and coursework students who need to undertake medical placements, internships, lab-based research or face-to-face learning.
Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said the University had been eagerly awaiting this news, and looked forward to working with the initial cohort to welcome them back to Monash.
“As a university and a community, we have all worked so hard to increase vaccination numbers so we could build confidence in our community that we are prepared and ready to begin the process of welcoming our international students back in a safe and progressive manner.”
Under the plan, Monash University will invite eligible students to express their interest in returning to Australia. Part of the criteria for returning will be providing proof of double vaccination, with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Students will be required to quarantine upon arrival with the University to pick up the quarantine costs in stage one of the pilot program.
Professor Gardner said that the initial program of work to return students is accelerating.
“Arrangements to return students will be limited at first, but we are confident this will quickly accelerate and expand to our broader student body.
We appreciate the commitment and patience of our students, and we are working hard to ensure they are back in time for the first semester.
“We will work with every student to assist them in preparing for and planning their return, including with accommodation, education support and pastoral care needs.”
Returning students are in for a treat with a series of rich and uniquely-Monash education experiences planned for students next year, including global and entrepreneurial immersions, industry-based experiences and key Australian activities.
This is just the start of what will be an exciting and vibrant year for all.
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