CDU bracing for the worst if international travel restrictions remain in place

CHARLES Darwin University could face severe economic hardship from the coronavirus pandemic if travel restrictions remain for the rest of the year.

CDU vice-chancellor Simon Maddocks says the university could face severe economic hardship from the coronavirus pandemic if travel restrictions remain for the rest of the year. Picture: Supplied

CHARLES Darwin University could face severe economic hardship from the coronavirus pandemic if travel restrictions remain for the rest of the year.

CDU vice-chancellor Simon Maddocks said while only a small number of students withdrew or delayed their studies in Semester 1, this could change dramatically next semester.

“Our big impact will come in second semester because if global travel continues to be suppressed through the second half of this year, and we can’t get any more students into the country to study, that’s when we’re going to see the big impact at the university,” he said.

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Prof Maddocks said CDU was preparing for multiple scenarios, and how to support international students in Semester 2.

“We’ve got to be as innovative and as flexible as we can … but we also have to be ready for the fact if there is going to be no international travel for some time, then it’s going to be much harder to secure the students … and that will have other consequences,” he said.