Redfern will welcome hundreds of returning international students to NSW by the end of 2021 as the pilot plan for their return under COVIDSafe standards has been given the green light.
The students will undergo a 14-day quarantine period in Scape Redfern, a 24-storey apartment block along Eveleigh St, which can accommodate up to 650 students to COVIDSafe standards approved by NSW Health and NSW Police.
All participating students will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised COVID-19 vaccine and strict quarantine protocols will be in place. The $100 million Scape Redfern also features airflow systems, door sensors and contactless access points to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
The Commonwealth Government approved of the pilot plan this week, allowing around 500 students to return to Australia through two chartered flights.
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro, the staggered return of students was stage one of a pilot that would slowly expand and evolve, as vaccination rates continue to rise in NSW and internationally.
“Importantly, this plan will not come at the expense of any Australian citizen or resident wishing to return home,” Mr Barilaro said. Whilst students will shoulder the airfares, universities would cover the quarantine costs.
The first phase of the pilot plan would prioritise PhD students, those who have nearly completed degrees, and those who are enrolled in medicine and health-related courses.
Education partners including Australian Catholic University, Macquarie University, The University of Newcastle, The University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University, plus independent providers the International College of Management Sydney, Kaplan, Navitas, RedHill and Study Group, have signed up to the industry-funded pilot plan.
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres added that NSW was the top destination in Australia for international students, having more than 57,000 students that are currently overseas. Many of the students are desperate to return, resume their studies, take part-time jobs, or simply connect with friends and continue their journey in Australia.