KATHMANDU: In what can be termed as a sign of relief to international students, including from Nepal, the government of Australia has said those who have completed one year of stay in Australia were eligible to access their superannuation.

The announcement comes a day after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that international students were required to support themselves in Australia or to return to their respective countries.

PM Morrison has said that the international students would not be eligible for any financial support as under their visa arrangements.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge, meanwhile, in a statement said that the international students who have been in Australia longer than 12 months, and who find themselves in financial hardship, will be able to access their Australian superannuation.

Tudge said that the government will undertake engagement with the international education sector who has already provided financial support for international students facing hardship.

According to Tudge, there are some 565,000 international students, including Nepalis, in Australia.

(With inputs from Agencies)