After nearly two years of closed borders due to the pandemic, many countries are gradually welcoming international students back. However, the Omicron variant that appeared in late November 2021 kept changing reopening schedules. This article summarizes the announced milestones and what to prepare, so students and parents aren't caught off guard.
Australia: reopening pushed back to 15/12/2021
Australia originally planned to welcome vaccinated international students from 1/12/2021. On 29/11, the government announced a delay of about two weeks due to Omicron concerns, with the new date being 15/12/2021. According to education news sources at the time, the main conditions included:
- A valid student visa.
- Full vaccination with a vaccine recognized by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
- A negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before departure.
Quarantine rules depend on the state or territory of arrival. At that time, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had plans for quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated people, while other places might differ. So check carefully which state your school is based in.
Canada: expanded vaccine list from 30/11/2021
From 30/11/2021, the list of vaccines Canada considers "fully vaccinated" on entry added Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin, matching the WHO emergency use list. A person is considered fully vaccinated once they have completed the schedule of an accepted vaccine at least 14 days before entry.
Another important milestone: from 15/1/2022, international students aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated with an accepted vaccine to enter Canada, as this group no longer falls under the exemption as before. If you aren't fully vaccinated, book your vaccination early to allow for the 14-day wait.
The UK and other destinations
The UK also tightened checks on arrivals after Omicron was detected, and the rules changed quickly over a few weeks. For the UK or any other country, check that government's official website close to your flight date rather than relying on old information.
Preparation checklist
- Core documents: a valid passport, admission letter, and visa or study permit (originals and scans).
- Vaccination certificate: check the vaccine type, the date of each dose, and that the name matches your passport exactly. If needed, request a version with a QR code or an accepted translation.
- Pre-flight testing: find a testing facility that can return results within the required time window and issue the certificate in English.
- Contingency budget: costs for quarantine, testing, and changing tickets when flight schedules change.
- Flexible flight ticket: prefer tickets that allow date changes, since policies may change close to the flight date. Read the change and refund conditions carefully before paying.
- Contact your school: many schools announce start dates, temporary online learning options and arrival accommodation support.
Notes on following information
- Information on social media often goes out of date within days. Only trust the pages of governments, embassies and schools.
- The conditions above were the rules as of late November 2021 and are not immigration advice. Check official information at the Australian Department of Home Affairs, IRCC Canada, or the equivalent authority of the country you choose.
2026 update: The COVID-19 requirements in this article (mandatory vaccination, pre-flight testing, quarantine) have long since stopped applying. Today, what matters more for studying abroad is visa conditions, proof of finances and each country's caps on student numbers. Always check the latest rules with the official immigration authority.
FAQ
Can students who aren't fully vaccinated go to Australia or Canada right now?
According to the late November 2021 announcements, Australia prioritized reopening for fully vaccinated students. Canada allowed unvaccinated students to enter temporarily under quarantine conditions, but from 15/1/2022 full vaccination would be mandatory for students aged 18 and over.
Which vaccines are accepted?
Each country has its own list. Canada added Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin from 30/11/2021, while Australia relies on the list recognized by the TGA. Compare your vaccine type with the official page.
When should I book a flight ticket?
It's best to wait until reopening schedules and entry conditions are clear, and choose a ticket that is flexible on date changes. If you need help with flight tickets or study abroad applications, you can contact HVSC's Flight Tickets and Study Abroad team.
Reference sources
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-adjustments-to-canadas-border-measures.html
- ApplyBoard (Australia reopens to international students) — https://www.applyboard.com/blog/australia-reopening-borders
- Times Higher Education (Australia reopens after Omicron pause) — https://www.timeshighereducation.com/node/719568
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FAQ
Can students who aren't fully vaccinated go to Australia or Canada right now?
According to the late November 2021 announcements, Australia prioritized reopening for fully vaccinated students. Canada allowed unvaccinated students to enter temporarily under quarantine conditions, but from 15/1/2022 full vaccination would be mandatory for students aged 18 and over.
Which vaccines are accepted?
Each country has its own list. Canada added Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin from 30/11/2021, while Australia relies on the list recognized by the TGA. Compare your vaccine type with the official page.
When should I book a flight ticket?
It's best to wait until reopening schedules and entry conditions are clear, and choose a ticket that is flexible on date changes. If you need help with flight tickets or study abroad applications, you can contact HVSC's Flight Tickets and Study Abroad team.
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