Australia’s state government of Victoria – which ranks international education as its largest service export – has announced an emergency support fund of AU$45 million offering AU$1,100 for all struggling international students.
It joins many other state territories in stepping up to offer financial assistance in the absence of a national fund, as stories of students struggling to afford food or pay rent are widely shared.
The website for Study Melbourne crashed under the deluge of traffic, according to Twitter; the site hosts a webform which all eligible students can use to register their interest.
“International students give so much to Victoria – it’s only fair we support them in their hour of need,” said Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Martin Pakula.
“This virus doesn’t discriminate and neither do we – we are in this together and we will get through it together.”
Up to 40,000 international students enrolled at universities, TAFEs, VET providers and English language colleges could benefit from the relief payment, according to the Victorian government.
The AU$45 million fund will be operated in partnership with education providers. Individual payments, “which will require co-contributions from university hardship funds”, build on existing Victorian government support provided via the Study Melbourne Student Centre such as free legal aid and mental health services.
Study Melbourne reminded students on its website they were also eligible “for the Rent Relief Grant, protecting tenants from eviction as a result of financial hardship, providing access to free mediation services, and a rental relief payment for eligible households”.
This is in severe contrast to Canada which has so far refused to give same level of financial protection to International students studying in Canada.