Western Australia opens new online portal for international students

The state of Western Australia has launched a new online travel portal to support international students travelling to the state.

The International Student Travel Portal offers a range of information and support for students, including guidance on Covid-related travel and health requirements, assistance in searching and booking flights, as well as advice on how to gain financial assistance from the government.

The portal is intended to encourage international students back to the state, following the reopening of Western Australia’s borders to interstate and international travellers on Thursday 3 March after two years of lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.

However, while the state’s borders are now open, visitors are still required to have received three doses of a recognised coronavirus vaccine and must take a lateral flow test within 12 hours of arrival. International travellers over the age of 16 must also obtain a G2G pass and sign an online declaration form.

Clear and accessible information for students

“International students are an important part of our community and we want to make them feel welcome,” said International Education Minister David Templeman. “By giving them clear and easily accessible information through this new portal, students can familiarise themselves with the government travel and health requirements and even book their flights.

“We want to see thousands of international students return to our magnificent state and will continue to offer as much support as we can to make their experience as seamless as possible,” he added.

The reopening of Western Australia comes shortly after the decision of Australia’s federal government to remove its own restrictions on international travel from 21 February after over two years of restrictions.