Fitzroy Student Hub: International students

Victorian Government Initiative 

Update 19th January - International Education Short-Term Recovery Plan.

The International Education Short-Term Recovery Plan outlines a comprehensive package of initiatives that will reset and stimulate the sector. This investment will also lay the path for a new long-term International Education Strategy to be released mid-2021. To learn more CLICK HERE

Updated 19th January - The Victorian Government has allocated $45 million worth of funds to support international students during the pandemic. Up to 40,000 International Students enrolled at Universities, TAFEs, private vocational education and training providers and English language colleges could benefit from the relief payment. The payments require co-contributions from university hardship funds. Students can also access rent relief and are eligible for the Working for Victoria initiative, which helps people who have lost their jobs to find new employment.

What’s on offer;

The International Student Emergency Relief Fund will provide a payment of up to $1100 to International Students who can prove they have lost their jobs or had a significant reduction to their employment due to COVID -19. Applications are now closed. 

The Victorian Government is also offering a one off rent relief grant for people in rental hardship due to COVID - 19. For more information click here  

Refer to your state based agency, Study Melbourne for further details and valuable local resources

Red Cross Extreme Hardship Support Program 

If you are not eligible for the International Student Emergency Relief Fund (ISERF) then you may be eligible for the Extreme Hardship Support Program. This is being offered in limited numbers to international students who;

• have applied for ISERF, received an unsuccessful outcome, and have no further opportunity to reapply
• have not applied for ISERF as the Stream 1 fund through their University or TAFE has now closed
• have not applied for ISERF, because they have self-assessed as not eligible according to ISERF criteria (enrolment or employment dates).

Click here to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. 

Urgent Assistance with Food for International Students 

If you have lost your job and are struggling to feed yourself and your family, Foodbank is an organisation that works to feed everyone across Australia, including international students, for more information Foodbank

If you are in urgent need of food assistance, please call Foodbank on (03) 9362 8300 and they can help you find a charity in your area that will support you.

* Rockpool Dining Group has launched Hope Delivery, a much-needed community meal program in Sydney and Melbourne to feed International Hospitality Workers that have been disadvantaged as a result of the current pandemic. Meals are being prepared and distributed directly from Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne.

International hospitality workers can collect their meals directly from Rockpool Bar & Grill, Crown Complex Southbank Melbourne 3006 (on the promenade side) between 12pm - 3pm Monday to Friday. 

The Victorian Government has provided $1 million to support international students through the City of Melbourne’s Our Shout food voucher program, and $1 million in funding to SecondBite, Foodbank Victoria and OzHarvest to provide free food and meals to international students in Victoria who are doing it tough.

COVID Isolation Payments 

The Victorian Government is offering one off payments to people who have to self isolate or quarantine due to COVID - 19. This includes parents, carers and guardians of children who are unwell.

$300 Test Isolation Payment 

Eligibility;

• Over 17
• Have been tested for COVID
• Live in VIC
• Would have worked during the self isolation period but are unable to do so due to having to self isolate after the COVID test
• Not receive any income during self isolation
• Have no sick leave (including special pandemic sick leave) left
• Not receiving Gov assistance ie Jobseeker or Jobkeeper

Docs req;  

• Victorian ID (drivers licence, proof of age card)
• Copy of VEVO if you are a visa holder
• Evidence you are employed (payslip, letter of employment)

Click here for more information

$450 Payment for People Who Have Tested Positive COVID - 19 

Eligibility;

• You must have been instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services to self isolate or quarantine at home after testing positive for COVID 19 (or someone you care for has)
• 17 years or older
• Live in VIC (including people on Temporary Protection Visas and Temporary Working Visas 457 and 482)
• Would have worked during the self isolation period but are unable to do so due to having to self isolate after the COVID test
• Not receive any income during self isolation
• Have no sick leave (including special pandemic sick leave) left
• Not receiving Gov assistance ie Jobseeker or Jobkeeper

Workers include those that are permanent, casual, part-time, fixed term, and self-employed. You don’t need to be a citizen or permanent resident to be eligible.

