China’s education ministry has clarified the effects of its decision on the recognition of online degrees obtained from foreign institutions.
Under the initial announcement on Saturday, January 28, more than 40,000 Chinese students would be required to travel from China back to Australia, leading to an influx of student visa applications.
However, China’s education ministry released a statement on Sunday, January 29 stating that students who had already enrolled for online learning or who were unable to receive a student visa in time could receive an exemption, as long as they could provide the correct documentation.
A Victoria University (VU) spokesperson said only a small number of students remained in China during the pandemic.
“We are now keen to welcome them back as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Most Victoria University (VU) students from China are already in Australia.
“They have been returning since April 2022 when the borders re-opened, and we resumed on-campus teaching.”
A VU spokesperson said VU’s model of teaching would allow for any arriving international students to start with minimal delay.
“VU’s block model, which is the intensive teaching of one unit at a time over a four week period, offers great flexibility,” the spokesperson said.
“This means if students cannot begin their program of study when they planned, they can start later and catch up quickly.
“When students arrive in Australia, ample accommodation is available at UniLodge at our Footscray Park campus.”
Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said any additional international students returning to Australia were welcome.
“Happening so close to the new academic year, there are obvious logistical issues that need to be worked through,” she said.
“We will be working closely with government and industry to ensure universities can quickly respond to this influx and facilitate the safe return of students from China as well as students from other nations.”
