Supporting students affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 student support packages
The University of Melbourne is offering a support package for students who have been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The University of Melbourne is offering a support package for students who have been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and associated travel restrictions, including support grants of up to $7,500.

Following the Australian Government’s announcement to extend current travel restrictions by a further week until 29 February 2020, the University continues to strongly support students during these exceptional circumstances.

University of Melbourne Provost, Professor Mark Considine said the University is committed to providing care and assistance to students who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of our entire University community. We understand this has been a difficult time for students who have been affected and we are working hard to ensure they can complete their studies on time,” Professor Considine said.

“The student support grants are intended to help students with unanticipated expenses incurred as a result of the travel restrictions related to COVID-19 and to help students transition to or return to study at the University of Melbourne.”

Eligible expenses include accommodation costs, fees associated with unrecoverable flight changes, additional costs associated with the 14-day self-isolation period, upgrading technology to facilitate flexible learning and other associated financial impacts.

The total amount payable to each student will be determined based on their individual level of impact and actual costs incurred.

To be eligible for a grant, a student will have been scheduled to commence or resume study on campus at the University of Melbourne in summer term or semester one 2020.

In addition to these grants, the University is providing course planning and wellbeing support and care. New students will have access to orientation and academic transition materials along with a dedicated mentor to support personal study and networking. Returning and final year students will also have access to career preparation resources.

The University will contact each affected student with further information about how to apply for a support grant and access individualised support and care.

For more information, visit students.unimelb.edu.au/coronavirus.