Highlights
- More than 575,000 student visa holders in Australia
- Calls for welfare-package for students
- Community organisations have stepped up to help students with food, groceries, accommodation and rent payments
Their university classes have stopped, many have lost their jobs and are running low on cash, and hundreds are worried about how this pandemic will affect their education and consequently their visa arrangement.
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Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) and Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) have issued detailed advice for international students impacted by coronavirus outbreak.
How to seek assistance on enrolments, courses and support services?
International students have been advised to contact their education provider for support, particularly if it concerns their enrolment, fees or other issues related to their studies that may be affected by these circumstances.
“Many providers are already offering flexible arrangements for students affected by this situation. Look on their website and call their student support team,” Study in Australia, the official Australian Government website for international students advises.
I still have a question. Where can I seek help?
The Australian Government has provided a dedicated email and hotline for international students - international.students@dese.gov.au or 1300 981 621 (8 am to 8 pm AEDST Monday to Friday - calls within Australia only) if they have questions on support available.
I am in Australia. My student visa is expiring but I cannot return to my country.
Department of Home Affairs under Australian migration law, it is not possible to extend a student visa.
“You need to apply for a new visa if you cannot return to your home country and your visa is expiring or you need more time in Australia to complete your course.
“You should apply for a new Student visa six weeks before your existing Student visa expires. There is no need to provide evidence of the impacts of COVID-19 with your Student visa application.
“If your study in Australia is ending, you can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). You need to do this before your Student visa expires,” the advice states.
I am an international student but currently overseas and cannot return. Will I have to extend my visa to complete my course?
DoHA advises international students who are currently unable to travel to Australia to contact their education provider.
“They can discuss possible deferment of studies and other study-related issues.
“Student visas cannot be extended.
“The ‘must not arrive after’ date attached to a visa also cannot be changed or extended.
“If your visa ‘must not arrive after’ date occurs before the travel restrictions are lifted, you will need to apply for a new visa,” the department advises.
International nursing students will be allowed to work extra hours. Source: Getty Images/Tom Merton
What are my working rights during this pandemic?
Government has relaxed restrictions on international students who are employed by select supermarkets and those enrolled in nursing.
Australia’s major and will temporarily be able to offer more hours to international student employees.
Rest of the students can work unlimited hours if their course is considered ‘out of session’. However, international students cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight when their course of study is ‘in session’, regardless of whether they are attending classes physically or online.
I have completed my studies and want to apply for 485 subclass visa (Temporary Graduate Visa).
DoHA advises the Department is considering options for affected students.
“This will be in line with the Government’s response to assist the international education industry.”
Are international students eligible for any COVID-19 welfare payment?
There have been several calls by international students to include them in the government's economic stimulus package.
While , there is currently no COVID-19 related welfare payment for international students.
"All students who come to Australia in their first year, have to give a warranty that they are able to support themselves for the first 12 months of their study. That is a requirement for their visa. So that is not an unreasonable expectation of the government that the students will be able to fulfil their commitment that they gave," PM Scott Morrison said when asked if there was any help being considered for temporary visa holders.
"For those who are not able to support themselves, they should be able to return to their countries," PM Morrison said.
More information resources for international students:
Up to date information about support for students-affected by the coronavirus at and
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line is available on 1800 020 080 or at
Information and support services for international students are at
International travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is available at
Disclaimer: We’d like to point out that the information contained in this segment is general and is not specific advice. If you would like accurate information relevant to your situation, you should consult a registered migration agent.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
