Australia is a popular study destination with students from all around the world enrolling for secondary, VET and higher education courses. While Australia provides top quality education, it is also known for its diversity due to the increased number of international students each year.
The fear and impact of the evolving pandemic does not solely affect the health of individuals, but the economy of the country. Australia has a vast international student population that contributes to economic growth. With the downfall in the economy, we can see a lot of international students losing their part time jobs and becoming victims of the situation.
The first thing you can do is learn and make smart financial decisions to manage your funds in lower income circumstances. If you are still in a financial crisis the Australian government and universities are providing financial support to international students suffering from the COVID-19 situation. Find more information below.
- If you are currently under a government student support program, you will be eligible for the fortnight $550 coronavirus supplement.
- The government is also providing a one-off crisis payment for those in financial crisis, and those who need to self-isolate and is caring for someone in self isolation.
In this dire situation, StudyPerth is taking action to support International students in Australia. They have established a fund StudyPerth Crisis Relief (SPCR), a program to address the acute needs of International students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are from cancelled projects to provide support for food, shelter, rights and health of international students currently in Australia.
Currently StudyAdelaide is providing support packages to international students residing in South Australia facing financial hardships. According to StudyAdelaide the funding will be distributed between University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia to support their pathway and International students. In addition to this AUD500 is available for international students pursuing an ELICOS and VET Courses and to those in high school
In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community, Deakin University has developed a support scheme for both local and international students in need.
University of Sydney is offering financial support for general bursaries to current students. The general bursaries help cover essential living and study expenses. After the application, an online interview will be conducted by the university before it is approved.
To support students during the pandemic, RMIT University has expanded its Student hardship assistance and equity scholarship funds. With the expansion $10 million has been added to support students impacted by the COVID-19. If you are a student of RMIT and having a financial crisis, you can apply to one of the following grants.
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- Emergency Financial Grant
- Technology Grant
To be due on 8th of May, financial support provided by Curtin University is still open for application. This financial and housing support bursary is eligible for current students of the university having financial difficulties
