The NSW government is working with federal leaders on plans to lift border restrictions for international students in a bid to save regional universities from collapse.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Thursday said the quarantine system used to control the spread of COVID-19 in returning overseas travellers had been effective at protecting the community from the virus.
She said there was no reason that this system, which has processed more than 15,000 returning Australians, couldn't be used for students eager to come to Australia.
"The irony is that most people in the last few months have been flying straight into Sydney, irrespective of where they live around Australia," she told reporters.
"There's no reason why, in the future, we shouldn't consider allowing students to go through that process, to make sure they're 100 per cent safe before they go to university."
The Premier stressed that the plans were still in the "formative stage" and dependent on the federal government lifting border restrictions for students.
"But we need to think ahead. We need to think beyond the next few months," she added.
The federal government has previously as part of the third stage of the plan to lift restrictions, expected to be in place by the end of July.
Announcing the roadmap earlier this month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said allowing students in was a "possibility" but only if strict quarantine measures were met.
International students bring approximately $39 billion per year into the economy, making them Australia's fourth-largest industry.
The sector's peak body, Universities Australia, has estimated that 21,000 higher education jobs could be at risk over the six months, with more to follow, largely due to the steep decline in international enrolments.
A report released by the found the institution contributes more than 30,000 jobs to NSW, adding $5.3 million to the state economy in 2019.
Without international students, the report warns, the university risks losing $2.6 billion and 12,000 jobs in 2020.
"We need support and one of the most pressing needs is to help our sector plan for the safe arrival of the thousands of international students who believe Australia is the best place to further their education," Sydney University vice-chancellor Michael Spence said.
“This will be complex and require all levels of government and the private sector, including airlines, to work together, but their return is a key factor in helping universities recover."
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Wednesday urged universities to compile proposals for the government outlining a .
Meanwhile, Ms Berejiklian said she was particularly worried about regional universities, such as Charles Sturt and Southern Cross, who will "struggle to keep their doors open" without a boost from international enrolments.
Last month, education minister Dan Tehan announced almost 5,000 scholarships, worth $15,000 each, aimed at attracting international and domestic students to the regions.
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