COVID-19 information

COVID-19 welfare support

Information on COVID-19 student welfare support, including state and territory programs.

More and more organisations have made significant commitments to supporting students through hardship funds and welfare support. If you're struggling to meet your living expenses, here's how you can access welfare support.

How are institutions supporting international students?

• All international students are encouraged to stay in touch with their education providers about the range of support which is available to them at this time.
• Many universities and other education providers are offering a range of support to students including fee deferrals, deferred studies or payments, food and accommodation support and mental health and other medical support.

How is the Australian Government providing financial assistance?

International students who are studying and working in Australia may be able to access financial assistance when they are:
• required to self-isolate or are caring for someone with COVID-19 (Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) or; 
• adversely affected by a state public health order and are required to be in lockdown for more than seven days (COVID-19 Disaster Payment).
For more information on the financial support payments, including eligibility criteria, see Centrelink payments and services.

Extended working arrangements for international students

If you an international student employed by a health, disability or aged care organisation, the Australian Government has announced special working arrangements. 

Accessing vaccines in Australia

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare* or visa status.

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare* or visa status. This includes international students currently in Australia. 

• The Pfizer vaccine uses mRNA technology. Pfizer is now available for those 12 years and older, across Australia, through doctors/GP medical practices or Australia's state and territory government-run mass vaccination clinics.
• The Moderna vaccine, which also uses mRNA technology like Pfizer, is now approved for those who are 12 years and older. It is generally offered at doctors and pharmacies across Australia.
• The Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine is available for those from 18 years of age and above and is produced in Australia. There is an extremely rare side effect of blood clots associated with this vaccine but it is still considered safe if you're in a high-risk COVID-19 environment. AstraZeneca is not available to those under 18 years of age.

Vaccination providers cannot charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or your appointments to receive the vaccine. If your vaccination provider charges for any costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination (including booking fees), you should report it.

Depending on your location, you will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from a range of providers, including your local general medical practice or doctor (GP), a state, territory or federal government vaccination clinic, or a community pharmacy. Please use the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker link below. 

If you’re unsure of which vaccine is suitable for you, you should seek medical advice from your doctor or a medical professional.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters

Booster shots of Moderna or Pfizer are available to everyone within Australia.

Vaccine boosters for onshore students

Booster shots of Moderna or Pfizer are available to everyone within Australia, including international students who are based in Australia now - whether they have been vaccinated by Australian authorities since the start of the pandemic, or whether they have arrived since then.

Booster doses are not mandatory; however they are highly recommended to maintain the highest immunity as possible against variants of COVID-19.

It's important to note that vaccines may not guarantee complete protection against COVID-19, but if you do catch Omicron or Delta and you are vaccinated, latest medical research suggests that symptoms you experience tend to be less severe, and you are less likely to need medical attention in hospital.

Tested positive for COVID-19? What you need to know

Find out what to do if you test positive for COVID-19, what symptoms you can expect, and how to look after yourself and the people around you.