International students stuck overseas have welcomed changes to Australian student visas aimed at helping the hard-hit industry bounce back once travel restrictions are lifted.
Acting immigration minister Alan Tudge this week announced a slew of changes for international students hoping to study in Australia, including free visa extensions for those who have been unable to enter the country and the option to apply for post-study work visas.
The government will also recommence issuing students visas for applications lodged outside Australia, meaning they will be ready to travel when borders reopen.
But those waiting to come to Australia say they still need more certainty over when that will happen.
SBS News talked to Deysy Ramirez. Source: Supplied
"We're very happy to know something, that at least we're more visible, but we want to also know more, such as when we can enter the country," Colombian student Deysy Ramirez told SBS News.
The 33-year-old from Bogota was part of a campaign by Latin American students to have their student visas paused until they were able to enter Australia.
Hundreds of students shared photos of themselves holding signs with the expiry date of their visa to draw attention to their plight.
Ms Ramirez was approved to study English in Australia in March and was due to fly out when the coronavirus border closures came into effect. She was concerned her one-year visa would expire before she was able to use it.
"We are grateful to the Australian government for giving us answers because it's been months of uncertainty," she said.
But Ms Ramirez said she was concerned about having to pay for an expensive hotel quarantine.
"We'll wait for borders to open and enter the country in the best way."
Fellow Colombian student William Otero Rodrigues also welcomed the changes.
William Otero Rodrigues is stuck in the US. Source: Supplied
The 31-year-old has been stuck in the US after travelling there en route from Colombia to Australia in March.
"The idea is to travel as soon as possible because it's frustrating for us, knowing that our dreams were paused by COVID," he said.
"We already paid the school fees, airline tickets, we're just waiting for the borders to open and for the government to allow us entry."
The higher education sector said flexible arrangements were needed to keep Australia competitive.
"Canada and the UK, our key competitor markets ... have come forward with many of these provisions," said Phil Honeywood from the International Education Association of Australia.
"It has taken a long time but [Australia's changes] are very much welcomed by the beleaguered education sector."
Pre-pandemic, international students contributed an estimated $40 billion annually to the Australian economy and supported around 250,000 jobs.
In making the announcement, Mr Tudge said, "these measures back the international education sector – our fourth largest export sector – and will assist its recovery".
"[They] will not only support the education sector, it will also have flow-on effects for many local communities and businesses, including accommodation services, tourism, hospitality and retail."
But there are calls for more to be done for those already here, including from education analyst Dr Angela Lehmman.
"[We need to] make sure that international students that are in Australia now are also feeling welcomed by the communities around them and it's acknowledged that they are travelling through the COVID crisis with us," she said.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
