Australia paves way for temporary-visa-holder students to continue studies

The Australian government has made a number of changes to temporary-visa-holder arrangements in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic to make it easier for Bangladeshi and other international students to continue their studies in Australia should they wish to do so.

This includes flexibility in cases where COVID-19 has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions (such as not being able to attend classes); making it possible for students who have been in Australia longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship to access their Australian superannuation; and allowing international students working in aged care, as nurses, and in the major supermarkets to work in excess of 40 hours a fortnight until 1 May.

There has always been an understanding that temporary visa holders are able to support themselves while in Australia, including through family support, part-time work where available and their own savings, said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. 

The recently announced changes will help facilitate this for those who may be stood down or lose work hours as a result of the coronavirus, said the High Commission.