Click here for more information 

*You will have to replay the money if you do not self isolate while you are waiting for your results or if you provide false information*

Emergency Accommodation for International Students 

Homeless and in need of urgent accommodation - International Students:

An ISSN home stay initiative through the Australian Homestay Network can provide a short-term accommodation arrangement between an individual or family (host) and an eligible international student (guest). We anticipate the home stay period will be for 4 weeks (a shorter length of stay may be available upon request) and will include accommodation in a private bedroom, meals (unless otherwise arranged) and utilities. The ISSN host is providing discount services for the student in need through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).

For more information: https://www.homestaynetwork.org/issn/

For more details email your international student advisors at intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au please include your student ID number, phone number and which state you are currently in and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

*Students are free to participate at their own risk, however be aware that these initiatives are not under the Torrens/Think Universities control hence our insurance will not cover you.

New South Wales Government Initiative 

The NSW Government crisis accommodation initiative has now closed (5pm on the 12th Feb 2021). Any applications submitted before then will still be processed. If you require a letter of support for your application please contact intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au 

Other Initiatives;

24/7 support for international students on the COVID-19 hotline (13 77 88). Information on rental evictions, medical and mental health access, legal aid and emergency support can be accessed via the hotline.

50,000 free subscriptions on offer for the My Legal Mate app. The app offers legal assistance with 4 main topics and is offered in 6 different languages (Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean and Portuguese). You are eligible for the app if you are enrolled into or have just recently graduated a course in NSW or currently hold a subclass 500, 408 or 485 visa. 

How to Apply;

Applications to download the app are now open. Click here to download today. For any further enquiries please email study.nsw@treasury.nsw.gov.au 

Refer to your state based agency, Study NSW for further details and valuable local resources

Urgent Assistance with Food for International Students 

If you have lost your job and are struggling to feed yourself and your family, Foodbank is an organisation that works to feed everyone across Australia, including international students, for more information visit Foodbank

If you are in urgent need of food assistance, please call Foodbank on (02) 9756 3099 and they can help you find a charity in your area that will support you.

Oz Harvest Free Food Hamper

Oz Harvest are currently offering weekly pick ups of free food hampers to international students in Sydney. The Oz Harvest Free Food Hamper has restarted. Click here to register for next February 2021 hamper collection. 

Foodbank Hampers

Foodbank are  helping to assist international students in NSW by providing free of food hampers. Each hamper is valued at $80 and packed with items such as instant meals and coffee, plus pantry staples such as breakfast cereal, long-life milk, rice and sauces.

Click here to complete the application form or call Foodbank NSW & ACT on (02) 9756 3099 to find your closest distribution centre. 

*Rockpool Dining Group has launched Hope Delivery, a much-needed community meal program in Sydney and Melbourne to feed International Hospitality Workers that have been disadvantaged as a result of the current pandemic. Meals are being prepared and distributed directly from Rosetta in Sydney. 

Emergency Accommodation for International Students 

Homeless and in need of urgent accommodation - International Students:

An ISSN home stay initiative through the Australian Homestay Network can provide a short-term accommodation arrangement between an individual or family (host) and an eligible international student (guest). We anticipate the home stay period will be for 4 weeks (a shorter length of stay may be available upon request) and will include accommodation in a private bedroom, meals (unless otherwise arranged) and utilities. The ISSN host is providing discount services for the student in need through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).

For more information: https://www.homestaynetwork.org/issn/

For more details email your international student advisors at intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au please include your student ID number, phone number and which state you are currently in and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

*Students are free to participate at their own risk, however be aware that these initiatives are not under the Torrens/Think Universities control hence our insurance will not cover you.

South Australian Government Initiative - CLOSING 28th February, 2021

The South Australian government will spend $13.8 million to assist international students studying in the state. The International Student Support Package will include a $10 million fund for university students significantly impacted. Emergency cash grants of $500 will be available to other international students significantly impacted.

For more information click here 

Update 13th November: The South Australian government has announced a second round of financial grants is now available for students who are still experiencing financial hardship. The $500 emergency cash grant is for international students who meet the below criteria;

• An international student enrolled to study with an education provider that has a South Australian campus
• Resides in South Australia and is currently onshore in South Australia
• Can be described as a;
  • Higher education student with one of South Australia’s private higher education institutions/private universities
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET) student (excluding students on packaged programs with one of South Australia’s three public Universities*)
  • English language student (excluding students on packaged programs with one of South Australia’s three public Universities*)
  • Pathway student (excluding students on packaged programs with one of South Australia’s three public Universities*)

If you meet this criteria, and can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are welcome to apply by clicking here.

