MIT Announces $1 Million in Financial Hardship Support for International Students

1. MIT Announces $1 Million in Financial Hardship Support for International Students The Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT), a leading private provider of higher education in Australia, appreciates the valuable contributions made by international students and recognises the significant impact COVID-19 has had on the finances of some of its most vulnerable students, who through no fault of their own are struggling with the cost of living and studying. Some face a very desperate situation where their part-time or casual employment has ceased and they are unable to return to their home country and at the same time experience difficulty in affording their continued stay in Australia. The safety and well-being of the MIT community remains the top priority, and MIT is doing everything possible to support students, during this difficult time. In this light, MIT’s Governing Board has pledged $1,000,000 to support international students who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. The Financial Hardship Fund is available for all students who are enrolled in either an MIT course or a Federation University course at MIT in Trimester 1, 2020. Students at both MIT’s Melbourne and Sydney campuses are eligible for support under this goodwill fund. The Financial Hardship Fund, announced today, is the most recent among a string of humanitarian initiatives undertaken by MIT and MIT Group Foundation (a registered Australian charity) over the years. MIT continues to lead the way in goodwill initiatives, supporting students as well as many other disadvantaged communities in difficult circumstances of hardship or natural disasters. The one-million-dollar Financial Hardship Fund will be accessible to eligible students through one-off grants of up to $500 each. Students are not required to repay the grants given. Guidelines for eligibility criteria and how the fund will be administered are being developed. In addition to grant payments, MIT has made available other financial assistance initiatives to support students to effectively manage their finances through these extremely challenging times. As a leading education institution, the introduction of these initiatives is offered with the simple objective of encouraging vulnerable students to continue pursuing their long-cherished academic endeavours. “We have taken these necessary actions to support our international student community following a concerted effort to capture specific details from our student population regarding their financial needs at this time. The one-million-dollar Financial Hardship Fund and other financial assistance initiatives are designed to specifically address the identified needs of our students,” Dr Shesh Ghale, the CEO of MIT, says. COVID-19 Announcement from MIT CEO

2. Much like any other education institution and business, MIT is exploring all available options to do our part in managing and mitigating the fallout from COVID-19. MIT is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of our students and the MIT community. Our actions to this unprecedented situation have been focussed, and carefully aligned with the continuing advice from the relevant government authorities. As such, we are constantly reviewing our response and plans to ensure that we are appropriately prepared, in this rapidly changing environment. We will continue to update this page on a regular basis. Online delivery MIT has transitioned all MIT and Federation University courses through digital learning platforms and alternative non-face-to-face teaching for Trimester 1, 2020. We anticipate for this to continue for the remainder of the Trimester, subject to advice from MITs regulator, TEQSA, government and relevant agencies. Student Support Services Our support services will continue to be made available on campus, and over the phone. Our Libraries, Centre of Learning, Student Counselling and Advocacy, Student Services and 1:1 consultations with Academics will remain available to students who are able and safe to attend the campus. We have also introduced more flexible methods of support via online

3. forums, live chats and support calls. We feel this is important to provide our students with the support they need during this time of change. We take seriously the current advice from the Australian Prime Minister that “Universities and other higher education centres should continue at this time However, increased social distancing and good hygiene are a central part of MIT’s plan in our effort to limit the spread of the virus for the welfare and safety of our students. As we change our mode of delivery as part of a carefully considered strategy, our main priority is to ensure minimal disruption to students, and to protect the best interest of our students. We will continue to deliver our academic programs in formats that maximise the opportunities for all students to study effectively, and progress through their studies on time. An extensive list of FAQs is provided for students in Moodle and our Academic Calendar has been updated in AMS to reflect the changes made this trimester. Read More...