South Australian education providers will be collaborating to set up travel and quarantine accommodation arrangements for the return of international students, following an interim authorization from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and other South Australian education providers will be taking part in this initiative.
Key Takeaways:
- South Australian education providers will be working together for the return of international students.
- ACCC has released an interim authorization to allow these institutions to work together for the initiative.
- Students and the education providers will be responsible for the cost of travel arrangements and quarantine.
According to Stephen Ridgeway, ACCC Commissioner, the interim authorization is similar to those provided to New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) universities, allowing these institutions to commence working together to bring international students back to Australia.
The authorization also allows the participating South Australian education providers to collectively decide on two matters: which international students are offered the opportunity to return first, and the allocation of flights and quarantine facility spots for students.
Currently, the South Australian government is advancing an arrival plan to the Australian government, requiring international students to undergo a 14-day quarantine at an approved quarantine center.
The ACCC’s decision does not affect the governments’ rules on quarantine, capacity limits, or funding but rather provides South Australian education providers an exemption from competition law to collaborate in bringing back students in time for the 2022 academic year.
Through this collaboration, the students and the education providers will be responsible for the cost of travel arrangements and quarantine.
Among the institutions that are likely to be included in the arrangement are the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia, University of Adelaide College, Torrens University, Kaplan Business School, and Flight Training Adelaide.
It was noted as well that other education providers that have campuses in South Australia are also able to participate in the arrangements.
Submissions on the application for authorization will be accepted by the ACCC by Nov. 10, 2021. The commission will issue its draft determination and invite further submissions in December 2021.
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