The South Australian Government has extended its support to the international student community by announicng a AUD 13.8 million International Student Support Package.
The package is designed to support international students currently residing in South Australia and facing financial hardship. The financial package comes on top of work already underway by education providers, agents and community groups in Adelaide.
According to the website of Study Adelaide, there are three components to the package:
- $10 million fund for university students significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions at the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia to distribute to their pathway and international students
- A $500 emergency cash grant will be available to other international students not studying at one of the public universities, currently enrolled in a course, living in Adelaide and who meet the criteria.
- A one-off $200 assistance payment per student living with South Australian families provided to homestay families.
An estimated 30,000 international students are enrolled in several institutions within South Australia. The state government’s support has been received positively by the community.
Council of International Students (CISA) on their Facebook page shared the news as a ‘Big win for international students in South Australia’. “Your victory is our victory”, they said.
Several international students from other states also hoped the initiative by South Australian government would encourage other states to follow suit.
“Study Adelaide’s support to international students shows support by state governments to international students is possible. Hopefully NSW is also encouraged to do something for its international students”, Mr. Karki, an international student pursuing his undergraduate degree from Macquarie University, NSW said.
Eligibility criteria for the International Student Support Package will be formalised and made available when the application process opens.
English language students (excluding students on packaged programs with one of South Australia’s three public Universities), Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, and higher education students studying with one of South Australia’s private higher-education institutions are eligible for the support package.
Students who meet the criteria, and whose income has been substantially impacted by COVID-19 are requested to register their interest.
