Full Universities Australia Logo Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board
    • History
    • Career Opportunities
  • Facts & Publications
    • Student statistics
    • Staff Statistics
    • University & Funding Statistics
    • Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
    • Submissions
    • Teaching, Learning & Funding
    • Research & Innovation
    • International
    • Diversity & Equity
    • Safety & Wellbeing
    • Health
    • Copyright
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
    • University Profiles
    • Teaching Calendar
    • University Contacts
    • University Startup Hubs
    • Student Safety – Contacts
    • 2022 Floods
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact
Study in Australia
©2025

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Media Release 20 April 2020

Canberra jobs plan throws lifeline to international students

Universities Australia (UA) has welcomed the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government’s jobs plan that will give priority to those in most need and are ineligible for existing Federal Government support.

The $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ fund will provide employment opportunities with the ACT Public Service from now until June 2021.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the initiative was a potential lifeline to international students studying in the capital.

“Many international students, just like their Australian friends, have seen their part time jobs disappear overnight through no fault of their own. They continue to live and study here, despite losing their income and not being eligible for the Government’s JobKeeper support package,” Ms Jackson said.

“Universities Australia welcomes the ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ plan and the decision to give highest priority to those who are ineligible for existing Federal Government support.”

International students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight to supplement their living and studying costs.
Ms Jackson said UA was continuing discussions with Federal and state governments about providing hardship support to international students who have chosen to study in Australia.

“The ACT Government will benefit from having some very talented, industrious and appreciative international students working for them. And international students have the chance to earn some much-needed income.”

Ms Jackson said every university was already offering some sort of support while many have established hardship funds for both Australian and international students. The support includes:

  • Cash grants to cover immediate essential living costs including accommodation, food and travel;
  • Free meals through on-campus accommodation providers and food vouchers; and
  • Free or low-cost IT equipment and data packages to allow students to continue studying online.

Those based in the ACT and seeking short term/casual employment are encouraged to check their eligibility and register their interest via the  Casual Jobs Register.

		array(5) {
  ["heading"]=>
  string(13) "Related Media"
  ["link-label"]=>
  string(13) "See All Media"
  ["type"]=>
  string(10) "media-item"
  ["taxonomy"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    object(WP_Term)#3042 (10) {
      ["term_id"]=>
      int(12)
      ["name"]=>
      string(13) "Media Release"
      ["slug"]=>
      string(13) "media-release"
      ["term_group"]=>
      int(0)
      ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
      int(12)
      ["taxonomy"]=>
      string(10) "media-type"
      ["description"]=>
      string(0) ""
      ["parent"]=>
      int(0)
      ["count"]=>
      int(830)
      ["filter"]=>
      string(3) "raw"
    }
  }
  ["use-separator"]=>
  bool(true)
}
	

Related Media

See All Media
media-item
Media Release
18 June 2025

Skills and innovation key to lifting productivity

Universities Australia supports the Treasurer’s productivity push today at the National Press Club.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
10 June 2025

Roundtable a welcome initiative in addressing productivity challenge

Universities Australia welcomes Prime Minister Albanese’s announcement today that a productivity-focused roundtable will be held in August.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
7 June 2025

UA calls for access to Horizon Europe to secure Australia’s economic future

Universities Australia is calling on the Australian Government to sign up to Horizon Europe to help build
Australia’s economic resilience in a rapidly changing global environment.

Read more
See All Media
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Popular Search Terms

  • Business & Community
  • Careers & Staffing
  • Indigenous
  • International
  • Resources & Regulation
  • Quality Assurance
  • Governance
  • Research
  • Students & Teaching
  • Student Income Support
  • Teaching Calendar
©2025
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Sign up

©2025
Universities Australia Logo


Australian Aboriginal Flag Flag of the Torres Strait Islanders

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Facts & Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact

Get in touch

  • 1 Geils Court
  • Deakin ACT 2600
  • T: +61 2 6285 8100

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
©2025
Authorised by J. Clark, Universities Australia, Canberra.
Legal
Study in Australia
Site Index