Coronavirus pandemic leaves Australia's international students 'stranded', struggling to buy food

Daniela Maza has lived in Australia for the past four years but, like potentially hundreds of thousands of other students around the country, has suddenly found herself facing significant financial distress in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: More than 500,000 international students were in Australia when the coronavirus pandemic was declared Many are now struggling to pay their bills but temporary visa holders like international students are yet to be offered significant financial help Queensland Minister Kate Jones is asking for the Federal Government to extend its fortnightly coronavirus supplement to international students More than 500,000 international students were in Australia when the coronavirus pandemic hit and it has left many reeling. While Australian residents and citizens are being offered federal JobSeeker allowances, state-based rental grants and access to superannuation, temporary visa holders like international students are yet to be offered any significant financial assistance. Queensland Minister urges national approach Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has now written to the Federal Government, asking for its newly announced $550 fortnightly coronavirus supplement to be extended to international students. "We don't want to send these international students back to their home country with a bad taste in their mouth."