For immediate release – 05/05/2021
NUS Stands in Solidarity with Indian Students
NUS stands in solidarity during this difficult time with all Indian students and their families currently in India.
In these unprecedented times, it is unimaginably difficult to work and study and take care of family overseas.
Indian students comprise a significant proportion of the Australian student population – but this number is decreasing rapidly. Around 2500 Indian students began studying at Australian universities between July and November last year — a decline of 83 percent compared with the same period in 2019, data from the Department of Education shows.
The NUS has heard from many students who are trying to secure oxygen tanks for COVID affected family members, looking for hospital places for parents and grandparents whilst trying to maintain high educational standards and work to support themselves in Australia.
There are also countless Australian students currently in India, who have COVID. Such students are at risk of visa cancellation and loss of community in Australia if they are unable to maintain a high academic standard.
The NUS calls on education providers to respond with compassion towards such students, and implement a specific scheme for Indian students to enter study leave if necessary at this time.
If you are a student facing mental stress, and would like to talk to someone, please reach out to your student union to access free and confidential counselling, and financial assistance.
You can also contact the NUS International Officer for individual case support during this time.
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