Uni To Continue Welcoming International Students From "High Risk" Countries" For Now

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle will continue to welcome international students from countries deemed high risk at this stage despite concerns from the government.

The government announced its Migration Strategy in December aimed at weeding out non-genuine students applying for visas who only wanted to access Australia's labour market.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kent Anderson says while the university always welcomes international students, there are rigorous processes in place to prevent non-genuine students from abusing the migration and student visa system.

International students contribute $30 billion a year to the Australian economy and are the country's fourth largest export.

UPDATE: Police Investigate Stabbing Of Two International Students In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for dash-cam footage as they investigate the stabbing of two men In Newcastle West early Thursday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to Devonshire Street between King and Hunter Streets at about 3.30am to find two men aged 25 and 28 with stab wounds.

Police have told 2NURFM News the two international students were confronted by two men and a woman.

Police say the wallet of the 25-year-old man was stolen during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

EARLIER:

Police are investigating a savage assault on two international students from the University of Newcastle early Thursday morning.

Police say the two young men were walking in a lane way off King Street around 3.00am when they were confronted by two men and a woman.

It's understood one of the students suffered a stab wound during the incident - both young men were injured and were taken to the John Hunter Hospital where they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Police say a motive for the attack is not known at this stage and they're asking anyone with information or witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Plans To Welcome International Students Back To Newcastle Delayed

 BY IAN CROUCH

The University of Newcastle's plans to welcome back international students has been put on hold.

The Morrison government has delayed re-opening the Australian border to skilled workers, international students and other visa holders until it gathers more information about the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Border restrictions were due to be lifted on Wedneday, but this has now been delayed until December 15.

250 international students are due to arrive early next month, with 14 heading to Newcastle.

Image Credit: University of Newcastle

Plan To Get International Students Back To Newcastle University

BY IAN CROUCH

It's hoped the University of Newcastle will soon be able to welcome back international students as the coronavirus pandemic eases.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian is working with all levels of government on a plan to transition the current two-week hotel quarantine system to a health checkpoint for international students.

The state government estimates foreign students are worth $13.9 billion to the economy and support 95,000 full-time jobs.

The Premier says regional universities won't survive unless they can get some of their students back.

It comes as the Hunter Business Chamber calls for an action plan to safely allow international students with existing visas back into NSW to help rebuild the education sector.

Newcastle University has more than 6000 international students among its cohort of 37,000 students.