StudyAdelaide announces International Student Support Package for South Australian international students
Across the sector and throughout the wider community, many organisations are working together to ensure the basic needs and psychological safety of our international students is being looked after. Whilst international education is Australia’s fourth biggest export, in South Australia it is the largest so sector-wide support is critical for our students during this difficult time.
On Tuesday the South Australian Government announced a new $13.8 million International Student Support Package and we spoke with Karyn to learn more and what it would look like for students.
In outlining the Package, Karyn discussed the three main components;
- Matched funding which will be distributed between the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia for both pathway and international students.
- A $500 emergency cash grant for other international students not studying at one of the public universities.
- A one-off $200 COVID-19 assistance payment to homestay families.
Eligible students would need to demonstrate financial hardship in line with stated criteria which would be informed by existing criteria currently in place by the universities. Karyn, a member of the Global Reputation Taskforce, discussed four key areas of immediate concern for students; education discounts and subsidies, employment opportunities and skill development, immediate and ongoing support and seeking clarity on visa concerns.
“The number one concern expressed by all of our education providers has been for the welfare of their international students, and we expect this announcement to be a welcome relief for both students and providers alike.”
To date 9,000 students had registered to receive the application link when this was live, indicating the critical need for financial support.
“There are great people advocating for the sector at the highest level and they are delivering clear messages about what students need.”
This significant financial package comes on top of work already underway by education providers, agents and community groups in Adelaide. Karyn said it had very much been a “Team Adelaide” approach because no one wants to see these students fall through the gaps.
