Universities Australia welcomes the announcement by the Victorian Government to establish a $45 million support package for international students facing hardship due to COVID-19.
As part of the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, the State's international students could be eligible for relief payments of up to $1,100, co-contributed by Victorian universities.
Victoria now joins the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian and Western Australian governments in assisting international students who, like their Australian peers, have lost casual or part-time jobs as a result of the global pandemic.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said almost all states and territories, together with every Australian university, now offer support for international students.
"Many international students now find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Unlike their Australian classmates, there will be those who won't have family or local support networks to fall back on," Ms Jackson said.
"Assistance from all levels of government adding to that from our universities, is vital at this time of growing need."
"University support initiatives now include providing emergency grants, scholarships, accommodation, food and low cost or free IT equipment."
Ms Jackson welcomed the Victorian support package and the co-contribution from the state's universities.
"Universities Australia welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement to work with universities to assist the more than 100,000 higher education international students in the state who are facing hardship after losing their part-time jobs," she said.
"International education is Australia's fourth largest export. In Victoria, universities contributed $7.5 billion in export income in 2018-19, supporting thousands of local jobs."
