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South Australian plan a win for students

18 June 2021

ATN is delighted that the South Australian plan for the return of international students has been approved by the…

ATN is delighted that the South Australian plan for the return of international students has been approved by the Commonwealth. This is an acknowledgement of the hard work by South Australian state government agencies in collaboration with South Australian universities and industry partners to deliver a safe and secure plan to return international students to Australia.

We congratulate the Marshall Liberal Government for their leadership and advocacy around the return of international students and backing this important sector.

All ATN universities look forward to welcoming back international students to our campuses. This is a clear win for South Australia’s international students who have waited patiently for the opportunity to come back to Australia to live, work and study.

These plans are important in providing assurance to international students that Australia is starting to reopen and they will soon be able to recommence their Australian university journey. They are also important in providing comfort to allied sectors, like tourism and hospitality, that Australia is making the first steps towards an eventual reopening of borders and commencing on the road to recovery.

In the latest episode of the ATN Perspectives podcast, ATN Executive Director Luke Sheehy talks to Jeffrey Smart, Director and Co-founder of The Lygon Group, and John Molony, Pro Vice Chancellor (International) at Deakin University, on the issue of international education, particularly focusing on the student experience and what Australia’s international education sector might look like post-recovery.

Listen to ATN Perspectives.

ATN continues to call for a strategic, coordinated national plan for the restart of international education post COVID-19, to ensure the long-term sustainability of this integral sector.

Quotes attributable to ATN Executive Director, Mr Luke Sheehy:

“The approval today of South Australia’s plan for the arrival of international students is an important signal to international students that Australia is looking forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can.

“I congratulate Premier Marshall and his Government for their strong and continuing support for students, universities and businesses who all benefit from a vibrant international student community in South Australia.

“Thousands of students have been waiting patiently to come back to Australia and today’s announcement is welcome news for Australia’s universities, particularly those in South Australia.

“Since the pandemic, Australia’s universities have worked hard to support all of our students – both domestic and international, so it will wonderful to see international students return to South Australian universities and reunite with fellow students and friends.”