Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The Morrison government is providing record funding to Australia's universities of $18.2 billion in 2020, with funding set to grow each year, in line with population growth, under performance based funding. International students arriving in Australia are required to support themselves for their first year as a condition of their student visa. Those here for longer can access their superannuation like other Australians facing financial difficulties. Two hundred million dollars has been provided to charities and community groups to support those in need, including international students. Universities, together with states and territories, have established hardship funds and other supports. Australia's universities are autonomous institutions governed by university councils. Reporting of liquidity across the sector as of 31 December 2018 showed total cash and investments of $20.3 billion. Universities are eligible for JobKeeper if they meet the relevant criteria.