From Australian government: "You are our friends, our classmates, our colleagues and members of our community"

Australia is committed to ensuring that any international student in Australia has access to the highest level of information, support and care.

A message of support from the Dan Tehan, Minister of Education: "You are our friends, our classmates, our colleagues and members of our community" 

• Study Australia is committed to the health, safety and well-being of every international student who is currently in Australia.
• The Minister for Education is in regular contact with education providers and education peak bodies as Australian Government continue to co-ordinate Australian Government response to COVID-19 and ensure that all international students affected by travel restrictions are able to transition smoothly into Australia when those restrictions are lifted.
• Australia is very well prepared for dealing with the coronavirus. Australian Government health emergency response arrangements are flexible and scalable. Australian government agencies are working closely to support and inform students and education providers, on services available to support the international student community in Australia.
• Regular changes are announced to ensure public health and safety of all those in Australia, as Australian Government seeks to manage the impacts of COVID-19.
• There are an estimated 575,000 student visa holders in Australia at this time, who are far from home, and Australian Government knows that this can be a confusing time for you and your families.
• Australian Government knows that some students wish to return home but this may not be possible at the moment, due to restricted flight access or borders closing in other countries.
• For the latest government announcements you can now visit the online Australian Government hub for Coronavirus, providing the most up-to-date news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
• The Australian Government has launched a "Coronavirus Australia" app available via the Apple App Store, Google Play, or via a WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. The app provides the latest official advice and real-time updates to your mobile phone.

Have you been studying in Australia for more than 12 months? If you are in financial hardship, you will be able to access your Australian superannuation. Apply at the myGov website from April 20.

• Are you an international student employed by a major supermarket or working in aged care? The Australian Government has announced special working arrangements to extend your working hours until May 1, 2020. Contact your employer for more information.
• International students who are unable to support themselves financially for the next six months in Australia are encouraged to return to their home country and families. Australian Government understands however that getting home may be difficult at the moment, due to restricted flight access or borders closing in other countries. Australian Government will continue to keep you informed of measures available to support you until you are able to depart.
• Even though these may be difficult times, your education institution and government agencies are here to help.  Please remember that you are not alone and the Australian community is here to support you during this time. We are #InThisTogether

Notice to all international students travelling to Australia

• The Australian Government announced on March 19 2020 a travel ban for all non-residents and non-citizens of Australia effective as of 9pm AEDT March 20 2020. This requirement is applicable to all international travellers until further notice.
• Australian Government knows that you may have questions if you already hold a visa and or if you are applying for a visa. For further information on travel restrictions, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Seeking assistance

• Further information about health arrangements is available on the Department of Health website.
• If you are concerned about your enrolment, fees or other issues related to your studies, please contact your education provider. If your education provider cannot assist, you can call dedicated staff on (+61) 1300 981 621 from 9am to 5pm , Monday to Friday AEDT, except public holidays. 
• Australian government message to students is that you are not alone and the Australian community is here to support you. We are all #InThisTogether. Australian government also understands that this extends to ensuring students have the mental well-being support they need. If you need mental well-being support, international students in Australia can access support through Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), Youth Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) and Headspace (1800 650 890).

Source: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/student-support