BY EMMA KELLAWAY

Monash University students stuck overseas due to COVID19 travel restrictions feel disadvantaged by virtual study and are frustrated at the lack of University communication about their return. 

Monash University student Smriti Bhat, who studies a Master of Business Analytics from Chandigarh, India, said she was “frustrated” with the lack of communication from the university regarding the return of international students to Australia. 

Despite Monash telling students that they’re trying their best to bring international students back, Ms Bhat said their messages are “too vague”. 

She said it was “disheartening” to see “Monash [have] no say or voice anywhere” compared to other Australian universities. 

“[Staff at other universities] specifically put out word or some kind of statement … trying, asking, pushing the government [to take action] in some form,” she said.

“We [started] wondering if Monash [was] even making that effort.”

Monash student Arjun Bhugra, studying his Masters of Social Work from Gurgaon, India, said it has been particularly stressful for students needing to complete compulsory placement hours to graduate. 

Due to complete his degree at the end of 2021 Mr Bhugra can complete his theory units, but will have to wait to do his practical placement, if border restrictions continue. 

“That uncertainty, it’s palpable. You need to put up with sleepless nights... thinking about what am I going to do if it’s extended by six months,” he said. 

“I’m just going to waste time… I just want to finish my course.”

Mr Bhugra said he has not heard from the University about the possibilities of his return.

Some international students have returned to Australia via travel exemptions granted by the government.

A Monash University student, who asked not to be named, applied for a travel exemption. 

After being rejected several times, the student’s application was accepted in January 2021, to allow them to complete compulsory placement hours for their healthcare degree.  

Despite being granted the exemption, the student delayed their return to wait for the approval of their lecturer who was telling them “not to come back”. 

The lecturer was trying to organise a virtual placement for them in their home country. 

“I was frustrated, I didn't have so much power to go against them, I feel like they just tried to shut me down,” the student said. 

The student said an in-person placement here in Australia would be more valuable than a virtual placement, due to the hands-on nature of their occupational therapy degree.  

After waiting until March 2021 to hear back about virtual placement options, the student said they booked their flight to Australia without letting their lecturer know, returning that month. 

The student informed their lecturer that they had returned to Australia, which prompted their lecturer to find the student face-to-face placement here. 

“I regret letting Monash know that I got a travel exemption because if I didn’t let them know, I [could have] come back in January,” they said.

“I don’t want to extend my study. I just want to graduate on time and go into the workforce,” the student said. 

A Monash University spokesperson said Monash has had about 180 international students return to Australia with travel exemptions.

“These exemptions are based on national needs for students in particular areas, such as, medicine, IT, and engineering, and each student’s application is assessed on its merits,” the spokesperson said. 

Monash University student Merve O’Keefe, studying a Master of International Relations and Journalism from Kas, Turkey, said she was let down by the lack of communication and support Monash was providing during her virtual learning. 

“Already it’s kind of stressful doing [study] online, you already feel so lost and then you’re not actually getting the support [you need],” Ms O’Keefe said. 

When booking an appointment with Monash Student Support staff to get help with her coursework she said the staff did not turn up to the virtual meeting. 

On another occasion, Ms O’Keefe contacted the university with questions about her student visa and was directed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Ms O’Keefe said DFAT told her this was something that Monash University should know and should be talking to her about. 

“I was feeling very lost then, very very anxious. I’m still not sure how it is going to affect my visa,” she said. 

A Monash University spokesperson said “Monash is focused on working with the federal and victorian governments to welcome students back to campus in a safe and secure manner”. 

The Victorian government has proposed a plan that would welcome back 120 international students and workers per week from May 24. This plan is waiting on approval from the Federal Government.