Coronavirus Relief | Grants and supports available for international students in Victoria
It is clear that Covid-19 impact on students in Victoria has been the most severe in Australia. While there are various Coronavirus relief grants and supports for international students in Victoria provided by the government as well as various community and humanitarian organizations, it is definitely not easy to find proper information about them. Hence, we have collated as much information as we could find about relief supports that may be accessible for international students in Victoria.
International Student Emergency Relief Fund | Payment of upto $1100 for vulnerable international students who have lost their jobs or had a significant reduction in their employment and are facing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19.
The Victorian Government has dedicated $45 million to the International Student Emergency Relief Fund to support international students in Victoria who are facing financial hardship through lost wages and work as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund is being delivered in two streams: University and TAFE & Private education providers.
More information at https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-updates/international-student-emergency-relief-fund
Victorian Government supports for individuals who have had to test for CoronaVirus | Relief Payment of $450 and an additional $1500 for Covid positives
The Victorian Government is providing Coronavirus Test isolation payment of $450 as reimbursement for Victorian workers who have had to stay in isolation as they wait for their results of the Covid-19 test and an additional $1500 for individuals who have been detected Covid-19.
- You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for this payment. However, you must have been employed as this is a worker support payment. You could be a permanent employee, casual, part-time, fixed-term, or even self-employed.
- You may also be eligible for a $1500 payment if you are/were in close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case and have to self isolate due to that.
To get the payment, you MUST meet the following criteria.
- You must be likely to have worked during the period of self-isolation or quarantine and are unable to work as a result of the requirement to stay at home.
- You must not be receiving any income, earnings, or salary maintenance from work.
- You must have exhausted sick leave entitlements including any special pandemic leave.
- You must not be receiving the JobKeeper payment or other forms of Australian Government income support
Link to apply for $450 https://businessvic.secure.force.com/PublicForm?id=eic19p2020#no-back-button
More information at the link below. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/employee-isolation-payment-covid-19
Further supports available in Victoria:
Victorian Rent relief grants: This is a one-off grant for people in rental hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, to help keep renters in safe and stable accommodation. For details, you can check out our post on how to apply for the Victorian rent relief grant.
International Student Accommodation Legal service: If you are having accommodation issues, you can also access the International Student Accommodation Legal service by StudyMelbourne.
More information in the link below. https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/event/housing-and-accommodation-legal-service-fridays
Utility Relief Grants: This grant is for low-income Victorians to pay overdue energy or water bills as a result of unexpected hardship created by coronavirus. It is available to renters and homeowners. You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period or $1300 for households with a single source of energy. The relief grant is paid to your utility provider.
More information at https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/utility-relief-grant-scheme
Community Support & Food relief:
Many local councils in Victoria have food relief programs for people affected by the coronavirus. You can visit your corresponding council’s website for further information.
More information in the link below.
Health Supports
As an international student in Australia, it is mandatory to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your visa. However, in case your health care does not cover the costs associated with Coronavirus, Victorian hospitals will waive the costs of treatment if you need to seek medical advice or treatment for symptoms of Coronavirus. Please also note that seeking medical treatment will not affect your visa.
Mental health support
Likewise, mental health care supports are also available. It is recommended to contact your Overseas Student Health Cover provider to inquire about the services that are included in your health cover. In case your health cover does not include mental health support, there are free online and phone support services available. Few of them are:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
MensLine – 1300 789 978
VIC Suicide Help life – 1300 651 251
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 65 94 67
Please note that all these mental health support services are free of charge and do not have any impact on your visa.
Education-related support:
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay your tuition on time or take full-time study load, please contact your education provider to know your options. They may offer your options of deferring your enrolment, managing your payments, or accessing extra student supports or financial assistance.
Other humanitarian organization supports:
Red Cross Emergency Relief support for people on temporary visas:
MUST meet the following criteria:
- You reside in Victoria
- You are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You are not eligible for Commonwealth Government income support
- You are not eligible for any other state or territory funds for temporary visa holders
- Have no or limited income and no or very limited savings, and no other access to support from partner, family, or community members.
Apply via the link below https://www.redcross.org.au/news-and-media/news/help-for-migrants-in-transition
Extreme hardship support program – DHHS & Redcross
The Department of Health & Human Services (DHSS) is commissioning the Red cross to deliver an Extreme hardship support program to provide financial assistance to people experiencing significant hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and who are unable to access other forms of Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government income support. The program may support temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants with little or no income, savings, or community support.
More information at the link below. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/financial-support-coronavirus-covid-19
We hope this information is of assistance to you and helps you in getting some support at this time of need.
If you require assistance with any education or migration-related query, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you.
Until the situation subsides, let’s stay home and stay safe.
