As international students arrive in Australia for a new academic year, it’s important to be aware of entry requirements. This includes knowing which vaccines are recognised and approved for use in Australia. With this knowledge, you’ll ensure you meet the government’s requirements and facilitate your entry to Australia.
Which vaccines are recognised in Australia?
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recognises the following vaccines:
- BIBP-CorV (for people aged under 60)
- Covaxin
- Covishield
- Sinovac
- Sputnick V
While these vaccines are “recognised”, they are not approved for use in Australia. This means that people living in Australia will not be offered them. You can learn more about recognised vaccines here.
Which vaccines are approved in Australia?
The current vaccines approved by the TGA for use in Australia include:
- AstraZeneca (VAXZEVRIA)
- Johnson & Johnson/Jassen-Cilag (COVID-19 Vaccine Jassen)
- Moderna (SPIKEVAX)
- Pfizer (COMIRNATY)
If you are an international student currently living in Australia, you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for free. Find more details on how to book your vaccine as an international student.
What does this mean for borders opening?
On 1 October 2021, it was announced that Australia would be preparing to lift its ban on international travel for states that reach 80 per cent vaccination. This will allow fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents to quarantine at home for seven days, rather than undertaking hotel quarantine for 14 days, upon their return. However, this will not apply to international students at first.
This has also been clarified by the TGA:
Note that while certain vaccines may be considered by the TGA as “recognised”, decisions on inbound travel are made by the Department of Home Affairs. State and Territory governments, or organisations such as universities, may apply additional considerations around vaccine requirements post-border.
However, these changes in vaccine recognition will impact future International Student Arrival Plans, such as the NSW International Student Arrivals Pilot Plan, which requires international students to be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) recognised COVID-19 vaccination before landing in Sydney.
