Lodged with the Commonwealth Government for approval, the plan would see around 250 international students return each fortnight from January 2022.

“Nearly half of all international students in higher education remain outside of Australia, and more and more jurisdictions are making plans to welcome students back soon,” Ms Jackson said.

“It’s important to recognise the resilience and perseverance of these students who want nothing more than to return to their friends and colleagues, and to their studies in Australia.”

“Queensland university leaders have been working behind the scenes with health authorities and the state government to plan for safe international student return for a considerable period.”

“Those studying medicine, medical research or allied health would be prioritised for entry. Returning students will have to be fully immunised with a TGA-approved vaccine and will undergo two weeks of strict quarantine on Australian soil.”

“This pilot plan follows recent announcements from New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria, with the gradual return of their students anticipated to begin in December.”