Deakin ready to welcome back international students

The International Student Arrivals Plan outlines a graduated, safe return to study in Victoria for international students and a pathway for continued arrivals in 2022. Students arriving under the plan will be in addition to Victoria’s existing international arrivals cap, meaning they will not displace returning Australians.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the staged approach was a safe and strong signal that Victoria, and Australia, was ready to reopen to the rest of the world.

"Deakin’s international students are a valued part of our community and have made immeasurable contributions to the University. This is something we have never taken for granted," Professor Martin said.

"Throughout the pandemic, Deakin has supported our international students who have been impacted by the rapid closure of borders, and other changes, across the world.

"Deakin strongly supports the State Government’s proposal to welcome international students back to Victoria because it is essential to show the rest of the world that Victoria, and Australia, are once again open.

"Australia has very successfully minimised illness and death from COVID-19, but many of our international partners do not understand the path we have taken. So this proposal is a crucial signal to our partners and global communities that we are opening up, which is incredibly important.

"Deakin stands ready to welcome and support returning international students. In the meantime, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure their safety and wellbeing."

Professor Martin implored all Deakin students and staff to go and get vaccinated.

"We want our campuses to be as inclusive and as safe as possible, and that requires having our students and staff as close to full vaccination as possible. So I urge everyone to make a booking or visit a walk-up clinic and get your jab as soon as you can."