On the 21st of April 2020, the South Australian Government announced that they will be investing $13.8 million into a support package to assist international students, in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The support package has been designed to provide an economic boost within the international education sector, which is currently facing hardship during COVID-19 crisis.

SA’s International Student Support Package includes:

  • A $10 million fund for international students that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. These funds will be distributed by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia and will be given to struggling international students.
  • A $500 emergency cash grant will be given to all other international students that are severely impacted by the restrictions. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a course, living in South Australia and meet the criteria.
  • A one-off payment of $200 per student provided to South Australian families that currently live with student(s), to support accommodation for school students.

Study Adelaide, Chief Executive Karyn Kent, stated that “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 students and providers alike.”

“Adelaide’s reputation as an international student city will be further enhanced by the care and concern demonstrated by government, education providers and other organisations that support international students.”

– Ms Kent

ACT’s Support Package for temporary visa holders

This SA support package has come a day after the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government announced a $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ support package which will provide secure, short-term employment opportunities for temporary visa holders and international students until June 2021.

“Over the past month we have been advocating to the Federal Government for people on temporary visas to be covered by JobKeeper and remain connected with work. The Australian Government has refused and, as a result, many Canberrans on temporary visas have now lost work and now have literally no income, and no support like other Canberrans have through JobSeeker.”

– ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Tertiary Education, Chris Steel.

International students and temporary visa holders living in Canberra who were ineligible for Commonwealth assistance programs will now be able to access a $450,000 ACT Government Support Package.

The ACT Government has created 150 new jobs in the ACT public service for Canberrans whose income has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Those that live in Canberra on a temporary visa can apply online for a variety of temporary short-term roles in a number of areas including, maintenance, cleaning, administration, customer service, public transport and logistics.

Temporary visa holders will also be able to access food through the Canberra Relief Network. The additional funding will also be used to help Canberrans that are experiencing homelessness or domestic or family violence.

Tasmania offers cash payments for temporary visa holders

As part of a $3 million COVID-19 support package, Tasmania will be providing cash payments to those that are suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. One-off payments of $250 will be given to temporary visa holders that are suffering financial hardship, whilst one-off payments up to $1000 will be given to families.

COVID-19 & Free Healthcare  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those that do not have access to Medicare but require testing, treatment or any other public health support services that are related to COVID-19 will have free medical access. Within the ACT public health system, this also includes free access to pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient care.

Medicare ineligible patients may include those who are not an Australian permanent resident, are not entitled to hold a valid Medicare card, are temporary entrants or temporary visa holders, or those that are not from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with Australia.

If you need assistance or advice with your visa application, Results Migration are the best in the field, with a team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Brisbane Registered Migration Agents that are able 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!