Refer to your state based agency, Study Adelaide for further details and valuable local resources

Rent Relief 

The South Australian Government has advised they are now offering rent relief to residents and international students are included in this. To be eligible you must meet the following criteria;

• A residential tenant can demonstrate they have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has less than $5,000 in savings and is paying more than 30% of their current income in rent (a tenant is defined as being in rental hardship if this criteria is met); and
  • The landlord provides rent relief to the tenant(s) within the period from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 (inclusive).
• A revised rental agreement (or other evidence to substantiate the provision of reduced rent) needs to be provided as part of the application process.
• Residential landlords are eligible for a second round grant irrespective of whether they received a rental grant in the first round of the Residential Rental Grant Scheme (where appropriate relief has been provided).

Please note that in order to receive assistance you must have a written agreement with your landlord stating that your rent has been reduced and you are not required to pay the money back. The Government will then pay the gap between your rent and your revised rent. For example if you were paying $300 a week and have an agreement with your landlord to now only pay $250 a week, the Government will pay your landlord the additional $50. 

For more information click here. 

Urgent Assistance with Food for International Students 

If you have lost your job and are struggling to feed yourself and your family, Foodbank is an organisation that works to feed everyone across Australia, including international students, for more information Foodbank. They are currently providing a free $25 food voucher (and four user-pays vouchers) to spend at Foodbank SA or other food hubs across Adelaide to International students. Click here to register and receive your voucher. 

If you are in urgent need of food assistance, please call Foodbank on (08) 8351 1136 and they can help you find a charity in your area that will support you.

To learn more click here

Emergency Accommodation for International Students 

An ISSN home stay initiative through the Australian Homestay Network can provide a short-term accommodation arrangement between an individual or family (host) and an eligible international student (guest). We anticipate the home stay period will be for 4 weeks (a shorter length of stay may be available upon request) and will include accommodation in a private bedroom, meals (unless otherwise arranged) and utilities. The ISSN host is providing discount services for the student in need through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).

For more information click here 

For more details email your international student advisors at intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au please include your student ID number, phone number and which state you are currently in and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Before you arrive please ensure you have a look at the internationl student guide as it contains a lot of vital information.  There helpful hints for before you arrive in Australia such as a before leaving home check list, cost of living, health check and travel insurance. 

For help in settling into your studies and life, please download either the Torrens University or Think Education guide.  

IT requirements

You will need a computer to:

• access digital learning resources
• access video and audio recordings
• submit and complete online assessments
• participate in classroom discussion and collaboration via online communication and collaboration tools.

Minimum IT requirements for studying online

CoE stands for Confirmation of Enrolment

The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued to international students who intend on studying at an Australian education provider. It confirms that you have accepted a place in a course, and have paid your tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover premium (OSHC).

When do I get my CoE?

Once you have confirmed your enrolment. First you will need to sign your Offer Letter, pay your tuition fees and purchase your OSHC, then you will receive your CoE.

Who do I contact about my CoE?

Before you commence your studies with us you will need to refer to your agent. Once you have commenced your studies you can contact your International Student Advisor (intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au) for more information. 

How do I get a copy of my CoE?

You should be given a copy of you CoE from your agent when you commence your studies. If you cannot find it or never received it please contact your International Student Advisor (intstudentadvisor@laureate.edu.au) and they will be able to issue you with a copy. 

How do I extend my CoE?

Please refer to the CoE Extension FAQ below

Useful Links

CoE Extension FAQs

Leave of Absence

Taking a Leave of Absence means taking a break from study while remaining enrolled. It is also called deferring.

International students cannot take a Leave of Absence unless there are compassionate or compelling circumstances.

These are generally circumstances that:

• Are beyond your control; and
• Have an impact upon your course progress or wellbeing

For a full list of limited circumstances please refer to the Enrolment and Attendance Policy. 

You'll need to complete the appropriate Application for Leave of Absence (Deferral) form below:

• Torrens Students
• THINK Students

Overseas student transfer

International students may transfer to another Australian institution. Generally you cannot transfer between colleges or universities before completing 6 months in your principal course.

• See the International Student Transfer Procedure for more information on how to transfer.

Transferring in your first six months

There are situations where a transfer request will be granted because it is in your best interest,or due to compelling circumstances. You will need to seek approval for release in your first six months, and have a valid enrolmentoffer from another registered provider.

