To the University of Melbourne Administration, UMSU, and GSA,

We, the Iranian Students Society affiliated with the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA), write with urgency and deep concern on behalf of the Iranian student community at the University of Melbourne.

In the wake of the unprecedented and escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel, Iranian students are facing an overwhelming crisis not only emotionally, but financially. As this situation unfolds into open warfare, it has become nearly impossible for many of us to receive financial support from our families back home. International sanctions, disrupted banking systems, currency collapse, and an atmosphere of political and economic instability have placed severe constraints on the ability of Iranian families to transfer funds abroad.

Many of us are now confronted with the very real fear of having to abandon our education, not because of academic barriers, but because we cannot pay our tuition or afford our living expenses.

This is not just a financial emergency; it is a humanitarian one. As students, we are striving to uphold our academic commitments, contribute to our University community, and care for our families from afar, many of whom are living under threat, in fear, or without basic services. We are watching our country descend into crisis while struggling to afford meals and rent.

In this critical moment, we are asking the University of Melbourne, an institution that proudly stands for "equity, compassion, and global engagement", to act in support of its Iranian students.

Beyond the financial strain, the emotional toll on Iranian students is profound and continuous. Many of us are living in a constant state of anxiety and helplessness, watching from afar as our families and loved ones face the terrifying reality of war.

We are unable to return home, uncertain if it would be safe even if we could. Each day, we carry the weight of unanswered phone calls, disrupted communication, and news reports filled with fear. This emotional burden is making it incredibly difficult to concentrate on our academic responsibilities. Deadlines begin to feel meaningless when set against the fear of losing everything and everyone we love. We are overwhelmed, isolated, and forced to navigate both crisis and coursework alone, while financial liabilities mount and the future feels increasingly out of reach.

We respectfully request:

• Access to targeted emergency financial assistance for Iranian students experiencing financial hardship.
• Temporary tuition fee relief or deferral options for students unable to make upcoming payments due to verified banking restrictions or currency barriers.
• Mental health and wellbeing support tailored to Iranian international students experiencing war-related trauma, with culturally competent resources.

This is not a typical international crisis. It is a deep and painful disruption that is already having devastating effects on the lives of students who came to this University with dreams of contributing to a better world. We believe that those dreams should not be extinguished because of a crisis beyond our control.

We urge the University of Melbourne to rise to this moment, to demonstrate its values in action, and to ensure that no student is left behind during this global emergency.

We thank you sincerely for your leadership and compassion, and we place our trust in your willingness to support us in our time of greatest need.

With hope and urgency,
The Iranian Students Society at University of Melbourne
'Affiliated with UMSU and GSA'