This builds on initiatives from the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and South Australian governments who are all supporting efforts to assist international students who, like their Australian friends, have lost casual or part-time jobs as a result of the pandemic.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said state and territory initiatives would be added to the wide range of measures undertaken by universities. These include providing emergency grants, scholarships, accommodation, food and low cost or free IT equipment.
“Through no fault of their own, many international students now find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances. Unlike their Australian classmates, there will be those who won’t have family or local support networks to fall back on.”
“Hence, initiatives from the states and territories, and from our universities, are vital at this time of growing need.”
TASMANIAN SUPPORT
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson welcomed the Tasmanian support package.
The Tasmanian Government has announced a $3 million package to assist temporary visa holders, including international students. It consists of emergency cash payments, travel assistance and support for employers to retain their workers.
“Universities Australia welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s announcement to assist the more than 26,000 temporary visa holders now facing hardship after losing their income through no fault of their own,” Ms Jackson said.
“International education is Australia’s fourth largest export. In Tasmania, it contributed $370 million in export income in 2018-19 and supports thousands of jobs in the education, accommodation, grocery and tourism industries.”
QUEENSLAND FUNDING
The Queensland Government has announced $2.2 million in funding for counselling, tuition support, laptops, isolation care-packs, pre-prepared meals and other living expense payments to students.
“Universities Australia welcomes the Queensland Government’s additional funding that will directly help the State’s international students, many of whom have lost their income from part-time employment,” Ms Jackson said.
“The international education sector in Queensland contributed $3.9 billion to Australia’s export income in 2018-19 and employs more than 20,000 people throughout the state.”
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CRISIS RELIEF
The StudyPerth Crisis Relief (SPCR) program uses funds diverted from curtailed or cancelled projects to help international students who have an acute need for food, shelter, support and health and wellbeing.
“Universities Australia welcomes Western Australia’s support for the many international students who are facing hardship due to losing their part-time jobs as a result of COVID-19,” Ms Jackson said.
“Support for the State’s international students is also support for WA’s broader international education sector, which was worth $1.2 billion in export income in 2018-19 and supports more than 146,000 full-time jobs.”
“There are around 310,000 higher education students living and studying in Australia. Universities Australia continues to discuss with Federal, State and Territory Governments the need to support those students who are facing hardships as a result of this global pandemic,” Ms Jackson said.
For more information, international students should visit:
