Refugee Support

Philanthropic Opportunities for Humanitarian Visa Holders
Higher education is a critical pathway for humanitarian migrants to integrate into society. Contextually we have seen that these students generally come from large families who have been their only constant across significant disruption, and that they often study with a sibling for support. In the student experiences included you will note that there is a pattern of elder siblings making way for younger siblings to pursue their study goals – often by contributing financially to either their sibling directly or to the family’s financial stability. This suggests that provision of support to one student can free up resources within the family to allow other members to pursue their own studies or let students focus on studies rather than working long hours.

General challenges

  • Access to a suitable device and adequate internet for independent study
  • Access to suitable environment to study – often share room with multiple sibling (large families in 2-3 bedroom residences), inadequate heating/cooling
  • Cost of transport – regional campuses are outside of town confines, bus services are time-consuming, expensive and sporadic
  • IELTS requirement – unless students have undertaken 6 uninterrupted years of English language education, they are required to complete IELTS at a designated level for undergraduate entry. This examination needs to be sat in person in a major centre (Melbourne/Sydney) at a cost of approximately $500 for exam plus transport to city.
  • Relocation expenses from home to campus of course delivery (not all courses available on all campuses)
  • Accommodation/living expenses

Scholarship Opportunities
We offer named scholarship opportunities to provide multi-faceted support to address challenges such as:

  • costs associated with living on-campus, relocation and travel to see  family
  • access to device, internet and study environment
  • IELTS tests
  • relieving financial burden on family
  • access to transport

Students in Need

Here are some examples of the lived experience of some of our humanitarian students:

All experiences are actual students enrolled in our courses in the last 2 years. All students have been enrolled on the Albury campus. All have originated from Democratic Republic of Congo and have refugee status.

Names have been changed for privacy.

Case Studies

STUDENT 1: Desiree
Desiree is an 18-year-old student from DRC, aspiring to complete Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine. She entered directly into the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation (UCUP) – a fee-structured AQF5 course that provides guaranteed entry to over 30 undergraduate degrees. Her eldest sister gained full-time cleaning employment to assist Desiree in accessing resources required for study. Desiree completed (UCUP) successfully while also working to contribute to her family’s financial stability.
Desiree relocated to Orange, NSW to undertake the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science as an initial requirement of entry to the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine. She recently achieved the required English Proficiency level in the IELTS on her fourth attempt and is gaining excellent results in her studies. She has indicated that it was very hard being away from family this year – she could not afford public transport to Wodonga to see them all year, nor could they afford to travel to see her. She is waiting for an outcome on her application to Medicine with determination to pursue all avenues - including entering a Bachelor of Nursing to start gaining experience in patient care and hospital work.

STUDENT 2: Ishmael
Ishmael, the youngest of 5 brothers, entered the non-award Access Charles Sturt Entry course at the age of 17 and progressed successfully through the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation working part-time. Ishmael and his elder brother, Joseph, experienced difficulties in studying in a crowded house while sharing a device, adjusting to extreme temperatures and working long hours contribute to family stability.
Ishmael aspired to B. Nursing, but this requires a higher IELTS (score of 7). Concerned about the cost (financial impost on family) of this (especially if he did not achieve the score on first attempt) he accepted and offer into the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science. He has done exceptionally well in his first semester of study.

STUDENT 3: Joshua
Joshua entered the Access Charles Sturt Entry course with his younger brother (Ishmael) and elder brother (Daniel). Daniel left study to work full time to support the family, while Joshua attempted to balance full-time study with the introduction of full-time work part-way through the Undergraduate Certificate. Joshua successfully completed the Undergraduate Certificate with the intent to enter the Bachelor of Policing and Public Safety.
Joshua is academically capable and ambitious but has not yet entered a bachelor degree due to financial constraints.

STUDENT 4: Thalia
Thalia is one of 6 sisters, (one still in the DRC). Thalia wants to study medicine and one day return to DRC to deliver much-needed medical care. She commenced study in the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation with her youngest sister and was successful in receiving an offer into the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science. We were able to secure some funding for Thalia and her sister to buy a laptop for learning. Without this they would have been unable to continue.
Thalia has been working in two jobs to support her family here and abroad while studying. Because of this, despite her ability, she is not progressing successfully. Her younger sister Layla is continuing to engage successfully in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science.
Thalia and her sister have been very financially stressed by the IELTS requirement.

If you  would like to discuss ways you can help make a positive difference  to our  refugee communities please  contact us

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