Chinese students stranded in Australia

Thousands of international students have been stranded in Australia after the closure of four private schools. About 1,000 Chinese students have suddenly found their academic lives turned upside down. They have called the sudden bankruptcy of the schools irresponsible.

The Chinese consulate in Sydney has called on Australian authorities to deal with the matter properly. On Monday, the Australian government promised to waive tuition fees or place the students in other schools.

The sudden closure of the four schools in Australia has left nearly a thousand Chinese students high and dry. Just a few days ago, they were still expecting to graduate, or preparing to go home at the end of the semester. Now, those plans have completely changed.

"I should be graduating in June next year. Now I don't know what is going to happen. The tuition fee of my school is the highest in Sydney. Even if the Australian government offers us a similar course in another school, the expenses at the new school won't be as high as this one's. So actually, we paid a lot of money and then will be transferred to a much cheaper school. "

The Australian government said on Monday it will waive fees as of January for students re-applying to study at new institutions. Authorities also said affected international students will be offered the chance to study at other institutions. But students are not thrilled by the prospect.

"What about the exams which we have already passed? We accumulated points by passing those exams. But when we go to a new school, do we still keep those hard-earned points? Usually, each school has its peculiar grading system. So we will have to start all over again to pass similar exams and courses. This is an utter waste of our time. To make things worse ... as more and more students are enrolled each year, by delaying graduation, we'll face tougher competition on the job market. "

Chinese students account for about one-quarter of all international students in Australia. The Australian government said the affected students will be invited to attend meetings with educational authorities in the next few days, in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution.