Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
These FAQs will be updated as the situation evolves.
Students who require assistance or information can receive support and advice by calling our student support services teams.
ATMC Students (including PY)
Email: info@atmc.edu.au
Phone:+ 61 4 8880 5001 Student support services line - 7 days from 8:30am to 8:30pm AEST
India (local call): +91 880 055 9609 24/7 student support services line - 7 days from 4am to 4:30pm IST
Baxter Institute (monitored 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Email: studentsupport@baxter.vic.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 9650 0367
Additional information is available from:
Australian Department of Health
NSW Health
Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
Study in Australia
VEVO (Visa check)
The purpose of the new visa option is to provide a pathway for certain former and current holders of temporary visas to lawfully remain in Australia and to also address the workforce shortages in critical areas like agriculture, aged care and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.This visa will allow applicants to remain in Australia if they have no other visa options and are unable to depart due to travel restrictions.
I cannot complete my course in the time-frame stated on my visa. Can I get an extension? How do I apply for this?
The Department of Home Affairs is implementing a range of visa changes to support International students.
Students who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and have not been able to complete their course within their original visa validity due to the impacts of COVID-19.
A help sheet to support students though this process. To view the help sheet, click here.
To submit a valid Student visa application eligible for a nil fee, students must submit a completed Form 1545 COVID-19 Impacted Student via Student Support Services under the 'under the Course Advice and Enrolment Team category. This form will then be sent to the University for signature. Once the university has signed the form, this will be sent back to you for lodgement through your ImniAccount.
Information for students who are unable to enter Australia
I am a commencing student, what will happen if I defer or suspend? Will be I able to get an extension to my CoE?
Commencing Students unable to return to Australia, may choose to defer their studies. This will not affect your visa status, but your Confirmation of Enrolment will be cancelled, and you will need a new offer from your education provider before a new Confirmation of Enrolment is issued.
Please note, to gain entry to Australia you require both a current Confirmation of Enrolment and visa.
If you are unable to enter Australia, you may enrol online and commence or continue your studies online.
If your visa was granted before 1 February 2020 and you are affected by current Australian Government travel restrictions, you can check the status of your visa at Visa Entitlement on VEVO.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online/visa-holders
If your visa was granted after 1 February 2020 and you are affected by current Australian Government travel restrictions, you will not be able to check your visa details and conditions using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) until the restrictions are lifted. You should refer to your visa grant letter or access your ImmiAccount instead.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online
Is program leave is available for continuing students?
If you have questions about program leave and your COE and visa, Baxter Institute students please email studentsupport@baxter.vic.edu.au or if you are an ATMC student email info@atmc.edu.au
Campus information, course delivery and library services
Are campuses closed?
How do I access the online learning module when classes move to online delivery.
I don't have access to WiFi or a laptop. How will I be able to join the online classes?
Are library staff available to help me even though there are no classes on campus?
We can provide assistance with the following:
Sydney and Melbourne students, please contact Librarian Candis Diaz via email: cdiaz@atmc.edu.au on Mondays and Tuesdays for assistance.
Federation University students may also contact: support.fedunisyd@atmc.edu.au
University of the Sunshine Coast University students may also contact: support.uscsyd@atmc.edu.au
I had paid to attend an event or workshop at ATMC. This event is now cancelled. Will I get a refund?
Further to COVID-19 outbreak, we have taken the steps to suspend all on campus PY teaching activity across our ATMC Australian campuses until further notice. Instead of classes on campus we are now transitioning to deliver all PY classes online through Microsoft Teams. Further technical details will be sent to you via email shortly.
Student support services will remain open via online channels (see below). Due to the expected large call volumes, we encourage you to raise an online (email) enquiry in the first instance.
ATMC PY Melbourne pystudentservices.mel@atmc.edu.au
ATMC PY Sydney pystudentservices.syd@atmc.edu.au
Please stay informed by frequently monitoring the updates on:
https://atmc.edu.au/australia/coronavirus-covid-19-update
https://atmc.edu.au/australia/coronavirus-faq
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
or Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
My internship provider closed for business. What should I do?
Please contact your internship placement consultant for advice and support.
