Students Facing Hardship
Semester 1 is coming to a close just as Victoria has had to tighten rather than ease its coronavirus restrictions. Box Hill Institute is grateful for the student response to the changes that have been in place during Term 2 and we understand that some of you are doing it tough. We thought it was a timely to remind you of the assistance available.
Food Vouchers
Box Hill Institute students (domestic and international) experiencing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus can apply for a small financial contribution for essential food purchases by contacting Student Life and providing their name, Student ID, and a description of their circumstances. Student Life can be reached at studentlife@boxhill.edu.au or on (03) 9286 9891.
Student Life
Student Life has counsellors, a welfare officer and student wellbeing officers who are available to offer support to all our students. Services are provided at no cost. Nikki Singh is the International Student Wellbeing Officer, who can be contacted on (03) 9286 9445 or via email at nikita.singh@boxhill.edu.au and for questions about your academic progress or your assessments, you can contact International Academic Advisor, Faz Maghami on (03) 9286 9734 or via email at f.maghami@boxhill.edu.au.
Skills & Jobs Centres
Box Hill Institute has three Skills & Jobs Centres across Melbourne to assist people looking to start training, employees wanting to re-skill and employers looking at meeting workforce needs. The Centres can support you whilst you are studying and post study to assist with the transition from education to employment.
Visit a Skills and Jobs Centre if you are or are likely to be:
Looking for a career change or careers advice
Seeking training advice or support
Needing assistance with skills recognition
An out of trade apprentice or trainee
An employer looking to upskill your workforce, assistance with employment vacancies or need an apprentice/trainee
Financial Assistance
Support for students during the COVID-19 pandemic includes:
Access to Superannuation if you have been working for more 12 months and your employer has been making contributions
The Working for Victoria initiative
Rent grants for Victorians experiencing rental hardship as a result of the coronavirus
Specifically for international students:
Government has aligned emergency and food relief services in the community and this is available to international students. Information can be found on the Study Melbourne website
Exemptions for the 40 hours/fortnight work limit if the employment is with a major supermarket or in the aged care sector (to 1 May 2020)
Waiver of any costs (hospitalisation, etc) directly associated with coronavirus under the COVID-19 Health Costs Waiver Program
International Student Emergency Relief Fund for international students in Victoria who are facing financial hardship through lost wages and work as a result of the coronavirus