Pinoy Australia Information Forum

With the outbreak of COVID-19, some international students are struggling to meet their living expenses in Australia. In light of this, some states are working with the education sector to provide support to international students in this unprecedented time. We have summarised the key support groups and contacts below:

Nationwide

Organisations which provide information and assistance nationwide. Some key contacts include:

Study Australia
Salvation Army
OzHarvest
St Vincent De Paul Society
Red Cross
Find a Bed :connecting people who need a place to isolate safely with people and businesses who have vacant property they can offer.
Home Stay Network

COVID-19- Latest updates Coronavirus and Australian visas TSS visa holders affected by Coronavirus State migrations closing in response to COVID-19 COVID-19, TSS, Student and 485 visa holders COVID-19 and New Zealand visas 408 visa for COVID-19 Visas eligible for government support

Study Melbourne has complied a list of community support and food relief for international students who have been affected by COVID-19. These support organisations assist with emergency food relief and/or financial assistance.

For accommodation support, Study Melbourne’s International Student Accommodation Legal Services offers free advice for international students with accommodation problems. To make an appointment, please email [email protected].

Book a Consultation

COVID -19 Helpline (VIC): 1800 675 398

NSW government and NGOs have support services available for international students living in NSW who are struggling to meet living expenses such as accommodation and food assistance.

Accommodation and Housing

Food Assistance

COVID -19 Helpline (NSW): 1800 022 222

StudyNT has created care packages for international students who are affected by COVID-19. To get in touch with StudyNT, you can fill out their online form on https://studynt.nt.gov.au/news/support-international-students-impacted-coronavirus.

COVID -19 Helpline (NT): 1800 020 080

Study Canberra has advised international students to contact their education institution to support their health, wellbeing, and study plan.

COVID -19 Helpline (ACT): 1800 022 222

Study Queensland has encouraged students who requires assistance to contact student hub networks. They can provide help through online appointments and telephone support. There is also a student hotline 1800QSTUDYwhich operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

COVID -19 Helpline (QLD): 13 43 25 84

The South Australian Government in collaboration with University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia has committed $13.8 million into the International Student Support Package. The funds will be used to alleviate the hardship faced by international students living in South Australia. You can register your interest on https://studyadelaide.com/issp.

COVID -19 Helpline (SA): 1800 020 080

Government Education and & Training International Tasmania are working to consider temporary measures to tackle the changing circumstances due to COVID-19 outbreak. If you have questions about your financial situation, you can contact via email – [email protected] or phone +61 3 6165 5727.

In the meantime, Government Education and & Training International has on their website some FAQ. You can access the FAQ on https://study.tas.gov.au/covid-19-international-student-information/.

COVID -19 Helpline (TAS): 1800 671 738

StudyPerth has provided useful information for international students in Western Australia who requires assistance with food and shelter. Below is a list of key contacts:

Food Assistance

Accommodation and Housing

MATEinOz represents International Students of all nationalities that are studying in Perth, Western Australia. They provide information and necessary advice for the successful integration in the city’s society and the completion of your studies.

COVID -19 Helpline (WA): 1800 020 080

Australian travellers with mental health conditions:This page is for Australians with a mental health condition planning to travel overseas. If you’re already travelling, see our general advice on medical assistance overseas.

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), general travel health advice to help you stay well on your trip.
beyondblue: provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Black Dog Institute:Evidence-based resources to help individuals, workplaces, schools, parents and health professionals.
Butterfly Foundation: free National Helpline for caring and confidential information, counselling or referrals with specialist counsellors.
Head to Health : Psychological tips for coping with infectious diseases
Headspace: find out how you can seek support and get access to resources, tools and useful information to help you during this time.
Lifeline: Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Mental Health Online: always here to help with your mental health, but during these difficult times, taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is especially important.
MindSpot: latest mental well-being advice, including top psychological tips for coping during the pandemic
On the Line: On the Line supports nearly 120,000 clients each year along the mental health continuum, from crisis support to the worried well.
QLife: Now more than ever accessing support is really important as we manage the challenges relating to COVID-19.
ReachOut: 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus
SANE Australia: Phone, Online Counselling & Peer Support
THIS WAY UP: Your clinician can prescribe these courses and supervise you as you work through the lessons or you can take the self-help courses, available on
desktop and mobile devices.

Seekvisa’s Coronavirus action plan

The Seekvisa team have plans in place to ensure ongoing operation for our current and prospective clients. We are able to work entirely remotely in the event that self-isolation is required or the offices are closed, including accessing client files, emails and phones, lodging applications, and accessing documents.