Far North universities in race to bring back international students

International students could return to Far North universities in coming months if a plan headed by JCU vice chancellor Sandra Harding gets the tick of approval.

QUEENSLAND tertiary education chiefs are scrambling to put the finishing touches to a plan to bring international students back, as NSW aims to have students flying in as early as July.

The NSW government has announced a plan that would have 250 students per fortnight quarantined in specifically approved student accommodation.

It is not clear where the quarantine facility will be located.

Queensland Vice Chancellors Committee chair Sandra Harding, who is also vice chancellor of James Cook University, said plans to ensure the state did not miss out were being finalised.

James Cook University vice chancellor Sandra Harding is leading a push for Queensland to compete with southern states to bring international students back in. Picture: Shae Beplate

MORE NEWS

Cairns businesses crying out for workers

Australia’s next travel bubble revealed

Cooktown abuzz ahead of three week Expo

CQUniversity Far North associate vice president Jodie Duignan-George said prompt action was vital.

“If we wait until the middle of 2022, we risk losing significant international education market

“I’d like to see the Queensland government commit to following NSW’s lead and establish a secure corridor for international students as soon as possible,” Ms Duignan-George said.

Cairns Student Lodge tenants James Steven 22 from Thursday Is, Newman Kenamu, 21 from PNG, and Pagave Puana, 23 from PNG at their Smithfield accommodation ahead of starting studies in Cairns. Picture: Stewart McLean

Ms Harding said a plan had been prepared for the staged return of students, but it was canned with Victoria’s lengthy lockdowns last year.

“When the Victorian situation emerged, any idea of returning international students was much less of a priority,” Ms Harding said.

“We don’t want to let go of the idea of having Queensland ready to go when it is safe to bring students back in.

“What we don’t want is pilot programs into Sydney or Melbourne and not Queensland.

Fang Srisantisuk of Thailand, Cristian Guerrero of Colombia, Diemes Alves Pereira of Brazil and Elizabeth Martinez from Peru prepare for an English test at the Study Cairns student hub in Lake Street in pre-Covid times. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We want to have students coming in on charter flights, they won’t be taking the seats of stranded Australians and if they come as a cohort, they can together be brought through to where they’re going to stay.

“Existing student accommodation may meet requirements.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Cairns was ideally placed as a pilot travel bubble for international students.

Originally published as Far North universities in race to bring back international students