I. COVID-19 Situation in Australia
On December 15, 2021, the borders of Australia finally opened up for international students without needing to apply for travel exemptions. This includes fully vaccinated international students and Temporary Graduate visa holders.
In Australia, states and territories have their own rules and restrictions in place. Some require approval to travel across the border from New South Wales (NSW) or a period of self-isolation in NSW before entering the state. Sometimes, a second self-isolation period is required when you arrive. Check here for more information on international air travel to and from NSW.
It is important to check the rules and requirements of the jurisdiction you are travelling to before you travel. This ensures that you are not caught unawares or denied entry when you reach the border.
Quarantine and testing arrangements for states and territories are constantly changing. All travellers will need to meet the Australian Government border requirements for state or territory quarantine and testing requirements.
Find more information on Study Australia’s Website.
II. How Classes are Delivered in SIC?
In accordance with SIC’s COVID-19 Safety Plan, weekly class activities, training/assessment activities, and other forms of teaching and learning will be delivered in face to face and online methods.
III. Information for international students returning to Sydney and NSW
As of 23 Feb 2022, fully vaccinated and eligible visa holders including international students can return to Australia without having to apply for a travel exemption.
However, there are a few requirements returning international students must fulfil. These are:
- Check your visa status via the VEVO website.
- You should have received a full dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),
- Proof of your vaccination status; and
- A negative accepted COVID-19 test result. These tests can be either a COVID-19 PCR or other Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) taken within 3 days before your flight’s scheduled departure. Or a medical certificate as proof of a negative Rapid Antigen Test taken under medical supervision within 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Finally, all travellers must complete the Australia Travel Declaration form prior to departure – more information here.
Key important points to remember
- International travellers arriving in NSW must take a rapid antigen test (RATs) approved in Australia within 24 hours of arriving in NSW and isolate until they receive a negative result. A follow up rapid antigen test is required on or after day 6 after arriving in NSW.
- A test on day 12 is strongly recommended. Please see the approved list of RATs on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
- When preparing to travel, check what you need to do if you are leaving Australia or arriving from overseas.
This information is updated as of 02-05-2022, For the latest info please visit Pre-departure and arrival information – Study NSW and the Covid-19 Home Affairs Office.
If you test covid positive while in NSW, Managing Covid-19 at Home from the NSW Government is a good resource to read.