OMICRON UPDATES- WHAT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW
The new Omicron variant has been declared as a variant of concern by WHO. Countries around the world are coming up with fresh travel restrictions. International students planning to travel overseas need to have the latest updates on the travel curbs at their destination.
- US
The US has imposed travel restrictions on eight southern African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. Additionally, all travellers flying in will have to show a negative COVID-19 report within one day of departure. They may have to self-quarantine for seven days despite a negative report.
- UK
The UK has a new red list of 10 African countries, including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It will allow no travellers from these countries except for British or Irish nationals/residents. All travellers landing in the UK will have to take a test within 48 hours of arrival. Further, they will have to quarantine until a negative report, regardless of their vaccination status.
- GERMANY
Like many other countries, Germany has suspended flights from the red list countries. As of now, it continues with the prevailing travel regulations. Foreigners landing here should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the travel date. Additionally, they must have a negative COVID-19 test report depending on the destination they come from.
- AUSTRALIA
Australia had border reopening plans early this month, but it has postponed them to December 15. It has led to a wave of disappointment among international students. Right now, Australian citizens and fully-vaccinated visa holders are permitted to enter the country. Foreigners have to follow a 14-day quarantine guideline in a hotel. All flights to and from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Seychelles, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have been suspended.
- NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has the toughest border controls and longest border closures since 2020. The country plans to reopen for fully vaccinated international travellers in 2022. As of now, its plans will probably not be affected by the current situation. Australian citizens and residents will be allowed from January, while flyers from other countries can arrive from February.
CANADA
CANADA WITNESSED A 13.7% RISE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN 2019
Canadian colleges and universities witnessed a significant uptick in international enrolments in 2019/20 compared. Almost 50,000 more students joined the institutions compared to the previous year. It represents an impressive increase of 13.7%, reinforcing the country’s growing popularity as an international education destination.
UNIVERSITIES CANADA TO CONNECT WITH VIETNAM
Universities Canada recently hosted a digital mission that welcomed leaders representing 22 Canadian universities and 13 Vietnamese universities. The event was marked by the presence of Sara Wilshaw, by Canada’s chief trade commissioner. Its objective was to bring together attendees from both countries and give them the opportunity to build and deepen relationships.
UK
RECORD NUMBER OF VISAS GRANTED BY UK HOME OFFICE
Recent statistics uncover that the UK home office has granted 428,428 sponsored study visas up to September 2021, which is a record in itself. The number represents a 143% increase compared to the previous year and a 55% rise on pre-Covid levels. Additionally, it surpassed the previous record of 307,394 visas which were granted at the end of June 2010.
QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR LEARNING RESOURCE NETWORK
Learning Resource Network, a London-based awarding organisation, has been felicitated with the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise (International Trade) this year. The highest official UK award for British businesses was given to LRN as recognition for its outreach of qualifications provisions in the country and abroad
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
VICTORIA LAUNCHES STUDY HUBS IN MALAYSIA AND VIETNAM
Victoria has opened new study hubs in Malaysia and Vietnam as a part of the initiative to strengthen connections with international students in these countries. The hub in Kuala Lumpur was launched on November 23, while the second one at Ho Chi Minh City started on December 1. The study hubs are a part of the International Education Short Term Recovery Plan of the Victorian Labour government.
$37M SUPPORT PACKAGE AND POST-STUDY WORK EXTENSION BY AUSTRALIA
As a part of the initiative to bolster the international education sector in the country, the Australian government is planning to implement some tangible measures. The government plans to provide support for $37 million for providers most affected by the pandemic. Further, it will also facilitate an extension for some post-study work rights to bring the industry back on track.
NEW ZEALAND TO BRING MAJOR REFORMS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
New Zealand is gearing up for major reforms in its vocational education system. It aims to create a strong, unified, and sustainable system that aligns with the future of work and enables employers, learners, and communities to thrive. The initiative was highlighted at the Asia Pacific Technical and Vocational Education Forum held virtually. The conference brought together experts and leaders across the industry, governments, and international organisations.
STRONGER VET BILATERAL TIES BETWEEN NZ-CHINA
New Zealand and China are moving ahead to consolidate their ties in the higher vocational education sector. Both countries participated in a China-NZ Summit on Higher Vocational Education to exchange ideas and best practices. The countries have been collaborating in the field for several years, and the new initiative will strengthen the ties further.
NEW ZEALAND REOPENING PLAN IN APRIL MAY BE TOO FAR
New Zealand has announced that it will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to land in the country from April 30, 2022. However, it isn’t great news for international education stakeholders as they believe that the delay may put them at a competitive disadvantage. The date may be too far, considering that other countries are already taking in international students.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
