Current global events – support for students - UQ Life

We recognise that global events can impact members of our student community at different times, affecting wellbeing, studies and personal circumstances. Support is available through services at the University of Queensland, as well as through a range of external organisations, including government agencies and community providers.

Support is always available

Contact Student Central at 1300 275 870 (8.30am-5pm) or email student.services@uq.edu.au if you have specific needs related to any of the UQ services outlined here. 

For urgent mental health support

Call the UQ Mental Health Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (24/7)
Text a Crisis Counsellor on 0488 884 115 (outside business hours – 4.30pm-8am weekdays and on weekends)

UQ communications

Read past communications that have been sent to students about recent global events:

Academic Support

Help with assessment extensions, adjustments to study, and study resources.

Students are also encouraged to reach out to their Course Coordinator to discuss available options.  

If you would like support to develop your study skills, seek feedback on drafts or manage your time, consider making an appointment with one of our Academic Skills Advisers. Find out more here: How an Academic Skills Adviser can help - my.UQ - University of Queensland

Financial Assistance

Emergency aid, grants, and advice if you're experiencing financial hardship. 

If you find yourself in financial hardship or access to financial support is impacted by the situation offshore, our team may be able to assist. Contact Student Central for any specific financial assistance needs. More information about how UQ can support eligible students with financial hardship can be found on our website: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/financial-support/financial-support-overview/apply-financial-hardship-assistance

Emotional and Wellbeing Support

Counselling, mental health resources, and spaces to talk. 

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing distress around recent ongoing conflicts, unrest and humanitarian crises, here is a list of support and helplines you can reach out to:

Crisis Support (24/7)

1. UQ Counselling and Mental Health Crisis Line

a. Call: 1300 851 998 (24/7)

b. Text: 0488 884 115 (4.30pm - 8am AEST)

2. Sonder (for Allianz Care OSHC policy holders)

a. 24/7 support via the app (App Store | Google Play)

b. Provides students with 24/7 confidential support for safety, medical and mental health needs via chat, on the phone, or in-person. You can call or chat in your preferred language via the app.

c. If you hold an Allianz Care Australia policy, access to Sonder is available to all primary care policyholders. Visit here to learn how you can access Sonder.

3. Lifeline Australia

a. Call: 13 11 14

b. Text: 047 713 1144

c. Website: www.lifeline.org.au

4. 13 YARN

a. Call: 13 92 76

b. Website: www.13yarn.org.au

5. Beyond Blue

a. Call: 1300 22 4636

b. Website: www.beyondblue.org.au

c. Online chat is also available.

6. Suicide Callback Service

a. Call: 1300 659 467

b. Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Multicultural, Global and Refugee Support Services

1. Witness to War (Queensland Government)

a. Call: 1800 845 198 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm AEST)

b. Free, national multilingual telephone hotline for people affected by overseas conflicts.

2. QPASTT

a. Support Line: (07) 3391 6677

b. Website: https://qpastt.org.au

c. Based in Brisbane and provides regional services

3. Study Australia

a. Tools and resources https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources

4. Smart Traveller - Australia’s official travel advisory website providing up-to-date safety, security, and entry information for those travelling overseas.

a. 1300 555 135 from within Australia. +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

b. Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

5. Department for Education - Support for international students

a. Website: https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students

Supporting Others

Supporting friends, family, or peers who may be affected.  

Supporting someone in distress

If you are looking for ways to support someone you know who is experience distress in response to crises like natural disasters and conflict, QPASTT has a short guide on how you can support someone, and yourself as well.

If you are looking for ways to talk to children about conflict and war and other traumatic events emerging minds and UNICEF have some helpful resources