Recently, the New South Wales government announced that they would provide a $20M relief package for international students affected by COVID-19. The package is set to include a temporary housing scheme as well as student support services.
The NSW government announced their intention to protect international students and maintain their record as a “leading global study destination” through these special measures.
“International students are an integral part of our communities and our economy,” said minister for skills and tertiary education, Geoff Lee.
In his statement, Lee also stressed the importance of international students to NSW and how they deserve a “helping hand.” “Many have lost their part-time jobs, are unable to return to their home countries and do not qualify for Commonwealth government support programs,” he said.
“The additional support being announced complements efforts of our education institutions, highlighted by a combined $180 million commitment from NSW universities for their international and domestic students.”
Australian HE stakeholders welcome the assistance, but continue to urge the federal government to take action, in order to ensure a unified, national approach to assisting international students.
“The state or territory an international student is studying in should not be the deciding factor in the level of support available to them,” said Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson. “It is time for the Federal government to survey what is available and join in, ensuring a nationally consistent approach.”
The Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian, Victoria and Western Australian governments have all pledged to support international students. However, these promises have not always been realized. According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, international students are still awaiting the promised help from the Victorian government, relying on food programs and vouchers to get by in the meantime.
Executive officer of the International Student Education Agents Association, Robert Parsonson, said that the NSW government’s announcement is a good first step, but much more needs to be done..
“There needs to be further details on the StudyNSW page on how to access the emergency accommodation,” he said.
International education is Australia’s fourth-largest export contributing $39 billion to the national economy every year. In NSW, universities contributed $8.3B in export income in 2018-19, supporting thousands of local jobs.
