COVID-19: Support for International Students

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted Australian life in many ways, and we know that this is a very difficult time for international students. With Australia in lock down, we know many of you have lost income, are in isolation, and far from home.
To help you, we have compiled a list of support services currently available to international students. This list will be updated as we learn more information.

If you need any help connecting with these services, please let us know and we will contact them on your behalf.

General resources and advice:

If you believe you have been exposed to, or have COVID-19, please phone the National Coronavirus Helpline for advice: 1800 020 080
24/hour international student support helpline, offering free advice and information about medical, mental health, legal, emergency and other support: 13 77 88 (NSW)
Study Melbourne: Information for international students regarding COVID-19
Study NSW: COVID-19 information for international students

If you have concerns about your accommodation:

Melbourne students:

Rental relief grants of up to $3,000 are available to international students whose income has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic while in Australia. Read about rental relief grants here.
The Study Melbourne Student Centre offers an International Students Accommodation Legal Service – it is free and you can email info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au to make a phone appointment.

Sydney students:

International students in NSW can now apply for temporary crisis accommodation funded by the NSW Government. To view the full eligibility criteria and application guide, please visit the Study NSW website.
Redfern Legal Centre can offer free legal advice if you are concerned you will be evicted from your accommodation. Call (02) 9698 7645 or make an online enquiry using their Check-In app.

If you are experiencing financial hardship:

Melbourne students:

The International Student Emergency Relief Fund will provide a payment of up to $1100 to eligible students. International students enrolled with a private education provider or college in Victoria can apply for Stream Two of the International Student Emergency Relief Fund. For more information, head to the Study Melbourne website.

Melbourne & Sydney students:

If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and are concerned about paying your school tuitions, please contact our finance team to review your payment plan:
finance@lonsdaleinstitute.edu.au

If you are in urgent need of supplies:

Melbourne students:

Study Melbourne has listed community support services and food relief by local council areas, including links to OzHarvest, Empower Australia, The Salvation Army and more. Please check their directory here for services specific to your region.

Sydney students:

OzHarvest are providing an emergency food relief service for international students and temporary visa holders. Each Thursday, OzHarvest will provide a limited number of Food Relief Hampers and frozen ready-to-eat meals available at ‘pop up’ locations in Sydney. Head to the Ozharvest website to register.
Please note: resources are limited and registering for a hamper is a commitment to pick it up in person.

If you need mental health support:

Our Wellness Officer can provide advice on mental health resources available to you. To arrange an appointment with our Wellness Officer, please contact Student Administration.

All international students in Australia can access support through Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636),  and eheadspace (1800 650 890).
Study Melbourne also provides advice on using your Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC) to partially claim psychology expenses, see here.

If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone immediately, call Lifeline 13 11 14

And as always, our Student Administration team are here to help you.

If you require any assistance, or your situation is impacting your studies, please do not hesitate to contact Student Administration at support@lonsdaleinstitute.edu.au

 

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