COVID-19 Information and Support for Students
Updated: 8 June 2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it’s important that we all stay safe and keep up to date with the latest information.
You can follow the latest public health updates, contact tracing alerts, and the current status of restrictions and border closures here.
Key links for international students on COVID-19
Students can now book virtual appointments with student support officers through the Queensland Student Hub. The Hub provides crisis response information, advice and referrals on healthcare, employment, budget management, accommodation and legal services specifically for international students.
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
Insider Guides | COVID-19 Resource Hub
1800 QSTUDY | Advice on available support services for Queensland students
SBS News | Coronavirus updates in your 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.
1800QSTUDY (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
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)
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 and 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.
Emergency Support
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.
Accommodation support
A one-stop shop for information about renting during COVID-19.
Tenants Queensland has also developed factsheets for tenants during COVID-19. Tenants Queensland offer 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 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.
