We’re welcoming back some international students: how and when you can return
**UPDATED 24 November**
There is updated information from the Federal and Victorian Government. The below information is no longer up to date. Please visit our International Student COVIDSafe FAQs for the latest information.
International students have always been an important and valued part of our Deakin community. If you’ve been studying from overseas during the COVID pandemic, we’ve greatly missed seeing you in person on our campuses and understand that it’s been a difficult time for many of you.
We’re thrilled that we can now gradually start welcoming small numbers of international students back to Deakin as part of the Victorian Government’s International Student Arrivals Plan. This staged approach will ensure a safe and sustainable return of international students.
Under stage one, small numbers of students could begin arriving in Victoria by the end of 2021. Read on to learn more about when and how you may be able to travel to Australia and where to get more information and help.
How do I know if or when I’m able to come to Australia?
If you’ve been selected for stage one, you’ll have received an email from Deakin asking you to complete an Expression of Interest form (EoI). You must submit your EoI by Sunday 31 October, and will then be contacted about the next steps.
Places are currently being prioritised for students who are completing study in health-related disciplines and for research students.
All international arrivals will need to comply with Commonwealth visa requirements. You’ll also need to provide a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result 72 hours before travelling to Australia.
Find out more about eligibility under stage one.
If you haven’t received an EoI email, you’re not yet eligible to travel to Australia. We’ll provide more information when possible and look forward to seeing you soon.
What are the vaccination requirements?
We recommend you’re fully vaccinated with one of the following COVID-19 vaccines approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA):
- Pfizer (Comirnaty)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Moderna (Spikevax)
- Janssen (Johnson and Johnson)
- Coronavac (Sinovac)
- Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India).
You’ll need to be able to provide proof of your vaccination status to the Commonwealth. We’ll provide more information on how to do this soon.
If you choose not to be fully vaccinated, you will not be able to attend any of Deakin’s campuses (unless you have a medical exemption), and will not be able to access many Victorian businesses, services and events (in line with state government rules).
Will I need to quarantine on arrival?
From Monday 1 November, fully vaccinated international travellers can enter Victoria without spending 14 days in hotel quarantine.
If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to quarantine in dedicated accommodation managed by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria.
Subject to Commonwealth systems being confirmed, there may still be a requirement for vaccinated students to quarantine in dedicated accommodation managed by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria for 14 days. If this is required as part of the International Student Arrival Plan, Deakin will cover the cost of hotel quarantine accommodation.
Where can I get more information?
- Make sure you read our FAQs for international students wishing to return to Victoria, which have more detailed information on eligibility, travel, quarantine and costs.
- Read our COVIDSafe International Student FAQs.
- Check your Deakin email regularly.
- Learn more about Victoria’s International Student Arrivals Plan.
- Discover support services for international students studying in Victoria.