COVID-19 Information and Support for Students
1 June 2020
Restrictions on travel and social gatherings
Several restrictions remain in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the Queensland Government is easing restrictions on movement, it’s important that we all stay safe and keep up to date with the latest information.
Stage 2 of easing Queensland’s restrictions has now commenced (from 1 June 2020) with the following activities now permitted in Queensland::
- Unlimited travel including overnight stays throughout the entire state.
- Recreational travel, camping and accommodation including caravan parks.
- Use of all national park and forest day use areas and walking tracks, except for some popular rock pool destinations. Please check closures and updates here.
- Gatherings for 20 people.
- Restaurants, cafes and pubs that operate under a COVID safe checklist can host up to 20 patrons at one time (while maintaining physical distancing). From 5 June, venues with more space will be able to host up to 20 patrons in each defined area within their venue, if they are operating under a COVID-safe industry plan.
See the updated roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions here.
Queensland’s borders remain closed, meaning travelling to and from Queensland is restricted. For details on the Queensland border closures, please visit this page.
Travel into Australia remains restricted to Australian citizens, residents and their immediate family members only.
Restrictions on social gatherings, particularly those relating to non-essential and outdoor gatherings still remain in place. The full list of limits to public gatherings can be found at the Queensland Government website, which is regularly updated with the latest news and advice from government agencies.
Key links for international students on COVID-19
The Brisbane Student Hub (BSH)
The BSH provides crisis response, information, advice and referrals on healthcare, employment, budget management, accommodation and legal services specifically for international students in Brisbane. BSH now delivers consultation online and by phone.
Australian Government – Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Australia
Study in Australia | Latest Information for Students on Health, Visas, Travel and Education
Department of Education Skills and Employment | FAQs for International Students
Queensland Premier | Handy Links for Queensland Job Opportunities
Fair Work Ombudsman | Information on your work rights
JobWatch | COVID–19: Employment Rights Q&A
Jobs Finder by Queensland Government | For students who have lived in Queensland for six months and hold a valid visa which allows you to work
Insider Guides | COVID-19 Resource Hub
1800 QSTUDY | Advice on available support services for Queensland students
SBS News | Coronavirus updates in 63 Languages
Queensland Government | Roadmap to Easing Restrictions
Australian Government | Download official “Coronavirus Australia”: Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android for updates
Residential Tenancies Association (RTA) | Latest information regarding leases and paying rent in Queensland
CISB | Stay connected with fellow international students
Health Advice
Answer questions about your symptoms to see if you need to seek medical help or get tested.
If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 you should phone the 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline on 131 450 or 1800 020 080
24/7 Health Hotlines
- Ambulance hotline for non-emergencies – call 13 12 33
- Queensland health advice - call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Queensland public mental health service - call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642255)
Queensland Health has developed a handy resource for key messages for COVID-19 into multiple languages for international student providers.
Find out if there is a GP respiratory clinic near you and how to register for an online appointment here.
OSHC
OSHC assists international students to meet costs of medical/hospital care while in Australia. Check with your provider to see what you are covered for:
Student information and support
Your education institution
For questions relating to your studies, please contact your institution directly. They may also be able to provide assistance and advice regarding welfare, health and accommodation.
1800 QSTUDY (1800 778 839)
24/7 hotline for international students across Queensland
Services include:
- accommodation advice
- public transport and travel advice employment advice
- health and wellbeing referrals
- legal referrals
- complaint referrals
The wider Queensland Student Hub Network has also transitioned to a virtual format with the Brisbane, Cairns and Gold Coast Student Hubs offering virtual support, events and activities.
Australian Government International Student Hotline
The Australian Government has provided a special email and hotline for international students.
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: 1300 981 621 (8am-8pm AEDST Monday to Friday within Australia only)
If you have been studying in Australia for more than 12 months and are in financial hardship, you will be able to access your Australian superannuation. Register at https://my.gov.au
If you're 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. Please contact your employer for more information. More details here.
Mental Health
Beyond Blue
A non-profit organisation you can turn to for help regarding depression, suicide, anxiety and other mental issues.
Lifeline
Provides services to anyone experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour support & suicide prevention support.
eHeadspace
eheadspace provides free online support/counselling to young people 12 – 25, their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help.
Headspace has free sources on their website and app called ‘Weathering the Storm’ with access to meditation, sleep, and movement exercises. See more here.
Emergency Support
Queensland International Student Crisis Assistance Package | An additional $10 million will now be made available to support international students experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Find out your eligibility here.
Ask Izzy A website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby, including access to emergency housing and food.
Australian Red Cross | Emergency fund for international students on temporary visas who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs.
Students who pay separate utility bills (in your name and not as part of their rental payment) are eligible for the Queensland Government’s $200 household utility bill relief appearing automatically on bills.
Several telecommunications companies are also offering support via such as additional data, no late fee or unlimited calls. Check with your provider for details.
Accommodation support
A one-stop shop for information about renting during COVID-19. Information hotline 1800497161 – Monday to Friday (8am to 8pm) and from 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday and texting (SMS) "Hi" to 0480 000 782.
Tenants Queensland has also developed factsheets, including one specifically for international students who were unable to enter Queensland or may have left and whose tenancies are affected by COVID-19. Tenants Queensland free statewide advice service for tenants. Their advice line is 1300 744 263. Advice Hours 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Extended hours to 7pm Tuesday & Wednesday.
A free independent advice and referral service for all Queensland renters, especially in relation to early terminations or evictions.
The RTA is a state government organisation that provides a range of resources to assist tenants and property owners/managers. They have published a suite of new forms for customers to document any agreements made when negotiating temporary changes to their rental arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Service providing short-term discounted home stay to students needing emergency accommodation.
