Applications are now open for the UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students Commencing Term 3, 2026 at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia.
These life-changing scholarships are designed to support students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds by removing financial barriers to higher education. Successful applicants may receive full tuition fee coverage, accommodation support worth up to AUD $25,000 per year, and annual living stipends to help them focus on their studies and future careers.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Institution: University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Coursework Programs
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Australia
- Benefits: Full Tuition, Accommodation Support, Living Stipend
- Application Opens: April 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 18, 2026 (11:59 PM AEST)
- Study Commencement: Term 3, 2026
About UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney is one of Australia’s leading universities and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of top research-intensive universities in Australia.
The university is globally recognized for academic excellence, innovation, social impact, and its commitment to educational equity. Through these scholarships, UNSW aims to provide displaced students with access to world-class education and long-term career opportunities.
Scholarships Available
Applicants who submit one application under UGCE1420 – UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Commencing Term 3, 2026 will automatically be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities, including:
1. Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection (UGCE1411)
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee scholarship for the minimum duration of the degree
- On-campus UNSW accommodation support worth up to AUD $25,000 per year
- Annual stipend of AUD $10,000 or AUD $5,000 depending on the award category
Available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.
2. HMJ Sassafras Scholarship (UGCE1534)
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee scholarship
- Accommodation support worth up to AUD $25,000 annually
- AUD $10,000 annual living stipend
This scholarship is available to students commencing eligible undergraduate coursework programs.
Financial Benefits
Selected students may receive:
Explore more opportunities like this
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship pays full tuition fees for the minimum duration of the approved degree program. This support applies to eligible coursework programs at UNSW.
Accommodation Support
Recipients may receive on-campus accommodation assistance valued at up to:
AUD $25,000 per year
This significantly reduces housing expenses while studying in Sydney.
Annual Living Stipend
Depending on the scholarship category, students may receive:
- AUD $10,000 per year
- AUD $5,000 per year
The stipend can be used to cover:
- Food and personal expenses
- Transportation
- Study materials
- Other educational costs
Eligible Visa Categories
Applicants must hold one of the following visas:
- 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)
The visa must be valid by the application deadline.
Bridging visa holders must provide documentation from a recognized organization confirming their visa status and Australian study rights.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an asylum seeker or refugee holding an eligible visa.
- Receive an offer of admission into an eligible UNSW coursework program for Term 3, 2026.
- Commence their first term of study at UNSW in Term 3, 2026.
- Meet all admission requirements for their chosen program.
Students awaiting admission decisions may still apply; however, scholarship offers will only be finalized after an unconditional admission offer is issued.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Passport
- ImmiCard
- Titre de Voyage
- PLO56 (M56)
- Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)
- Visa documentation
- Admission offer documents
- Supporting eligibility evidence
UNSW will verify visa status through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Personal Statement Requirement
Applicants must submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words explaining:
- Their personal background
- Educational journey
- Challenges faced as an asylum seeker or refugee
- Motivation for pursuing higher education
- Future academic and career goals
Strong, authentic responses are encouraged as the statement forms an important part of the assessment process.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Educational aspirations
- Commitment to higher education
- Motivation to succeed
- Potential contribution to the university community
- Quality of the personal statement submitted
UNSW seeks students who demonstrate resilience, determination, and a commitment to achieving their educational goals despite significant challenges.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Create an account on the UNSW Scholarship Application Online Portal.
- Complete the UGCE1420 Scholarship Application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the personal statement.
- Ensure their admission application to UNSW has also been submitted.
- Complete the scholarship application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
June 18, 2026 (11:59 PM AEST)
Late applications and incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Conclusion
The UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students 2026 represent one of Australia’s most generous educational support programs for displaced students. With full tuition coverage, accommodation support worth up to AUD $25,000 annually, and living stipends of up to AUD $10,000 per year, the scholarship provides recipients with the financial stability needed to pursue higher education at one of Australia’s top universities.
Eligible students are encouraged to apply early and prepare a strong personal statement to maximize their chances of selection.
