Those of you considering study in Australia may have been alarmed by recent news of cyclones and severe flooding in the northern state of Queensland. Hotcourses gives you the lowdown on the current situation and how this affects students. According to Stephen Robertson - the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade in Australia - it's business as usual for Australia's educational institutions...

After recent alarming weather and flooding in Queensland, some of you may be wondering if your studies will be affected - or if your institution will be open as usual. According to Minister for Trade Stephen Robertson, educational institutions have advised that most classes will commence as scheduled after the floods. He went on to reassure any worried parties: 'The most important thing to emphasise is that Queensland's world-class international education and training institutions are open as usual and ready to welcome students for the start of the 2011 academic year.'

We've examined the Minister's response and has compiled a quick Q&A to answer any concerns you might have:

So, should those students who are expecting to begin study this semester defer entry, or will classes be going ahead as planned? 

According to Stephen Robertson: 'We are open for business again and look forward to welcoming international students to our State for the first semester of 2011. Those who intend to study in Queensland this year should proceed with their travel plans to be here in time for their first class.'

What about travel into the area? Are transport links back to normal yet? 

'Brisbane International Airport is operating as per usual. In Brisbane, the state's capital city, key services and most main transport links have been restored after flooding last week.'

Why should students come to Queensland? 

Mr Robertson continues: 'Queensland is a world-class education and training destination for international students and our institutions continue to offer state-of-the-art, innovative and industry driven courses.

In addition, quality accommodation options, both long and short term, are available for international students, making Queensland the ideal place for foreign study.'

What about those students who were already in Queensland during the floods? 

Mr Robertson concludes: 'Government and student support services were available for any and all international students already in Brisbane who may have been affected by last week's floods. The government has taken steps to ensure the safety of all Queensland-based international students.'
 

So, it seems that there is minimal cause for concern. Let's hope for a swift recovery and keep our fingers crossed that no further severe weather hits the already flood-damaged state.

Further reading:

Get the latest information on flood recovery