01 April 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra understands the difficulties Filipino students are facing in Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Embassy has elevated these concerns to relevant authorities in the Philippines. Given the prolonged impact of this crisis, the Embassy encourages students to carefully re-evaluate their situation and be open to considering going home when conditions warrant so that they will have the security from family and from all the branches and services of the Philippine government.
If students choose to stay, please undertake all necessary precautions, stay in a safe location, regularly inform schools of your condition, and comply with current government regulations on preventing the spread of the virus.
The Philippine Embassy in Canberra shares the following information provided by relevant Australian Government agencies on support for international students.
For questions on your visa, contact the Department of Home Affairs and visit https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
For concerns on enrolment, fees or other issues related to your studies, contact your education provider. If your education provider cannot assist, contact the Department of Education, Skills and Employment at (+61) 1300 981 621 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday AEDT, except public holidays or email international.students@dese.gov.au.
For mental well-being support, international students can access support through Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), Youth Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) and Headspace (1800 650 890).
Monitor www.australia.gov.au on further government advice including the announcement that evictions will be put on hold for 6 months by the states and territories.
Further information is available in
https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/English/student-support
For consular and assistance to nationals queries for the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, call (02) 6273-2535 loc 231, loc 259 and loc 233 from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday AEDT, except public holidays or call +61408735383.
The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney may be reached at sydney.pcg@dfa.gov.ph.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne may be reached at melbourne.pcg@dfa.gov.ph. END
