South Australia will review its policy regarding Vietnamese international students.

The South Australian Department of Education will review its policies regarding students from the three provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh following the decision to suspend enrollment.

Information provided by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Sydney, Australia, on the morning of February 7th. The Consulate General stated that it had worked with the South Australian Department of Education regarding the state's decision to stop accepting students from the three provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh. During this meeting, the Consulate General requested that the state government facilitate the education of Vietnamese students.

According to the Consulate General, the South Australian Department of Education stated that it highly values Vietnamese students and their contributions. Policies regarding Vietnamese international students are formulated after careful consideration of many factors.

Specifically, the Department is temporarily not accepting applications from students from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces until further notice. Applications from Quang Binh province are also being suspended, but this regulation may be reviewed in March.

"The South Australian Department of Education has stated that it will review its policies regarding students from these three provinces," the Vietnamese Consulate General in Sydney said.

In addition, students from six other provinces—Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Dong Nai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong—are required to clearly explain their purpose for applying and provide a specific study abroad plan.

These regulations apply only to students in the International Education Program (Grade 12), and do not apply to university or vocational students.

Regulations for students in certain provinces of Vietnam, issued by the South Australian Department of Education. (Screenshot) — Regulations for students in certain provinces of Vietnam, issued by the South Australian Department of Education. *(Screenshot)*

Two days ago, in response to VnExpress, the South Australian Department of Education announced its decision to temporarily suspend accepting applications from students in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh provinces, after reviewing the hometowns of a small number of international students who left their accommodations without permission.

Since December, four Vietnamese international students in South Australia have been reported missing. The most recent case occurred in early January, when a 17-year-old Vietnamese student named Sunnie Nguyen left her hostel after dinner with her backpack, clothes, laptop, and identification. Sunnie's phone was switched off, and her social media accounts were deactivated. The landlord described the student as shy and not yet proficient in English.

According to authorities, there is currently no information or evidence to suggest that the four students are in danger, and they "appear to be actively evading authorities." The incident has been reported to the Ministry of Interior. Police are working with relevant agencies to locate the students and ensure their well-being.

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Sydney said it has coordinated with South Australian state police to search for and assist in contacting the children's families.

Sunnie Nguyen, 17, was reported missing in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Photo: DM

As of October 2023, there were over 31,600 Vietnamese students in Australia, ranking sixth in terms of international student numbers, after China, India, Nepal, Colombia, and the Philippines. This number includes students in high school, university, college, vocational, and English language programs.

The South Australian Department of Education says the state has been implementing the International Education Program since 1989, in over 150 public schools. Vietnamese students are among the largest groups. In 2023 alone, approximately 430 Vietnamese students enrolled in this program.

To apply for a visa, students are required to have an acceptance letter from the school, health insurance, a consent form from parents or guardians, a letter explaining their purpose of study and their ability to stay or leave after graduation, and other documents. When changing residence, international students must declare their new address within 7 days, otherwise their visa will be cancelled.

Le Nguyen - Doan Hung

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