USC Australia has welcomed a Queensland Government announcement that it plans to allow the return of international students to Queensland from early 2022.

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchcliffe said on Tuesday that the State Government had lodged its Queensland Student Arrivals Plan (QSAP) with the Commonwealth Government for approval.

If accepted, the plan will see about 250 international students arrive in Queensland each fortnight, with priority going to those who were previously studying in Queensland before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

All students will need to be fully vaccinated and will be required to spend two weeks in quarantine on arrival. Returning USC students can view details about the plan and how it affects them on the USC website.

USC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said the return of international students would provide a wonderful boost for both regional and metropolitan areas of Queensland.

“Our international students help complete our USC communities, as they help broaden the cultural experiences and international understanding of all students on campus,” Professor Bartlett said.

“They also make a valuable contribution to our universities and to our community as fee-paying students, as local residents, as part-time employees and also as volunteers with various community organisations.

“And when they graduate and return to their home countries, our international alumni become lifetime ambassadors for our regions and for Australia in general.” 

Professor Bartlett said USC would provide ongoing support to its returning international students as they complete their time in quarantine.

“This will include a tailored, online orientation package with resources to prepare students for their transition back to USC,” she said.

“Along with academic skills resources, the package will include links to online emotional wellbeing programs and other resources to support them during those two weeks.”