Welfare support

More and more organisations have made significant commitments to supporting students through hardship funds and welfare support. If you're struggling to meet your living expenses, here's how you can access welfare support.

How are institutions supporting international students?

• All international students are encouraged to stay in touch with their education providers about the range of support which is available to them at this time.
• Many universities and other education providers are offering a range of support to students including fee deferrals, deferred studies or payments, food and accommodation support and mental health and other medical support.

How is the Australian Government providing financial assistance?

• Access to superannuation: International students who have been in Australia longer than 12 months and have superannuation saved as a result of working alongside their studies are able to access these funds.
Applications for early release of superannuation will be accepted through myGov. Register your interest by logging in to https://my.gov.au and following the 'Government support for Coronavirus' instructions.

If you don’t already have a myGov account, you can set one up by selecting 'create an account'. More information on this is available at the following link: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-your-super/#Compassionategrounds

• Extended working arrangements for international students
If you an international student employed by a health, disability or aged care organisation, the Australian Government has announced special working arrangements. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

• Consular support
You should also contact your Embassy or local Consular Office to see if help is available there

How are State and Territory International Education agencies supporting international students?

Australia’s states and territories have a vital role in supporting international students who are facing hardship. This includes referring students to local agencies providing welfare, mental health and emergency relief.

Download the State and Territory student welfare support map

• Visit your state or territory’s international education agency website for more information:

Study Adelaide                                                           Study NSW        

Study Brisbane                                                            Study Perth

Study Canberra                                                           Study Queensland

Study Gold Coast                                                       Study Tasmania

Study Melbourne                                                        Study NT