Universities propose foreign students plan as unemployment rises

Australia's unemployment rate has jumped to 7.1 per cent after more than 200,000 people lost their jobs due to coronavirus lockdowns. The new figures come as the government considers flying in hundreds of foreign university students next month.

Representational image of international students in Australian university. Source: Getty Images

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is itching to unlock interstate travel as new figures show border closures are costing nearly 5000 jobs a week and $84 million a day.

The new figures come as the government says it's open to flying in hundreds of foreign university students next month, but warns other international travellers would not be visiting any time soon.

The University of Canberra and the Australian National University will fly in 350 students in July as part of a pilot program backed by the A-C-T and federal governments.

University of Canberra vice-chancellor Paddy Nixon said the pilot would be important for Australia's entire higher education sector.

Catriona Jackson, Chief Executive of Universities Australia says the international student sector has taken a major economic hit due to COVID-19, between 3-billion and 4.8 billion dollars this year alone.

She says the plan is a positive step.

"Look it's good news for universities all around the country. It's good new for those students. But it's also good new for getting business and getting jobs back and running. These students are really important to our universities, they are really keen to get back here. But I suppose the resumption of university trade is really important for the Australian economy," she said. 

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