Settlement Guide: How Australia is welcoming back international students

International students line up for coaches after arriving at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Monday, December 6, 2021. Source: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

SBS Indonesian

View Podcast Series

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen

Australia has reopened its doors to international students after nearly two years of border restrictions. The Government recently announced certain concessions for student visa holders following the easing of borders to facilitate the return of international students to Australia.

In December 2021 Australia reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international students and announced a visa fee waiver.

Students can apply for a refund until December 31, 2022.

Welcome back to Sydney from University Sydney Source: University of Sydney

International students coming to Australia can now start work without waiting for the start of their course during this concession period,

Prior to the pandemic, on-campus education was required for postgraduate visa subclass 485 but now online studies conducted outside Australia also count towards postgraduate visa applications.

Currently student visa holders are also allowed to work extra hours in important sectors. The Australian Government has temporarily removed the working hours limit for S student visa holders in all sectors. These new rules will be reviewed in April 2022.

All travelers must comply with the requirements of the state or territory of arrival, and any other state or territory they plan to travel to.

For more information visit the Department of Home Affairs website at: covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/international-students

Click on the image above to listen to this feature.