LA TROBE University is gearing up to welcome its first batch of international students by the end of the year.
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After 18 months, students from overseas will be allowed back on campus in Victoria if the federal government agrees.
The state government has submitted its Student Arrivals Plan, proposing the students will be in addition to Victoria's existing international arrivals cap, so they don't displace returning Australians.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said he looked forward to the return of international students to La Trobe's campuses.
"Over these challenging 18 months we have very much missed our international students overseas, who make such an important contribution to our campuses in Melbourne and regional Victoria and to the many communities around them," he said.
"I'm excited that our campuses will soon begin to safely open up again for both our domestic and onshore international students, in line with the government's roadmap and health directives.
"We welcome the Victorian Government's proposal to safely return some international students to Victoria this year, with a pathway to increased arrivals in 2022, and we look forward to working closely with both governments to implement the plan.
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"International students returning or commencing at La Trobe this year and next can be assured of a safe and supportive environment, especially as we are aiming to achieve 100 per cent full vaccination rates on our campuses by December."
Under stage one of the plan, 120 places will be available each week for international university students.
Those undertaking practical work to continue or complete their degrees or postgraduate research students will be prioritised.
"This sensible plan will progressively get students who are enrolled at Victorian universities, TAFEs and colleges safely into Victoria so they can undertake their studies," state Trade Minister Martin Pakula said.
"A gradual return of international students means we can keep Victorians safe and not affect places for returning Australians."
Universities will fund extra quarantine places for student visa holders, who will have to cover the cost of their flight to Melbourne.
Students will be quarantined in dedicated accommodation managed by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria.
Stage two will cover arrivals of international students enrolled in TAFEs, English-language courses, private colleges and secondary schools.
Around 47,000 international students are enrolled with Victorian institutions but remain offshore because Australia's international borders are closed due to coronavirus.
-With AAP
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