Coronavirus: University of Sydney predicts 12,000 students in virus limbo

One of the country’s most prestigious unis is bracing for a major financial blow, preparing for up to 12,000 students to be caught up in the coronavirus chaos gripping the world and a predicted $1 billion blow to the state economy.

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One of the state’s most prestigious universities is preparing for “up to 12,000” students to be impacted by the global coronavirus outbreak.

The University of Sydney estimates the flow on effect of the government’s travel ban from China will see almost one in seven of its students either deferring their studies for the semester, withdrawing or opting to learn remotely before the enrolment cut-off date of March 31.

The university estimates that if 8700 students deferred it would blow a hole of more than $1.4 billion in the Gross State Product of NSW.

The economic shortfall comes from modelling done by the university which would also see the institution itself lose out on $200 million.

An empty University of Sydney campus, which could be the norm should students be stranded overseas.

“On Friday we wrote again to affected students outlining their options, including enrolling in full-semester online units of study or deferring to a later semester,” a university spokeswoman said.

“We won’t know until census on 31 March how many of our students have been impacted but we anticipate it could be up to 12,000.”

The University of Sydney had 73,000 students enrolled in 2019, but will be caught up with institutions across country preparing for a financial hit this month should the foreign nationals who study there fail to return to class in time.

Financial forecasting done by the uni does not paint a pretty picture for the state economy.

University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence. Picture: Richard Dobson

The university will not academically penalise students caught up in the chaos who cannot attend class before March 30 due to the government’s travel bans and self-isolation requirements.

Some students forced to study remotely will be able to participate in class through online tutorials, which will not impact their grades based on attendance.

NSW Health confirmed on Tuesday morning the number of the cases in the state had jumped to 55, with eight more diagnosed overnight.

Sydney’s north-west suburbs have been a hot-bed of activity, with a significant number of cases spreading from Ryde Hospital and the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged care facility in Macquarie Park.

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