The recent surge of the Omicron variant hit the world after a successful run for global vaccines. While it brought the harsh reality that the pandemic is still here, the truth is that the world is more prepared this time. Not surprisingly, countries reopened their borders after initial bans on the Red List countries. So international students can resume their study abroad plans despite the challenges. But it is crucial to understand the latest vaccination guidelines at your study abroad destination before going ahead with your plans. Here are the vaccination updates for international students planning to travel to Canada and Australia.
VACCINATION GUIDELINES FOR CANADA
International travellers flying to Canada must be fully vaccinated to enter the country from Jan. 15, 2022. The latest guidelines include international students and people who were previously exempt from the full-vaccination rule. Testing and quarantine exemptions will also change for certain travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship. If you plan to travel to Canada to study at a university there, you will have to ensure that you get the vaccines approved by the Canadian government. Further, you must have received the final dose at least 14 days before entering Canada. The approved vaccine list is as follows:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria/COVISHIELD
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
- Sinopharm BIBP
- Moderna Spikevax
- Sinovac/CoronaVac/PiCoVacc
Besides the vaccination criteria, travellers should be asymptomatic upon arrival and have a paper or digital copy of proof to validate vaccination in English or French. They must also have a suitable quarantine plan if needed.
VACCINATION GUIDELINES FOR AUSTRALIA
Travel for fully vaccinated international students resumed from 15 December, 2021, without requiring to apply for a travel exemption. You will have to complete a course of a vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be considered fully vaccinated. Also, seven days should have elapsed after the final dose of the vaccine. The approved vaccine list for international travellers here is as follows-
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria/COVISHIELD
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty
- Sinovac Coronavac
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for individuals under 60 years on arrival in Australia)
- Moderna Spikevax or Takeda
- Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid
- Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
- Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine (single dose)
You will have to give proof of your vaccination status along with a negative PCR test report taken within 3 days of departure for Australia. Further, you will have to comply with the territory-specific quarantine requirements.
Canada has been among the top study abroad destinations for international students as it took a liberal stance amid the pandemic. However, Australia opened only recently after extended closures for international travellers. You can explore either of these destinations, but be sure to follow the guidelines before going ahead with your plans.
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?
