“Anyone who has walked across a campus this week would have felt the excitement building as students and staff are reunited after what has been a long period apart for so many,” Ms Jackson said.

“Around 80,000 international students have returned to the country after up to two years away. We pay tribute to the commitment they have made to Australian education and the resilience they’ve shown studying offshore and online for so long.”

“Nearly 13,500 students arrived in Australia last week alone – a 33 per cent increase on the week prior.”

“The strong numbers of returning students we’re seeing is indeed a milestone worth celebrating. We know there are students still to return, and we, as well as their domestic peers, stand ready to welcome them back.”

“The sector, of course, faces a significant road to recovery and the full picture for 2022 and beyond will take time to form.”

“Universities know they’re not out of the woods, confronting revenue hits and job losses as consequences of COVID-19.”

“There is rebuilding ahead and we continue to work with our communities to do that in the national interest.”

“In the meantime, however, we are glad to see a return to the vibrant, hard-working campuses that sit at the centre of the communities we serve.”