Page last updated 21 Mar 2022
Study Melbourne is dedicated to supporting our international student community during this challenging time.
We share current and accurate information and connect you to resources that can help.
Through the Study Melbourne Student Centre, we can provide free and confidential information, access to services, support and practical help.
Updates
International Student Arrivals
For information about travelling to Victoria and what you need to do when you arrive, visit our Student Arrivals Page.
Changes to vaccine eligibility – 12 years and over
From 13 September everyone aged 12 years and over will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine have been approved as safe for young people aged over 12 years old.
You can now book or change a vaccination appointment at a vaccination centre through the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine online booking system.
The vaccines are free. This includes for Australian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, people seeking asylum, temporary and provisional visa holders (including international students and temporary migrants).
You do not need a Medicare card to get a vaccine. If you do not have a Medicare card, you can apply for an Individual Health Identifier (IHI) number.
To do this, you will need to complete and submit a Request or update an Individual Healthcare Identifier form. You can also visit a Medicare office to get an IHI.
If you cannot get an appointment at your preferred location, you should continue to check back, as more appointments will become available over the coming weeks.
The best person to talk to if you have concerns about your health and being vaccinated against COVID-19 is your doctor.
COVID-19 rent relief grant
The Victorian Government is assisting Victorians, including international students, who are struggling to pay their rent.
The COVID-19 Rent Relief Grant program will help renters who are experiencing rental hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grants of up to $1500 will provide direct financial support to renters by making a contribution towards the cost of their rent directly to their landlord on their behalf.
The one-off payment is specifically for renters paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent who are living in a primary residence to help them maintain safe, secure, and stable accommodation. Grants will be targeted at those who have lost an income of 20 per cent or more due to the pandemic.
For more information about the Rent Relief Grants, and to make an application visit the Housing Vic website.
COVID-19 Disaster Payment
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.
Current restrictions for Victoria
For more information on current restrictions visit the Victorian Government's coronavirus website.
Getting tested for COVID-19
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.
Translated COVID-19 information
Access translated materials about COVID-19 on the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.
العربية, Bahasa Indonesia, English, 한국어, 日本語, ภาษาไทย, Türkçe, Português,简体中文 , 繁體中文 , Español and tiếng Việt.
Coronavirus advice
-
International Student Arrivals
We share the latest advice on travelling to Victoria, including some answers to frequently asked questions so you can better understand Australia’s current border restrictions.
-
How to network during coronavirus (COVID-19)
How do you network when there are no in-person events or meetings? Study Melbourne Ambassador Saaniya Kadam shares her tips.
-
Study Melbourne Student Ambassadors helping to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Study Melbourne Student Ambassadors came together with other community representatives to help film coronavirus community health messages in over 20 languages.
-
Getting through coronavirus: insights from students
Study Melbourne Ambassadors Alex Gutierrez from Colombia and Josh Cook from Australia share a glimpse into their life during coronavirus.
-
Looking after your mental health during coronavirus
Tips and techniques students can use to safeguard their mental wellbeing during coronavirus (COVID-19).
-
How to stay safe during summer
As we approach the warmer months, when we spend more time socialising and enjoying outdoor activities, it’s important to keep safety in mind. From coronavirus (COVID-19) awareness to responsible drinking, check out these helpful tips for looking after yourself this summer.
-
How to keep building your career readiness during coronavirus
Advice and information to help you stay career ready during the coronavirus pandemic.
-
Dealing with isolation during coronavirus
To help you combat feelings of isolation, we reached out to our Student Ambassadors to find out how they’re coping with an increased amount of alone time.
-
How video games can keep you connected
Ambassador Karex Huang explains how the virtual world of online gaming can keep us connected when we can’t see friends in person.
-
Adjusting to studying online
Advice to help you get the most out of studying online and keep healthy during this time.