International education scheme by the New South Wales Government, in partnership with Study Group, is highly commended by the PIEoneer awards 2022

We are proud to announce that the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan led by New South Wales Government, delivered in partnership with Study Group and other members of the international education sector, was highly commended by the PIEoneer awards 2022. 

Run to help international students who remained abroad in the aftermath of COVID-19, the industry-funded project was the most successful plan initiated by any state jurisdiction to directly return international students to onshore study in Australia.  

Created in collaboration with accommodation provider Scape, NSW Health, and NSW Police, international students underwent a 14-day quarantine period to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — with no impact to the ongoing return of Australian citizens. By the end of the scheme, over 1,000 higher education students from 23 countries had safely quarantined and started their studies.  

The award recognises the scheme’s positive impact on universities in New South Wales, and the wider economy. 

When the scheme first launched, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said: 

“The international education sector sustains thousands of jobs across NSW, and I’m proud that NSW is leading the way with the return of international students to our shores.” 

Before the pandemic, international education was estimated to directly support more than 95,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the State’s economy, in education, hospitality, tourism and other services. 

Alex Chevrolle, Director of External Relations at Study Group, said: 

“We’re proud to have played our part in this valuable effort for students, universities, and government. Aside from the indisputable social and cultural benefits, having international students back studying in Australia was, and continues to be, of paramount importance to the local and national economy. This scheme has shown the positive impact that close collaboration between the international higher education sector and government can have. Thank you to our partners in the NSW government and elsewhere for their professionalism, innovation, and collaboration.”