Applications are open

Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund. The fund will support international students in Victoria who are facing financial hardship through lost wages and work as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund provides a one-off payment of up to $1100 and is being delivered in partnership with Victoria’s tertiary education providers.

The payment can only be accessed once by eligible students.

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting our international student community during this difficult time. You are not alone. We will get through this together. The International Student Emergency Relief Fund complements the range of relief programs offered by the Victorian Government and Victoria’s universities and education providers.

Eligibility criteria updates

We’ve made some important updates to the eligibility criteria for the International Student Emergency Relief Fund so more students can access the fund.

Are you on a bridging visa and waiting for your student visa?

You can now apply for the Fund if you hold a bridging visa with a student visa application in process. You must also meet the other eligibility criteria.

Were you enrolled to study with an education provider in Victoria by 31 March 2020?

We’ve changed the enrolment cut-off date from March 16 to March 31 so more students can access the Fund. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) must show you were enrolled at 31 March 2020. You must also meet the other eligibility criteria.

Did you start working after March 2020 and subsequently lost work or wages?

You can now apply if you can show that you worked in Victoria any time between March and July 2020, and are experiencing financial hardship due to lost work. You must also meet the other eligibility criteria.

How to apply

The International Student Emergency Relief Fund will be delivered in two streams.  Please click on the tile below that applies to your current situation.

How to apply

Further support for international students in Victoria

If you can’t access the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, you may be able to access financial help through the Extreme Hardship Support Program.

In addition to the hardship funds, pastoral care and student support services available through Victorian education providers, the Victorian Government is providing the following support to international students: