International students are set to return to the University of Wollongong as early as this December.
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About 33 of the 500 students arriving in NSW by the end of the year, will be UOW students.
Wollongong has been working with other NSW universities as well as the Federal and State governments and Study NSW since the start of the pandemic on plans to return and welcome international students.
"The University of Wollongong is extremely pleased to be part of these plans," a university spokesperson said.
"International students are an important part of the fabric of UOW. They enrich our learning and teaching environments and bring diversity of thought, knowledge and cultural exchange.
"We look forward to welcoming international students back to our communities and campuses, and are enthused by the positive student response to coming to Australia to study."
Under the Pilot Plan some 250 international students from across NSW higher education institutions will be able to return each fortnight from early December 2021, with up to 500 students arriving by the end of the year.
The majority (460) of those students are studying at NSW universities, with the remainder at independent higher education providers.
Around seven per cent, or about 33 of the 460, will be UOW students.
The Pilot Plan is open to students from all countries.
To participate, students must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recognised COVID-19 vaccination.
On arrival, students will quarantine in purpose-built student accommodation in Sydney for 14 days. The students will be tested for COVID-19 before boarding and will be subject to the standard testing protocol during the quarantine period.
While the pilot will initially only bring a small number of eligible international students back to Australia, the UOW spokesperson said it was an important milestone that will lay the foundation for the safe return of more students in the future.
The COVID-ravaged university sector has welcomed the news that international students may return as early as December but some students stuck overseas say they are concerned about the cost of returning and worry that degrees such as medicine and engineering will be prioritised over others.
"We understand that the pilot program arrangement to allow international students to come to Australia will not suit all students. Many may choose to remain overseas for a while longer," the UOW spokesperson said.
"UOW will continue to provide online classes and support for those who cannot return or come to Australia to commence or continue their studies at this time.
"The safety and wellbeing of all of our students remains our top priority."
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