Over the past couple months, the Queensland Government has tripled their support for international students by boosting the state-wide international education assistance and recovery package to $15 million.

International students that are experiencing financial hardship, as a result of the coronavirus crisis, are now able to access more support, thanks to an additional $10 million that has been invested into the package.

The additional funds will be used to complement the existing range of relief programs that have been established by the Queensland Government, universities, training and education providers as well as local communities for international students.

The Queensland Government is currently working to distribute:

  • One-off payments to both ELICOS and VET students.
  • Additional funding to TAFE Queensland and Queensland universities to improve their bursaries and student support services.

The distribution of these funds is yet to be announced by the Queensland Government.

Are you an international student studying at a private education and training provider?

If you study at a private education and training provider based in Queensland, you may be eligible for financial support.

If your application is approved and you are assessed as eligible, you will be given a $500 payment into your Australian bank account. This portal will be open soon and will remain open until all allocated funding is used.

Am I eligible for the $500 payment? 

To be eligible for financial support you must:

  • Be over 18
  • Be enrolled at a CRICOS registered education provider in Queensland that is not a university based in, or with a campus in Queensland, not a TAFE Queensland, not a primary or secondary school.
  • Hold a current international student visa that allows you to study at a Queensland education and training provider.
  • Be living in Queensland.
  • Have $1500 or less in their bank account, including proof of transactions from 19 May 2020 onwards.
  • Must hold an Australian bank account.

If your application is deemed ineligible and you do not meet the requirements outlined above, it is recommended that you contact Queensland Student Hub to organise a meeting with a case worker and find out your options and discuss your needs.

If you believe you are eligible, keep updated and follow Study Queensland Facebook page to see when the portal will open.

 

 

Important Links for International Students during COVID-19

The Brisbane Student Hub (BSH) 

The BSH provides international students living in Brisbane with advice, information, crisis response as well as referrals on healthcare, budget management, employment, legal and accommodation services. BSH is now accessible through both online consultations and phone.

Australian Government – Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Australia

Study in Australia | Latest Information for Students on Health, Visas, Travel and Education

Department of Education Skills and Employment | FAQs for International Students

Australian Government |  Download official “Coronavirus Australia”

Queensland Premier | Handy Links for Queensland Job Opportunities

Insider Guides | COVID-19 Resource Hub

1800 QSTUDY | Advice on available support services for Queensland students

Fair Work Ombudsman | Information on your work rights

CISB | Stay connected with fellow international students

JobWatch | COVID–19: Employment Rights Q&A

Jobs Finder by Queensland Government | For students who have lived in Queensland for six months and hold a valid visa which allows you to work

SBS News | Coronavirus updates in 63 Languages

Queensland Government | Roadmap to Easing Restrictions

Residential Tenancies Association (RTA) | Latest information regarding leases and paying rent in Queensland

 

Student Information and Support

Queensland Student Hub

If you are interested in connecting with the wider Queensland Student Hub Network, which includes Brisbane, Cairns and Gold Coast, you can access the community through virtual support, events and activities.

Australian Government International Student Hotline

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 1300 981 621 (accessible from 8am-8pm AEDST Monday to Friday).

You will be able to access your Australian superannuation, if you have been studying in Australia for more than 12 months and are in financial hardship, as a result of COVID-19.

Register to access your Australian superannuation at https://my.gov.au

You may be able to extend your working hours and access special working arrangements if you have been employed by a major supermarket, or you are working in aged care. Contact you employer for further information. . More details here.

1800 QSTUDY (1800 778 839)

24/7 hotline for international students across Queensland.

1800 QSTUDY provides a range of services, including:

  • travel advice
  • employment advice
  • health and wellbeing referrals
  • complaint referrals
  • legal referrals
  • public transport advice
  • accommodation advice

Mental Health

Beyond Blue

eHeadspace

Lifeline

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced migration lawyers and registered migration agents that are available to guide you through this complex area of law. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on [email protected] and book your free consultation today!