It's OK to experience feelings of anxiety, distress and concern in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s important to talk to someone, and ask for support.
Seeking help will not affect your enrolment or your visa. There are lots of support services available to help you. It is important that you stay in contact with family and friends via telephone, email or social media during this time. You should also seek help from your education institution or overseas student health care provider.
Seeking support from your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
If you are on a student visa you should contact your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance provider for advice on your health cover and services available. Your insurance provider may be one of the following:
Health Insurer | Insurers website |
ahm OSHC | 134 148 |
Allianz Global Assistance | 13 67 42 |
BUPA Australia | 1300 884 235 |
CBHS International Health | 1300 174 538 |
Medibank Private | 1300 561 012 |
NIB OSHC | 1800 775 204 |
Free online and phone support services
If you need to talk to someone about your situation and your overseas student health care provider or institution are unable to help, you can seek help from the following places:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- MensLine - 1300 789 978
You can access free online resources to help you look after your mental wellbeing:
These services are free of charge and will not affect your enrolment or your visa.
Coping with isolation and loneliness
There are lots of things you can do to connect with others, even from home. Here are some ideas:
- Talking with friends and family over phone or social media is a great way to stay in touch with people you care about
- Call the support services and find online communities and clubs at your education provider, perhaps you could even suggest ways students can connect?
- Join Study Melbourne’s International Students of Melbourne and Victoria Facebook group and and look up Study Melbourne’s online events and workshops calendar.
- Organise a virtual coffee date with a colleague or professional contact you admire
- Join the State Library of Victoria virtual book club by following #SLVBookClub on Instagram for staff picks and recommendations
- Join the #inthistogether campaign to support other international student communities who have been impacted by COVID-19. We encourage everyone in our community to share your message of support and show we're all #InThisTogether.
Racism and Discrimination
There’s no place for xenophobia and racism in Victoria. In fact, it is against the law in Victoria to vilify someone because of their race or religion. If you experience or witness racist behaviour, you can report it to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
- You can lodge a complaint by:
- emailing: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au (with your name, preferred language and a contact number)
- completing the online form
- using the live chat
- Translated information about making a complaint is available here.
Seeking support from Study Melbourne
Through Study Melbourne, the Victorian Government has developed tailored information to support your wellbeing, and to help you Study Well
Through Study Melbourne, the Victorian Government is offering support including access to online and phone counselling to international students in Victoria. This is also available to students who are still overseas and those who are in self-isolation in Victoria.