The Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade has announced that international students are to receive relief payments of up to $1,100 as part of an emergency support package to help tens of thousands across the state.
In a statement, the Minister, Martin Pakula said the State Government would establish a $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund.
“International students are a vital part of our education system, our economy and our community,” Mr Pakula said.
“They give so much to Victoria – not just through the fees they pay, but also through the economic activity they generate for our businesses, and the contribution they make to our vibrant, inclusive society,” he said.
“Like so many people during this pandemic, international students have been affected by casual job losses in retail and hospitality, making it even tougher for them to make ends meet.”
Mr Pakula said many international students had fallen through the cracks of Federal Government programs, unable to access the support they needed to support themselves.
He said the fund would provide a one-off payment to students in need while expanding emergency provisions for those experiencing exceptional circumstances.
He said the payments would require co-contributions from university hardship funds and built on existing support provided through the Study Melbourne Student Centre.
Mr Pakula said international education generated $12.6 billion in revenue for Victoria last financial year and supported around 79,000 jobs.
