Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams has set out plans to support students travelling home at Christmas should they wish to do so.
Ms Williams announced the plans after similar guidance was announced in England earlier on Wednesday.
Universities in Wales will conclude the majority of in-person teaching in the week leading up to 8 December, though there may be some exceptions, such as for medical students.
Students who wish to travel home for Christmas will be encouraged to do so by 9 December, allowing them time to rearrange their travel plans in case they need to self-isolate. When travelling, students should follow all relevant government restrictions.
Universities may try to arrange a staggered departures period, though students will not have to follow this.
Students at participating universities will be able to get a COVID-19 test before travelling, even if they do not have symptoms.
Announcing the plans, Ms Williams said;
“Many students will wish to return home for the Christmas break and I’m pleased to confirm arrangements to enable that. Our priority, and the priority for our universities, has been to enable students to travel home safely, while minimising the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
“It’s also important students take action to minimise the chances they could bring the virus back home to friends and family members, who may be far more vulnerable to its effects. That’s why we’re asking students to limit their social contacts as they’re preparing to travel home. The more people socialise, the greater their risk of contracting coronavirus.
“We have been working with the other nations to ensure that all students, no matter where they live or study, are treated fairly and can travel home as safely as possible.”
Separate but similar guidance is in place in England.
