The UNSW Sydney has officially opened applications for the UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students Commencing Term 3, 2026. These life-changing scholarships are designed to support students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds by providing access to higher education opportunities at one of Australia’s leading universities.
The scholarship program offers a combination of:
- Full tuition fee support
- Accommodation assistance
- Annual living stipends
- Financial support for study-related costs
UNSW aims to remove financial barriers and provide displaced students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate coursework studies in a supportive academic environment.
Applications for the scholarships close on 18 June 2026.
About UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney is one of Australia’s top-ranked universities and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of leading Australian research-intensive universities.
Located in Sydney, UNSW is globally recognized for:
- Academic excellence
- Research innovation
- Social impact initiatives
- International student support
- Inclusive education opportunities
The university is strongly committed to:
- Equity in education
- Supporting marginalized communities
- Expanding access to higher education
- Creating pathways for displaced and vulnerable students
Through these scholarships, UNSW seeks to empower asylum seekers and refugee students to achieve academic success and long-term career opportunities.
Overview of the UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students 2026
The scholarship program supports eligible students commencing their first term of studies at UNSW in Term 3, 2026.
The scholarships available under this application process include:
- Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection
- HMJ Sassafras Scholarship
Applicants only need to submit one application under the UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Commencing Term 3, 2026 (UGCE1420) to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities.
More scholarship opportunities may also be added progressively.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarships provide extensive financial support designed to help students focus on their studies without the burden of major financial stress.
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
Selected students may receive:
- Full tuition fee scholarships for the minimum duration of their degree program
This support applies to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.
2. Accommodation Support
Successful applicants may receive:
- On-campus UNSW accommodation support worth up to AUD $25,000 per year
This benefit significantly reduces living expenses for students relocating for study.
3. Annual Living Stipend
Students may also receive:
- AUD $10,000 annual stipend
- AUD $5,000 annual stipend (depending on scholarship category)
The stipend can help cover:
- Daily living expenses
- Study materials
- Transportation
- Food and personal expenses
Scholarship Options Available
Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection (UGCE1411)
This scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee scholarship
- Accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 annually
- AUD $10,000 or AUD $5,000 annual stipend
Eligible applicants must:
- Commence an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree in Term 3, 2026
- Hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa
HMJ Sassafras Scholarship (UGCE1534)
This scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fee scholarship
- Accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 annually
- AUD $10,000 annual stipend
This scholarship is specifically available to students commencing eligible undergraduate coursework programs.
Eligible Visa Categories
Applicants must hold one of the following visa types:
- Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
- Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)
- Bridging Visa
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa (Subclass 786)
- Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 449)
Important conditions include:
- The visa must be valid by the application deadline
- Bridging visa holders must provide documentation from a recognized organization
- Applicants must have Australian study rights
Additional Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must:
1. Be an Asylum Seeker or Refugee
Applicants must hold an eligible humanitarian or refugee-related visa.
2. Receive an Offer of Admission
Applicants must:
- Receive an offer of admission into an eligible coursework program at UNSW for Term 3, 2026 by 18 June 2026
Students awaiting admission decisions may still apply for the scholarship. However, scholarship offers will only be finalized after an unconditional admission offer has been issued.
Required Identification Documents
Applicants must provide one of the following:
- Passport
- ImmiCard
- Titre de Voyage
- PLO56 (M56)
- Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)
Visa and documentation status will be verified using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on several important factors.
Academic Merit
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Motivation for higher education
- Potential for academic success at UNSW
Commitment to Education
UNSW also evaluates:
- Dedication to studies
- Educational aspirations
- Capacity to contribute positively to the university community
Personal Statement Requirement
Applicants must submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
The statement should explain:
- Individual background and circumstances
- Educational challenges faced
- Obstacles encountered as an asylum seeker or refugee
- Motivation for pursuing higher education
- Future goals and aspirations
UNSW emphasizes that unsupported claims or incomplete responses will not be assessed.
Important Application Dates
Applications Open:
1 April 2026
Application Deadline:
18 June 2026 at 11:59 PM AEST
Late applications and incomplete supporting documents will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Interested students should follow these steps:
- Register an account on the UNSW Scholarship Application Online portal
- Complete the UGCE1420 scholarship application
- Upload required documents
- Submit a personal statement
- Ensure admission application to UNSW has been completed
- Submit the application before the deadline
Applicants can apply to UNSW coursework programs:
- Through UAC
- Directly via apply.unsw.edu.au
Apply, Click Here
Why This Scholarship Matters
Access to higher education remains one of the greatest challenges facing displaced students and refugee communities worldwide.
The UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students demonstrate a strong commitment to:
- Educational inclusion
- Humanitarian support
- Equity and diversity
- Empowerment through education
By covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs, these scholarships provide students with the stability and support needed to focus on academic achievement and future career development.
Why Students Should Apply
This scholarship opportunity offers much more than financial support. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Studying at a globally respected university
- Access to high-quality education
- A supportive and inclusive campus environment
- Opportunities for professional and personal growth
- Long-term career opportunities after graduation
For students rebuilding their educational pathways after displacement or hardship, this scholarship can be a transformative opportunity.
For more information, visit the official website
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