Melb - Kathy Le-Ung 0487 257 939 kle-ung@atmc.edu.au Internship Team Leader
Melb -Yunnan Lobo 0476 319 287 ylobo@atmc.edu.au
Melb - Nathalia Jimenez 0460 948 256 njimenez@atmc.edu.au
Syd - Catalina Ugas 0476 546 094 cugas@atmc.edu.au
Syd - Shaloo Sobti 0460 940 167 ssobti@atmc.edu.au
Syd - Diana Huynh 0475 204 282 dhuynh@atmc.edu.au
How do I need to access food support services.
New South Wales
Emergency food assistance is available for international students in Sydney. Please see this list of Study NSW resources for details of food and non-perishable grocery supplies as well as restaurants providing free student meals. https://bit.ly/3eSJiyf
Study NSW has partnered with Foodbank NSW & ACT to provide free food hampers* to international students in NSW.
International students can access their hamper by following these steps:
1. Call Food Bank on (02) 9756 3099
2. State that you are an international student and your suburb, then ask for the distribution point closest to you
3. Have your student visa and student card with you when you collect the hamper.
Victoria
Local councils across Melbourne and Victoria have developed resources that link community members with information about food relief and support services available during this pandemic. Please visit the page below for food support locations.
https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-updates/updates/support-and-food-relief-organisations
Where do I download the Australian Government's COVIDSafe app?
The COVIDSafe app app is designed t slow the spread of COVID-19 allowing the government to contain outbreaks quickly means governments can ease restrictions while still keeping Australians safe. The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians. The more Australians connect to the COVIDSafe app, the quicker we can find the virus.
Download in itunes | Download in Google Play
What are the symptoms of Coronavirusof COVID-19?
The Health Department advises that individuals who have travelled from overseas in the 14 days before the onset of symptoms (fever, acute respiratory infection e.g. shortness of breath or cough) seek medical attention.
What should I do if I am feeling unwell?
Whom should I call for medical attention if I am feeling unwell outside of business hours?
I need medical assistance for Coronavirus COVID-19, but I do not have Medicare. What happens if I need to go to hospital?
Links to Health Insurance Providers for more informaton on coverage and services.
BUPA: https://media.bupa.com.au/coronavirus
Medibank Private: https://www.medibank.com.au/health-insurance/info/coronavirus-update
NIB: https://www.nib.com.au/health-information/member-services/coronavirus-and-your-cover
HCF: https://www.hcf.com.au/members/coronavirus
HBF: https://www.hbf.com.au/members/covid-19
Do I need to wear a face mask?
Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#2-3
Social distancing
Social distancing requirements for Victorian residents moved to stage four on 2 August.
NSW social distancing requirements
Take these important steps to keep yourself and others safe.
Self-isolation
What are the penalties if I do not self-isolate?
Self-isolation is an effective precautionary measure to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues – from contracting COVID-19. Police are spot-checking the homes of recently returned travellers and there are serious penalties for non-compliance. Penalties for individuals include a fine of up to $1K -$50K (depending on the state) and up to six months imprisonment. If you need assistance to self-isolate, please get in touch with student support using the contact information at the top of this page.
Whom should I contact if I am feeling depressed or anxious about my circumstances?
It is completely understandable to have feelings of anxiety or depression in these difficult times. Without the support networks of family and friends, the current situation may be extremely challenging for an international student. ATMC has professional counsellors available to support and advise you if you are finding it difficult to manage the pressures and stress of this situation. Please reach out to student services via the contact details above and we will arrange counselling and ensure you receive the assistance you need.
You can also arrange for free and confidential counselling with Cyber Clinic. Please login to the student portal using your atmc email for information on accessing this service. Mandarin and Hindi-speaking counsellors are available.
I am now unemployed due to the Coronavirus shutdown. I cannot pay my rent and my landlord wants to evict me. What should I do?
The Australian Government requires that all evictions be put on hold for six months across all states and territories. The details of how this will work are to be finalised, and we will update you when additional information is provided. If you are asked to leave your accommodation because you cannot pay your rent, contact student support services for advice and assistance.
Employment updates
Accessing your superannuation
Tution fee relief for Federation University students
Working for Victoria jobs program
International student Emergency relief fund
ATMC Students (including PY)
Email: info@atmc.edu.au (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEDT)
Phone:+ 61 4 8880 5001 student support services line 8am to 8:30pm AEST
India (local call): +91 880 055 9609 student support services line 4am to 4:30pm IST
Baxter Institute (monitored 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Email: studentsupport@baxter.vic.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 9650 0367
If you are in financial distress or need assistance of any kind, please contact our student support services: