Two-week lock-out of students from China

Government imposes ban on arrivals

What’s happened: On Saturday night the Commonwealth placed a 14-day ban on people arriving from China (ex Aus citizens, residents, and aircrew).  While stating, “there is no basis for alarm,” the statement by the prime minister added, “the changing epidemiology of the coronavirus in China and the uncertainty that remains around its transmission and virulence, mean the utmost precaution is warranted.”

The announcement was immediately followed by a statement from Education Minister Dan Tehan that he would meet the board of Universities Australia today, “to discuss options to work with the sector to minimise the impacts of this decision on Australia’s international education providers.”

TEQSA was ready:  The regulator anticipated an arrivals ban late Friday, announcing it would waive requirements for in-person teaching of international students.

The federal government’s code of practise caps teaching international students on-line/by distance at a third of units. However, the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency assured the sector, it “will not take regulatory action,” in cases where, “providers determine that enrolment in a wholly on-line or distance learning mode of study is in the student’s best interest.”

Mr Tehan backed the move Saturday, saying that while the arrival ban was in-place, “the Government will work with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and the Australian Skills Quality Authority to ensure providers can offer on-line and remote alternatives.”

Reality endorsed: Universities Australia was quick to accept the Commonwealth’s decision.

“Universities will continue to adhere meticulously to the advice of health and immigration authorities, while managing the impact for our students,” CEO Catriona Jackson said Saturday night.

Ms Jackson added universities would extend offers of on-line study and deferred start date options.

“Our focus is on safeguarding the health and safety of everyone in university communities, and minimising any disruption to study, exams and assessment.”

The Group of Eight (with 63 per cent of Chinese students studying in Australia) followed Sunday morning, stating its members “must follow all direction provided by … Australia’s government and agencies” and were “absolutely committed to our students from China completing their studies with minimal disruption and as soon as possible.

“The Go8 understands and is sorry for the effect this will have on our community. We also regret the effect this virus outbreak is having on one of the world’s leading university systems.

“G08 universities look forward to being able to welcome our Chinese students currently unable to join us as planned and we are working to achieve this with the Australian Government.”

What happens next : The China arrivals ban saves universities from a difficult decision. On Friday, Monash U announced semester would start seven days late, on March 9, for almost all programmes.  The first week of classes will be taught on-line.

Monash U said this was so the entire Monash staff and student body begins the semester together.

Prior to the government’s decision, Deakin U, La Trobe, RMIT and Uni Melbourne were all planning to start the academic year for all students, on schedule. This seems unlikely to change now

Below: what could happen if the travel-ban extends