Overseas students at the Australian National University have continued their studies online despite being barred from entering the country.
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The ANU has released data on current domestic and international enrolments ahead of an announcement on its 2020 financial position.
In semester one this year, 7044 international students were enrolled at the ANU.
It is understood about 3000 students are studying remotely and continue to pay full tuition fees, however, many students dropped back to a part-time study load.
This compares to 7168 international enrolments in April 2020 and 8896 students during the same month in 2019.
The university's hybrid teaching model, where all classes are offered in person and online, is expected to continue for the rest of this year.
A university spokesman said the ANU had set up a study hub in Shanghai to specifically cater for international students in China.
"ANU recognises that 2020 was a tough year for all our community, especially our international students, with many unable to travel to Australia and join us on campus due to COVID-19. These challenges have continued in 2021," the spokesman said.
"ANU is in constant communication with our students studying remotely overseas.
"We miss our students and are constantly working with relevant authorities and government to safely return them to Australia and our campus as soon as we can."
The university has organised online support, events and social activities for international students in an attempt to replicate the university experience beyond classes and exams.
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While the number of international enrolments has dropped, the university has seen a surge in domestic enrolments as COVID-19 has stymied travel and employment prospects for Australian students.
There are 14,912 domestic students enrolled at the ANU, 1025 more than this time last year.
The university had 609 fewer domestic students in 2020 than 2019 in line with a strategy to reduce the overall student intake to improve the quality of the campus experience.
Staff at the ANU are expecting vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt to give an update on the financial position of the university on Friday.
As part of the university's recovery plan, 467 jobs were slated to go and a $219 million operating deficit was expected for 2020.
The university intends to recruit 145 positions as part of the massive restructure of every college and portfolio.
Professor Schmidt previously warned prospective international students would choose to study in countries with open borders, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, despite a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.
He confirmed the university has moved to diversify its international student intake to be less reliant on China, however, this remains the largest market for international education.
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