The University of Melbourne welcomes the Victorian Government’s International Student Arrivals Plan which will enable international students and graduate researchers to return to campus and help to reinstate the vibrant community valued by students and staff for the start of the 2022 academic year.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell said he was delighted the plan had been approved as an initial step to see students and graduate researchers return to resume or commence their studies.
“We acknowledge the Victorian Government for supporting the safe return of international students and thank the Australian Government for approving the plan. Initially, the plan allows for the return of a small group of international students to the University of Melbourne each week, but the pace of announcements relating to borders reopening is incredibly positive. I am optimistic that a large proportion of new or returning international students will be studying on campus in 2022,” Professor Maskell said.
“A strong and diverse international student and graduate research community is crucial to our essence as a university. Supporting them to fulfil their potential in their educational and research endeavours is part of being a global institution, and the benefits they bring to our community and society more broadly is immense.”
Professor Michael Wesley, the University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), said the plan was a positive outcome for current and prospective students.
“International students and graduate researchers make a significant contribution to university life, and we have badly missed them. While we continue to deliver a world-class education online, our students and staff highly value face-to-face interaction and collaboration and are looking forward to coming together on-campus,” Professor Wesley said.
“We are working closely with the Victorian Government and other members of the university sector on specific details of the plan. We acknowledge the importance of a phased return that guarantees the safety of both students and the wider community.”
The University of Melbourne communicated with international students and graduate researchers today, inviting them to submit expressions of interest to return later this year. Further information can be found on the University of Melbourne website, via this link.
