Overseas student return on the horizon

International students will be returning to study in Queensland from the beginning of next year. After an announcement from the State Government confirmed plans earlier this week.

The Tourism Minister has announced that eligible students will be able to return to study next year provided they are fully vaccinated. Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says up to 250 international students will be allowed to fly into Queensland per week, and will need to quarantine at the states facility at Wellcamp, near Toowoomba, prior to relocating to other areas in the community.

Prior to COVID, there was more than 32,000 students from 130 countries studying at over 200 education and training providers, on the Gold Coast. But that number dropped to as little as 13,000 during the pandemic.

Cr Patterson says “It’s good news for business and its news good for our local economy, as this sector brings in over $1.7 billion a year to the Gold Coast, at pre-COVID levels”

“Many of these students work in our local businesses, they rent accommodation across our City, and they contribute to the community as a whole.

“The sooner they can return safely the better”.

Cr Patterson is the Division 6 Councillor for City of Gold Coast, and Council’s delegate to the Study of Gold Coast Board.