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 to cover the cost of:
- Food
- Travel
- Other living and essential expenses
How to apply
To access Student Hardship Assistance, from 12 February 2021 you can apply through the RMIT Connect portal. To discuss your financial circumstances, please book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor.
Before applying for Financial Hardship Assistance from RMIT, please check if there are government or other support options available to you (see below).
International Student Emergency Relief Fund
RMIT Institution is closed for applications to International Student Emergency Relief Fund.
If you are an international student in Victoria experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for emergency financial support through the Victorian Government’s Extreme Hardship Support Program.
The program is for temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants, including international students, who:
- are experiencing significant hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
- have little or no income, savings or community support.
Please visit www.redcross.org.au/vicrelief to apply.
For further information on the range of support available to international students from the Victorian Government visit www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
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.
Students seeking RMIT financial support services that do not relate to COVID-19 can book an appointment with a Student Welfare Advisor for a more detailed discussion relating to their financial circumstances.
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 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:
- Victorian Government Rent Relief Grant
- Victorian Government support for Victorian workers
- Victorian Government emergency relief packages – for those in Victoria who are self-isolating and unable to access food and essential supplies
- City of Melbourne's dedicated International students page links to support, including free food vouchers and community events
- Study Melbourne Student Centre support for international students
- Students may be able to get financial help from Centrelink. If you already get a Centrelink student payment, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement.
- Australian Government support for individuals and households
- Australian Government information and services, including coronavirus supplement
- Australian Government students and trainees information, and one-off support payment
- 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