University of New South Wales Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students 2026

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney is offering scholarships for asylum seekers and refugee students starting in Term 3, 2026. These scholarships aim to help students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds access higher education in Australia. The program provides financial support for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Applications are open until June 18, 2026.

About UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney is a leading research university in Australia and a member of the Group of Eight. It is known for its academic excellence, research, and commitment to social impact. UNSW is dedicated to educational equity and supporting marginalized communities, including asylum seekers and refugees. The university strives to create pathways to higher education for displaced students.

UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students 2026 Overview

This scholarship program is for eligible students beginning their studies at UNSW in Term 3, 2026. Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single application. The program includes the Sanctuary Scholarship and the HMJ Sassafras Scholarship. More scholarship opportunities may be added later.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarships offer significant financial aid to help students focus on their studies. Benefits include:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

Selected students can receive full tuition fee support for the duration of their degree program. This applies to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Accommodation Support

Successful applicants may get support for on-campus UNSW accommodation. This support can be worth up to AUD $25,000 per year, helping to reduce living costs.

Annual Living Stipend

Students might also receive an annual living stipend. This can be AUD $10,000 or AUD $5,000, depending on the scholarship. The stipend helps cover daily living expenses, study materials, transportation, and food.

Scholarship Options

Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection

This scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 annually, and an annual stipend of either AUD $10,000 or AUD $5,000. Eligible applicants must start an eligible degree in Term 3, 2026 and hold a qualifying humanitarian or protection visa.

HMJ Sassafras Scholarship

This scholarship offers full tuition fees, accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 annually, and an AUD $10,000 annual stipend. It is available to students beginning eligible undergraduate coursework programs.

Eligible Visa Categories

To be eligible, applicants must hold one of the following visa types:

• Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
• Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
• Bridging Visa (with specific documentation)
• Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa (Subclass 786)
• Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 449)

The visa must be valid by the application deadline, and bridging visa holders need documentation from a recognized organization. Applicants must also have Australian study rights.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Asylum Seeker or Refugee Status

Applicants must hold an eligible humanitarian or refugee-related visa.

Offer of Admission

Students must receive an offer of admission to an eligible coursework program at UNSW for Term 3, 2026 by June 18, 2026. Those awaiting admission decisions can still apply, but scholarship offers are conditional on receiving an unconditional offer of admission.

Required Identification Documents

Applicants need to provide one of the following identification documents:

• Passport
• ImmiCard
• Titre de Voyage
• PLO56 (M56)
• Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)

Visa status will be confirmed using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on several factors:

Academic Merit

This includes strong academic performance, motivation for higher education, and potential for success at UNSW.

Commitment to Education

UNSW also looks at a student’s dedication to their studies, educational goals, and their ability to contribute to the university community.

Personal Statement Requirement

Applicants must submit a personal statement, no longer than 500 words. This statement should cover the applicant’s background, educational challenges, obstacles faced as an asylum seeker or refugee, motivation for higher education, and future aspirations. Unsupported claims or incomplete responses will not be considered.

Important Application Dates

Applications opened on April 1, 2026. The deadline for applications is June 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM AEST. Late applications and incomplete documents will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Interested students should:

1. Create an account on the UNSW Scholarship Application Online portal.
2. Complete the UGCE1420 scholarship application form.
3. Upload all required documents.
4. Submit a personal statement.
5. Ensure an admission application to UNSW has been submitted.
6. Submit the scholarship application before the deadline.

Students can apply for UNSW coursework programs through UAC or directly via the UNSW admissions website.

Frequently Asked Questions