We can only approve the request in limited circumstances as outlined in the following documents:

• Torrens:
  • International Student Transfer Procedure and
  • Section 15.1 of the Enrolment and Attendance Policy.
• THINK:
  • International Student Transfer Procedure and
  • Section 15.1 of the Enrolment and Attendance Policy

Will this affect my Student Visa?

We advise you to contact Immigration (Department of Home Affairs) for advice on if you need a new student visa. See more information at:

• For student visa conditions and regulations about changing courses, see the Department of Home Affairs - Changing Courses website.
• CoE Extension FAQ in the CoE tab

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

This insurance helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia such as:

• Visiting the doctor
• Ambulance and emergency treatment in hospital
• Some hospital treatment
• Some medicines

You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa at the time of admission into your course.

OSHC must be purchased from an approved Australian insurance provider.

Different insurers may offer different levels of cover, so compare policies to choose the one that is right for you.You may want to take out extra insurance such as dental, physiotherapy and optometry services.

For more information and a list of insurance providers visit the OSHC page on the Department of Health website.

In an emergency, call 000 and ask for either ambulance (medical), police or fire brigade.

You can also visit the emergency department at your nearest public hospital.

You will not have to pay for most emergency services in public hospitals when you show your OSHC card.

Some private hospitals also offer emergency services but require an up-front payment before treating you.

For emergency and safety information, please visit your campus page or the Study in Australia website.

Emergency+ app

This official app from the Triple Zero Awareness Working Group for iOS, Android and Windows devices to help you

• know when to call Triple Zero
• know who to call in non-emergency situations and how to get help

Download it now

iOS app | Android app | Windows app

Student Complaints Policy:

Torrens University: CLICK HERE

THINK Education: CLICK HERE

Legal Services:

The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia. For more information see: https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/overseas-students or call on 1300 362 072

Human Rights Commission: www.humanrights.gov.au

Consumer Rights: For more information see:  www.accc.gov.au/consumers

Tuition Protection Service This is an initiative of the Australian Government to assist international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study. For more information see:  www.tps.gov.au

Study Australia Legal Advice: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/Australian-Education/Legal-rights-protections/legal-rights-and-protections

Work Legal Services;

• Work conditions for student visa holders 

Department of Home Affairs web page listing work conditions you must comply with

• Workplace rights for all visa holders working in Australia 

All workers in Australia have rights and protections at work. This includes foreign nationals. Your employer must comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

• Fair Work Australia - International Student fact sheet 

You have the right to fair pay and a safe working environment. Fair Work Australia makes sure that these rights are protected.

There are a number of accommodation options for students in Australia. Things you should consider when choosing where to live include:

• How far will you have to travel to campus? Is it easily accessible by public transport, such as bus or train?
• Find out what shopping centres, hospitals and emergency services, and other facilities are nearby.
• Always confirm the total cost and any other expenses you may be required to pay, such as a bond and utility fees.

Please ask your Student Services team for help with your search for accommodation.

Remember:

• Don’t rely on photos on a website, make sure you visit the accommodation
• Avoid paying a deposit on a place you have never seen
• Never give out personal details to someone you’ve never met in exchange for more information about a property
• Be aware of your rights as a tenant and get advice from the proper channels
• For more help contact Student Services on your campus.

Different types of accommodation

Popular accommodation options for international students in Australia include:

• Private rental or share house
• Homestay
• Residential colleges or private student accommodation
• Youth hostel and other short stay or budget accommodation

Accommodation costs will depend on the city you'll live in and what type of accommodation you choose. Visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au for more information about accommodation for international students.

Both you and your landlord or host have legal responsibilities.

Your responsibilities include:

• paying your expenses on time
• day to day cleaning and maintenance

You have the right by law to:

• Feel secure in your property
• Have a home with properly maintained and working faclilities

Problems with your accommodation

If there are any problems with your accommodation talk to your agent or landlord (if renting), your international student support staff for on-campus living or the service where you found your homestay.

If you are renting, organisations such as Tenants' Unions and consumer advocates can help. Find your state's Fair Trading and Tennants' Services on this list complied by consumer advocacy group Choice.

Useful links

Work conditions for student visa holders

The key things to remember are:

• You cannot work until you have started your course in Australia.
• You cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight during a Study Period
• No work limits apply during college or university breaks.

