28 April 2020: The University of Canberra has welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement to provide $450,000 of urgent assistance to support local temporary visa holders, including international students, who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
The ACT Government will partner with the ACT Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Humanitarian (RASH) Coordination Committee and the Australian Red Cross to help international students, Canberrans on bridging visas, temporary protection and work and family visas.
UC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Paddy Nixon said it is vital that we support our international students, particularly with access to a range of social welfare and financial services during this tough time.
“International students are experiencing increased stress through the COVID-19 situation. They are unable to go home, unable to work, and unable to benefit from many of the government support packages announced to date,” said Professor Nixon.
“The University of Canberra welcomes this announcement and we are committed to ensuring our international students get through this tough time with as much help as possible.”
The University is working with the ACT government to ensure eligible international students can access funding.
The University of Canberra is providing personalised support to all our students dependent on their individual needs and welfare concerns, facilitated through the University’s Student Empowerment Fund. Furthermore, the University has partnered with the Canberra Relief Network to provide vulnerable students with essential food and hygiene hampers during this time.