Accessing support for financial hardship

We've identified a range of financial support initiatives that are available to international students below.

Macquarie University

International scholarships and grants

Macquarie has one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia, providing many opportunities each year to international students to undertake studies here.

View the international scholarships that are available.

Australian Government

Pandemic Disaster Leave Payment

If you live in New South Wales and have a valid visa with work rights, you may be eligible to access Pandemic Disaster Leave Payments of $1500 via Centrelink. To be eligible for these payments, you should be directed by NSW Health to self-isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days, or be caring for someone with COVID-19, and have no other source of income.

Access your superannuation

International students who have been in Australia longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship are able to access their Australian superannuation.

Applications for early release of superannuation will be accepted through myGov from 20 April. Register your interest by logging in to myGov and following the Intention to access coronavirus support instructions.

If you don’t already have a myGov account, you can set one up by selecting 'create an account'. More information on this is available on the ATO superannuation page.

Special Benefit

Depending on your visa status, you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s Special Benefit, for people experiencing severe financial hardship who do not qualify for another form of payment.

Find out whether you're eligible for Special Benefit.

International Student Discounted Accommodation

The International Student Support Network (ISSN) is an AHN initiative providing short-term, discounted homestay to eligible international students impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students whose education providers identify them as being financially vulnerable and needing support and assistance with accommodation can be referred to the ISSN to apply for a heavily discounted full meals homestay placement.