More information about working on a student visa

Your campus provides free and confidential counselling to all face-to-face and online students enrolled in Australia. This non-judgmental service does not diagnose; we only listen and help you explore areas of concern and work on strategies that can assist you.

Attending counselling does not mean there is anything wrong with you; it simply provides a confidential and neutral place to freely express your needs and concerns. Counselling sessions are not registered on your academic record.

Common reasons for seeking counselling:

• Confusion and anxiety from being in a new and unfamiliar environment
• Balancing commitments, goal setting
• Stress or anxiety
• Homesickness or understanding Australian culture
• Sexual identity 
• Dealing with family issues
• Depression
• Any other personal topics or issues to help you succeed
• Other special needs that may impact on your studies

Visit the Counselling page to get in touch.

Find information on travelling from the airport and around your new home city below:

Sydney

Sydney Airport is about 8km from the city. Travel options include train, shuttle bus/mini-van, taxi or car.

• Sydney airport transport options- Find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here.
• Airport Link rains travel to the city every 10 - 15 minutes. ou will need either an Opal card or a debit card to use public transport. You can purchase Opal cards at the airport train station. 
• Taxis - the airport taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall. Get a fare estimate here.
• Uber has a pick up zone at the airport
• Transport NSW- Find timetables and maps.You will need either an Opal card or a debit card to use public transport.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information

Melbourne

Tullamarine, Melbourne's main airport, is 23km from the city. There is no train to Tullamarine.

• Melbourne airport - taxis and ride share(including Uber)
• Skybus runs from the Airport to:
  • Melbourne City (30 - 45 min, $18)
  • Southbank & Docklands (40 - 80 min, $18)
  • St Kilda (60 - 75 min, $37)
• Public Transport Victoria (PTV)- find timetables, maps and journey planner tool to plan your trips around Melbourne and Victoria. You will need a Myki card to use public transport.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information

Brisbane

• Brisbane Airport - find public transport, taxi, ride share and other transport options here.
• Brisbane Airtrain - trains to the city leave every 15 - 30 minutes. The trip takes 20 minutes.
• Taxis are available outside the Domestic and International Terminals. At peak times, Kerbside Officers are on hand to assist.
• Uber picks up from Brisbane Airport.
• Brisbane Public Transport - translink.com.au

Adelaide

• Adelaide Airport transport options - find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here.
• A Metro card is an electronic smart card and is the best option for frequent public transport. 
• Adelaide Metro - maps and journey planner tool to plan your trips around Adelaide.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information.

Student Concession prices

International students are not usually entitled to student travel concessions (discounted city public transport tickets).

If you arrive before your course start date or orientation day, please feel welcome to visit the campus and make contact with your Campus Student Services team.

If you have any problems with your home stay, study, or life in Australia, you can get help from any of the following people:

• During usual business hours: Your International Student contact person is your Campus Director or Senior Student Services Advisor and their team of student services advisors
• Outside of usual business hours, in case of an emergency or a critical incident, your contact is the Campus Director
• Success coaches
• Academic learning support and learning advisors
• Student Counsellor

You will receive a special Under 18 email prior to arriving on campus that will provide you with details on where to find and how to contact all of the above people . This email will also contain important information to keep with you at all times in case of an emergency. Your point of contact during campus business hours is student services, who will provide you with all areas of guidance and support in settling you into your studies and Australia. Please contact your Campus Director whose number is located on your under 18's email if you are in an emergency situation outside of normal campus business hours.

English language courses

We offer two types of English courses for international students.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Improve your academic English skills before beginning your main course.

You can start this course on any Monday and continue until you have reached your goals.

General English

Study a General English course to become more confident with English and learn more about Australian culture, customs and speech before you start to study.

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When to contact a consulate or embassy - Consulates open during normal Australian business hours.

Contact your country's consulate if you want to:

• renew or replace your passport or other official documents
• report to your country any births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions that happened in Australia.

Your consulate may also be able to help if you:

• are in distress or emergency situations where the Australian authorities cannot help
• are arrested, seriously injured or a victim of crime
• need information about social security in your country
• have questions about national service obligations in your country
• need to contact your family in an emergency
• need travel advice for travel to your country.

See the list of consulates on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website – CLICK HERE