Support to International Students in Australia

#InThisTogether

Australia prides itself on being a safe, welcoming and multicultural country. The community has always supported one another in times of need. This includes looking after the health, safety and wellbeing of international students, including the many Mauritians who have chosen to study at Australia’s leading education institutions. The Australian Government, state and territory governments, educational institutions and community organisations are here to help them.  The Australian Government has made a range of support measures available to help international students during the pandemic:

• $200 million for charities to support vulnerable members of the community, including a specific allocation of $7 million for emergency relief and casework support to people facing significant vulnerabilities who are on temporary visas, including international students.
• new and extended temporary work opportunities in critical sectors to support students experiencing financial hardship;
• ongoing access to mental health and other welfare and support services;
• access to superannuation savings, where applicable; and
• protection against eviction from rental accommodation on the same basis as is offered to all members of Australian society.

The Government is also taking a flexible approach in relation to student visa conditions where COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions have prevented conditions being met, such as attendance at class or use of online learning.