The SPCR program is to be funded by diverting StudyPerth resources from curtailed or cancelled projects and will be accessible via application to provide support services to international students with regard to food, shelter, health and wellbeing, and rights and support.

“It is also important to demonstrate to education agents…and to students’ families that we are a compassionate community”

StudyPerth said the first stage is to refer students to their educational institution, as for the majority of cases, the institution will be able to provide the necessary support for their students.

“The principal aim of SPCR is to provide practical help to students in acute need, but it is also important to demonstrate to education agents here and overseas and to students’ families that we are a compassionate community and we’re supporting their students when they need us most,” a statement from StudyPerth explained.

“This will be to WA’s advantage as we recover and rebound from the COVID-19 crisis. Recovery of the sector will be crucial to stabilising the State’s economy now that international education has been identified as a key component of a diversified economy.”

StudyPerth said it is working very closely with education providers, consulates, ethnic associations and business councils to establish a protocol that matches international students with the support, aid or advice they need.

“If we value and support our international students when they are most in need, we can ensure that the international education sector in WA remains strong and can drive prosperity and jobs growth, as restrictions are lifted and the global economy begins to recover.”

International education is Australia’s third-largest export and Western Australia’s fourth, generating more than $1.9 billion annually in export income for WA.

This week, sector stakeholders have also welcomed the South Australian government’s AU$13.8 million funding plan to assist the state’s international students and a $20m ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ plan in the Australian Capital Territory.