On 29 April 2020, the Victorian Government announced a $45 million fund called the International Student Emergency Relief Fund. The fund is designed to support international students in Victoria facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and is being delivered in partnership with the state’s tertiary education providers.
In its announcement earlier today, Study Melbourne shared:
“International students make a vital contribution to our education system, our economy – and our state. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that you feel safe and supported during this difficult period.”
The International Student Emergency Relief Fund will provide a payment of up to $1,100 for international students who have lost their job or had a significant reduction to their employment and are facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. This fund will be in addition to the range of other support offered by Victorian education providers and existing government initiatives. These include increased access to support through the Study Melbourne Student Centre and the dedicated online COVID-19 support hub on the Study Melbourne website (you can check out our guide to the various types of student support available here).
International students from tertiary education providers – including universities, TAFEs, Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers and English language schools – are eligible to apply for the International Student Emergency Relief Fund. Applications for the Relief Fund are not available at the time of reporting, but you are encouraged to complete a webform to register your interest. You will be then notified as soon as applications open.
For more information on the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, and a summary of existing support for international students in Victoria, go to the Study Melbourne website.
