Plea to ‘give something back’ to students

The international education sector has warned that Australia risks trashing one its largest industries if it does not do more to help the country’s foreign students through the coronavirus crisis.

International Education Association of Australia has called for a national hardship fund for foreign students, many of whom have lost their jobs as the pandemic ravages retail and hospitality.

“We can’t take $39 billion a year off those students and not expect to give something back in an unprecedented crisis such as this,’’ chief executive Phil Honeywood said. “Not only do they pay expensive tuition fees and rent and spend on food and entertainment, but we are also happy to use them as cannon fodder for many low-skilled and part-time jobs that many Australians have resisted doing in the past.

‘‘If we don’t do something for those in need now, our reputation as a safe, welcoming, studying destination could be compromised for all time.”

His call comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison told international students and other temporary visa holders to return to their home countries if they were unable to support themselves.

Mr Morrison’s comments were echoed yesterday by acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge, who said it was time for such people to go home “as quickly as possible”.

The “go home” call has upset the education sector, with universities and private colleges already reeling from a collapse in revenue. The situation is likely to worsen later in the year when international students traditionally enrol in big numbers.

Yesterday, the government announced changes for the more than 2 million people on temporary visas in Australia (570,000 international students) including relaxation of work restrictions to boost numbers in industries critical in the pandemic, such as aged care and nursing.

Students who have been here longer than 12 months and who are in financial hardship will also be able to access any Australian superannuation they have.

International students are not eligible for government welfare or for the new JobSeeker and JobKeeper schemes.

Many have lost their jobs and their homes, or live in fear of both, and of not being able to pay often expensive fees.

Juan David Alarcon from Colombia was working 20 hours a week in two waiting jobs to help pay for his business diploma at a private college in Melbourne. He is now out of work.

“The most important question is, How do I pay the rent?” he said.

When Alarcon explained his predicament to his real estate agent, he was advised to seek help from Centrelink. He spent hours scouring the website, only to find he was not eligible for anything.

Many international students say they are paying a premium for quality education that was supposed to be provided through classes and direct contact. But with classes suspended and studying made virtual, there has been no commensurate reduction in fees at most universities and colleges.

Most major universities have announced some assistance, including special loans, hardship funds, grocery vouchers and dedicated COVID-19 email and telephone hotlines. Few have reduced fees.

Education Minister Dan Tehan said the government would work with universities and the international education sector to find “innovative ways to support international students’’.