Victorian Government announces support for international students
Today the Victoria Government announced they will provide payment of up to $1,100 for international students who have lost their jobs or have had a reduction to their work hours and are facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Until now there has been no support from Federal or State Governments for international students, of which there are 565,000 in Australia. Some universities and community organisations have been helping support international students but the support from the Victorian Government will be a welcome relief.
The majority of international students work in hospitality or retails, two industries that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. International students are not covered by the JobKeeper payments and with many unable to return to their home countries, itโs been an uncertain time for them.
There are around 40,000 international students enrolled at Victorian universities, TAFEs and other courses who may be eligible to receive the payment of up to $1,100.
While the applications are not open yet, international students can register their interest in receiving the payments and be notified as soon as applications open.
You can register your interest through the webform or find out more here.