CDU to go ahead with flying in international students despite PM opting to put federal plan on hold

CHARLES Darwin University will move forward with its plan to fly international students into the Territory, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison delaying the return of international students.

• CDU to be the first uni in Australia to fly in international students

CHARLES Darwin University (CDU) will move forward with its plan to fly international students into the Territory, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison delaying the return of international students.

Following last Friday’s national cabinet meeting, Mr Morrison announced quarantine space for returning Australians would be prioritised over international students.

However, CDU’s pilot flight from Singapore to Darwin will go ahead with approval from the NT and Australian governments, making it the first university in Australia to welcome back international students.

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Almost 90 per cent of the seats on the Singapore Airlines flight have been reserved, with the remaining spots expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

The students from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia will travel to Singapore and depart from Changi Airport flying direct to Darwin.

The flight is set to arrive on November 30 and the students will undergo two-weeks mandatory quarantine at Howard Springs.

The students were originally to arrive in early November but CDU Deputy vice-chancellor (Global Strategy and Advancement) Andrew Everett said the date was pushed back to allow more time for students to get visas.

“Those confirmed on the flight are a mix of new and continuing students, enrolled in a range of VET, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs including law, nursing, IT, teaching, accounting and engineering,” he said.

“The students are excited to come or return to the Northern Territory to study, and CDU is looking forward to welcoming them on campus, once they have been cleared by the Chief Health Officer.”

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International students contribute an estimated $99m into the NT economy each year and support almost 500 jobs.

Students will be supported with a program, including daily phone calls, virtual exercise classes and academic workshops while in quarantine.

“CDU is adhering to the advice of the Chief Health Officer on all aspects relating to health and safety, including pre-departure health requirements,” Mr Everett said.

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Originally published as CDU to go ahead with flying in international students despite PM opting to put federal plan on hold