The outbreak of COVID-19 forced countries to take strict decisions for the welfare of people and shutting down international borders is one of them. As is the case with many countries, Australia too adopted the practice and compelled many students and immigrants to put their plans to travel to Australia on hold. Their dreams have to wait for a little longer. Seeing the situation, no one was able to tell for how long the situation will remain so.
Finally, the wait is over as the Australian government is going to reopen its borders for international students. Those who were in the middle of academic sessions or were planning to apply for a course can go ahead now. As per the recent updates, international students and professionals are eligible to travel to Australia from 15th December 2021 with any travel exception, provided they are fully vaccinated.
Conditioned yet comforting step taken
It’s true that Australia is allowing people from other parts of the world to come and stay in this county of opportunities. But, this travel is conditioned. Not all visa categories are allowed. For students, only visas related to class 500 (student visa), subclass 580- student guardian visa (new applicants), subclass 590- student guardian visa, and subclass 870- sponsored parent visa, are allowed.
The visa holders should be fully vaccinated, using a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) verified vaccine. For those who are reaching Australia via Victoria, New South Wales, or the Australian Capital Territory, there is no need to be quarantined at hotels. Anyone else has to follow the 14-day quarantine protocol in a hotel.
A smart and much-needed move
Australia didn’t make such a bold move just like that. It’s part of a four-phase plan to reopen its borders for international visitors. As per government data, more than 70% of the Australian population will be fully vaccinated by the end of November 2021 and 80% by the end of December 2021.
Projecting the same vaccination growth, the country is planning to open the international borders properly for international students and travelers.
Students see hope amidst the gloomy times
This news has definitely given a reason to smile for those students who are in the process of completing year 11 and 12 education with DESE and receive the support from Australian State or Territory government health authority and education department.
Additionally, students who are in the final two years of their dental, medical, nursing, and allied health professional studies can also travel to Australia to complete the practical learning and practice in an Australian hospital or medical facility.
Thought of studying in Australia? Get Ready and Prepare for the PTE exam
Things will be better slowly but certainly, and as we told you above, Australia will probably re-open its borders for everyone at the beginning of 2022. We are already on the brink of 2021 end. So, not much time is left. You are planning to study in Australia then roll up your sleeves and get ready for PTE.
PTE or Pearson Test Of English is a globally recognized English competency test, assessing the expertise of non-native over English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
All the leading universities and colleges keep scores of PTE Academic exam as a part of admission requirements. In fact, the PTE Academic score decides the future of your visa application. Around 27 visa categories use this score as an eligibility criterion.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Australian government didn’t allow conducting of many exams physically or at the testing centers and PTE was one of them.
But, now the international borders are going to open soon, universities will start accepting PTE academic scores from international students as well. The appointment demand from the overseas student is already at all-time high and aspirants are guided to check the details regularly. So, you should ace up your PTE Academic exam game from now onwards.
Don’t let the opportunity go away
If you wanted to study in Australia then the best time is now as not every aspirant full be fully vaccinated, few might be apprehensive to travel internationally, and some might have facing fund crunch as COVID-19 has impacted the economy as well. So, there will be less competition to face.
Just check what DHA requirements are asked and apply for an Australian student visa. To make sure this opportunity doesn’t slip away, you need a PTE score minimum of 30 in a functional area, 36 in vocational areas, 50 incompetent areas, 65 for a proficient domain, and 79 for higher skills. Scoring this much in the PTE exam will increase the visa approval odds and when this happens, there is no going back. A completely new world of opportunities welcomes you.
The Final Say
COVID-19 has crashed many dreams. But, it’s time to dream once again as Australia and many other countries are opening doors for international students and professionals. So, get your vaccination done, work hard, and score high in PTE and other relevant English competency exams.
