A re-vamped international student work right legal service and new international student welfare projects valued at more than $433,000 will enhance the wellbeing and experience of international students studying in Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government’s refreshed International Student Work Rights Legal Service (ISWRLS) will give international students with work issues free, private and independent legal advice.
The service will be delivered through Victorian Legal Aid in partnership with a network of community legal centres – including JobWatch, Springvale/Monash and West Justice.
The updated ISWRLS will build on the previous model that initiated 200 matters on behalf of international students and recovered more than $175,000 for clients between June 2016 and December 2017.
By funding projects that focus on the wellbeing of international students, the Labor Government is ensuring every international student studying in Victoria feels safe, supported and has the best experience possible.
Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis announced the updated service and met with international students representing student associations that recently received funding through the International Student Welfare Program.
The 18 projects will support 11 student associations that tackle some of the most challenging issues faced by international students including social isolation, problems in the workplace and mental health.
The four-year ISWP is an initiative designed to fund activities, approaches and partnerships for international students, and has already supported 46 projects worth more than $1 million.
International education is Victoria’s largest service based export, currently contributing more than $9.1 billion to the local economy and supporting more than 58,000 jobs throughout the state.
Applications for Category Two of the ISWP are open until 29 March and provide funding for larger activities delivered by two or more organisations. More information can be found at studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“We’re making sure every international student in Victoria feels safe, supported and at home – that’s what initiatives like these are doing.”
“We’re attracting more international students every year – a clear indication that Victoria is one of the best in the world when it comes to providing a high quality international education experience.”
“Supporting international students is crucial to our economy – it boosts our service exports and creates jobs for people right across Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020