Queensland support for international students experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of COVID-19
The Queensland Government has announced that it will boost its statewide international education assistance and recovery package to $15 million. An additional $10 million will now be made available to support international students experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
The Queensland Government is working on a process to distribute:
- Additional funding to Queensland-based universities and TAFE Queensland to top-up their bursaries and student support services.
- One-off payments to private VET and ELICOS students.
International students at private education and training providers in QLD
If you are an international student studying at a private education and training provider based in Queensland, you may be eligible for financial support. If you are assessed as eligible you will receive a $500 payment to your Australian bank account. Please note, it could take up to two weeks to receive this money into your bank account.
You will be eligible to apply for support if you meet the following criteria:
- You are over 18.
- Currently enrolled at a CRICOS registered education provider in Queensland that is:
- Not a university based in or with a campus in Queensland.
- Not TAFE Queensland.
- Not a primary or secondary school.
- If you study at one of these institutions, please contact your institution for information about accessing hardship support.
- Hold an international student visa to study at a Queensland education and training provider.
- Currently living in Queensland.
- Currently have $1500 or less in you bank account – with proof of transactions from 19 May 2020 onwards.
- Must have an Australian bank account.
You can apply for international student support online
If you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply by registering your application for support on the Queensland Study Hub website.
Support for University and TAFE Queensland students
The Queensland Government is distributing funding to large education and training providers, to top up their financial hardship funds.
If you are an international student based at one of the institutions listed below and are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, please contact your institution student support team. Your institution will undertake a process to assess your eligibility for financial support as well as other ways your student experience can be supported during this time.
- TAFE Queensland
- Australian Catholic University
- Bond University
- Central Queensland University
- Federation University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- Queensland University of Technology
- Southern Cross University
- Torrens University
- University of Queensland
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
If your current visa is about to expire contact a migration agent immediately
If your current visa has expired it is critical that you immediately take the necessary steps to legalise your visa status while you, finalise immigration matters or wait for an immigration decision.
If you have an Australian visa that is about to expire, we recommend that you get in contact with our office to speak to one of our migration agents to discuss your options. Our team is still working at full capacity and remain available to assist you however possible.
Stay informed
To keep yourself informed of any updates to travel restrictions we recommend that you monitor the Department of Home Affairs website and the websites of your countries governments. To stay informed of any updates on current australian public health policies and restrictions refer to the website of the Australian Government Department of Health
Stay Safe.
