News international students were expected to be welcomed back to NSW in the second half of this year was music to the ears of the University of Wollongong (UOW).
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In a statement, UOW said it "welcomes and wholeheartedly supports" the proposal for the return of international students announced on Thursday by NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet.
The treasurer announced the pilot plan to return the students over the second half of the year, adding international students were a vital missing piece in the state's economic recovery, with the sector worth $14.6 billion in 2019.
The pilot plan will initially see a limited number of students from a range of countries in purpose-built student accommodation.
"UOW has been working collaboratively with the other NSW universities and the NSW Government on a plan to safely reintroduce international students to our campuses and local communities and is pleased to see that plan now being submitted to the Commonwealth Government for consideration," a UOW statement said.
"UOW acknowledges the NSW Government's strong support for the higher education sector and thanks NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Perrottet for their leadership and support throughout the development of this proposal.
"This important milestone brings UOW-along with other NSW universities-one step closer to welcoming back international students, whose different cultural perspectives so greatly enrich the diversity of campus life and our students' learning experience.
"International students also make valuable cultural and economic contribution to the communities in which UOW operates its nine Australian campuses.
"As many students face a pressing need to resume their studies onshore in Australia, UOW joins with the NSW Government and the rest of the higher education sector in urging the Commonwealth Government to give this proposal urgent and favourable consideration."
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