COVID-19 support and assistance
RMIT support services
Financial Hardship Assistance
If you are an RMIT student (domestic or international) experiencing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for Student Hardship Assistance (up to $1000 in vouchers or cash grants) to cover the cost of:
- Food
- Travel
- Other living and essential expenses
How to apply
To apply for Student Hardship Assistance, login to the RMIT Connect Portal Fees & Finance page, click Student Hardship Assistance and complete the form.
If you do not see the link to the Student Hardship Assistance Form you may not be eligible for this assistance. Please book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor to discuss your options for support.
Before applying for Financial Hardship Assistance from RMIT, check if there are government or other support options available to you (see below).
Finance advice
Advice is available for personal finances, budgeting, Centrelink, eligibility for concessions including utilities, managing fine debt and more. Book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor to discuss your options.
Emergency accommodation
RMIT can provide students with access to short-term accommodation in emergency or crisis situations. Please book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor to discuss your eligibility.
Discounted homestay accommodation for international students
RMIT's partner for homestay services, AHN, has launched the International Student Support Network (ISSN) for international students experiencing financial hardship during COVID-19. ISSN homestays offer a heavily discounted placement and include a private room, meals, utilities and support from one AHN’s committed host families.
Please book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor to discuss your eligibility and apply. More information is available on the AHN website.
Fresh and frozen meals
RMIT Chaplaincy is providing free fresh and frozen meals to RMIT students. See Government support resources (below) for other emergency food and essential support.
General RMIT support services
Find information about RMIT's full range of student support services and financial support services.
Find information about health and wellbeing support options, advice and resources for students impacted by COVID-19.
Find information about online study and coursework support.
Government and community support resources
Government financial support relating to COVID-19 is also available. Before applying for assistance from RMIT, check if there are Government financial support options available to you:
- COVID-19 Disaster Payment for people affected by restrictions – payment for Victorian workers who are unable to earn income due to the current lockdown restrictions (eligibility criteria apply)
- Red Cross Extreme Hardship Support Program – emergency relief for international students, temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants
- Study Melbourne Student Centre – support for international students
- Study Melbourne Community Support and Food Relief – list of free support resources and emergency food relief by area
- Foodbank International Student Pop Up-Store – free groceries for international students in the City (CBD)
- City of Melbourne International Students webpage – links to support services available to international students
- Victorian Government Emergency Relief Packages – free food and essential supplies for Victorians who have to self-isolate because they have coronavirus
- Victorian Government financial support for businesses and workers
- Centrelink support for students and trainees
- Ask Izzy Community Services – connects you with emergency material aid including food, housing and crisis support in your postcode area
- Darebin Council (located near Bundoora Campus) is providing support to international students, including ready-made meals
- You can pause your myki pass if you're not using it
- Moneysmart – provides general advice on making good financial decisions during COVID-19, including accessing superannuation, and contacting utility providers