Coronavirus (COVID-19) support for international students

International students who are studying and working in Australia may be able to access financial assistance when they are:

• required to self-isolate or are caring for someone with COVID-19 (Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) or;
• adversely affected by a state public health order and are required to be in lockdown for more than seven days (COVID-19 Disaster Payment).

For more information on the financial support payments, including eligibility criteria, refer to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink

The Australian Government has announced a new COVID-19 Disaster Payment to help people affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

The new payment will help Victorian workers who are unable to earn income due to lockdown restrictions.

To be eligible you must be an Australian resident, permanent resident or eligible working visa holder.

For more information visit payments and services during coronavirus.

For more information on current restrictions visit the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.

The Victorian Government is working with education providers and the Australian Government on a plan for the gradual return of international students. It is difficult to provide a timeline for when students can return to Victoria in significant numbers. Timing will be confirmed following further consultation with the Australian Government.

Limited travel exemptions are available for international students who can meet specific criteria including some health/medical students and PhD research students.

We encourage you to also keep in touch with your education institution for ongoing support.

Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. We look forward to welcoming you back to our classrooms, campuses, and communities when conditions allow.

For more information read the latest advice on travelling to Victoria.

If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. Testing is free.

Learn more about getting tested.

For information about vaccines for COVID-19 visit the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.

Access translated materials about COVID-19 on the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.

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If you’re self-isolating while waiting for COVID-19 test results and can’t earn an income during that time, you may be eligible to receive the $450 Test Isolation Payment. Find out more about the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment.