Study and settle in Australia.

Overview 

The Australian government has green lit the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP), a new pilot program allowing refugee students to migrate to Australia to take up tertiary education opportunities in 2025. Skill Path Australia will be managing the selection of 20 refugee students (18-30) based in Malaysia, Thailand and India.

Students may undertake a mix of undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational qualifications in fields such as nursing, civil engineering, technology, business and economics. In addition to receiving tertiary education, students will be supported by a local campus support group to assist them with settlement and integration. Students will arrive in Australia on permanent humanitarian visas, enabling them to build a new life and career in Australia.

A coalition of Australian universities, the Australian Refugee Welcome University Sponsorship Consortium (ARWUSC), chaired by the Australian National University (ANU), together with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) have been instrumental in advocating for and establishing this program.  

Implementation of the pilot is being coordinated by Skill Path Australia, Refugee Education Australia and CRSA, together with participating universities and supporting organisations.

FAQs

Do I need to be registered with UNHCR to access the program?

Yes. You must be registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, India or Thailand to be eligible for the program. An application to be registered is not sufficient - you must have proof of registration or be confirmed by UNHCR as registered to access the program.

Do I need to have recognised refugee status to access this program?

This program is open to refugees, stateless people and other forcibly displaced people who are living outside of their country of origin. To access this year's intake you must be registered with the UNHCR, but you do not need to have been through a formal Refugee Status Determination process.

What if I am not registered with UNHCR?

The 2025 RSSP intake is a pilot program and is only available to students who are registered with UNHCR and living in Malaysia, India or Thailand. This is due to the short timeframes we have to implement the pilot, and the need to streamline for efficiency. We will review this in future if the pilot is expanded.

I have contacted UNHCR to request registration and I have an enquiry number, but they have not yet confirmed that I am registered. Am I eligible?

No. You must be registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, India or Thailand to be eligible for the program. An application to be registered is not sufficient - you must have proof of registration or be confirmed by UNHCR as registered to access the program.

Why is the RSSP only available to refugees in Malaysia, India and Thailand?

The RSSP is a very small pilot program. It is the first of its kind in Australia, and we need time to work out how best to implement this program before we expand to other countries. We will announce on this website if/when we are able to expand the country list.

Can I just move to Malaysia, India and Thailand to access the program?

No. You must be already registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, India or Thailand to be eligible for this pilot program. Please do not attempt to relocate for this small pilot - there are only 20 places and there is no chance you would be eligible if you do so. In future we aim to expand the program to other countries.

I’m not between the ages of 18-30. Can I still apply?

You may apply if you will be between the ages of 18-30 at the date of application. The RSSP is specifically designed for youth. As there are limited places, we are unable to extend the age range for this intake.

What documents do I need to apply?

To complete your application you will need to upload a number of documents at the end of the form. These include:

• Proof of your UNHCR registration.

• Your Secondary School transcript (in its original language and an English translation) or if applicable, your university degree certificate and results (in original language and an English translation).

• Proof of your English language ability, via a valid test. (We will send you a free Duolingo test if you have not done one already, if you are eligible.)

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Can I apply as an undergraduate or postgraduate student?

There are two RSSP streams you can apply for:

1. Undergraduate stream: For students who have completed Secondary School (Year 11 and 12) or an equivalent program (such as the GED) and have their graduation certificate and results. This stream is also available to students who are currently part way through an undergraduate course of study.

2. Postgraduate stream: For students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree and have their degree certificates and transcripts available. This stream is also available to students who are part way through a postgraduate course of study.

Can I participate in the program if I have already completed a Masters or PhD?

No. Unfortunately we are not accepting students who have already completed a postgraduate degree with the RSSP. The program is designed for students who have not yet been able to complete postgraduate studies. We encourage individuals who have already completed postgraduate studies to consider labour mobility pathway options (see Talent Beyond Boundaries).

Can I apply to study a course that is not listed in the priority learning areas?

Yes! The priority learning areas are all areas that are in high demand in Australia, and therefore we would like to include students that are interested in these areas in the cohort. However, this is not an exhaustive list - and we welcome applications from students outside these areas. If you are interested in political science, law,  philosophy, psychology or any other field - you are welcome to apply. Please just make it clear in your motivation letter why you want to study in this field. 

What universities are involved?

The RSSP is the result of advocacy from the Australian Refugee Welcome University Sponsorship Consortium (ARWUSC). The ARWUSC consists of 16 Australian member universities, chaired by the Australian National University. Here is a full list of the participating universities:  

1.   Australian National University

2.     Charles Darwin University

3.     Charles Sturt University

4.     Curtin University

5.     Deakin University

6.     Griffith University

7.     Monash University

8.     University of Canberra

9. University of New South Wales

10.     The University of Melbourne

11.     University of South Australia

12.     University of Tasmania

13.     University of Technology Sydney

14.     The University of Queensland

15.     Western Sydney University

16.     Victoria University

How do I apply?

Apply here: https://skillpath.fillout.com/RSSP

Refer to the RSSP Application Guide to help you fill out the application.

• You must have a valid email address to access the application form.

• You can complete the form in multiple sittings

• After submitting the form you will be emailed a link which you can use to update/edit the form before the deadline.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for the 2025 intake of the RSSP is 5.00pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time, 29th December 2024.

When will I find out if I have been shortlisted?

We will update students on the progress of their applications by the end of January 2025.

If I am shortlisted for the RSSP, will I be able to select my institution and course of study?

 If you are shortlisted, we will arrange an interview with you to discuss your suitability for the program, and your preferred course of study and options that may be available.  Depending on the outcome of this interview, you may be put forward to a university for selection. Once the university makes a decision, we will notify you and you will have a chance to accept or reject the offer.

What if I have not yet completed Secondary School?

The RSSP is currently only open to students who have completed secondary school education (Year 11 and 12), or an internationally recognised equivalent.

What programs are considered equivalent to a Secondary School qualification?

This will depend in the specific policies of each university.

Students who have completed the following courses may apply for the RSSP:

• Year 11 and 12 at a government regulated Secondary School.

• International Baccalaureate.

• A Levels.

• SACE Internationals (South Australian Certificate of Education), formerly SAM (South Australian Matriculation).

• General Equivalency Diploma tests (GED).

• Year 10 or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), followed by another internationally recognised university preparation course.

• Commencement and completion of some credits towards an undergraduate course (if you were previously admitted to university this can stand as an equivalent to year 12).

Depending on the Secondary School course you have completed, if you are successful you may need to complete additional pre-university foundation studies prior to beginning your university course.

Please submit all documentation relating to all courses that make up your Secondary School qualification in your application.

What if I have completed Secondary School but I don’t have documentation?

If you completed secondary school but did not obtain a final grade, please explain this in the application form and upload your graduation certificate and any further supporting material (such as a letter from a teacher or academic mentor).

What if I don’t have documents proving my Secondary School graduation or university studies completed?

Unfortunately we are only able to accept students who have documentation proving completion of their secondary school and/or proof of undergraduate university study. In future years we aim to accommodate students who are unable to obtain these documents. 

Can I start my application and finish it later?

Yes. When you close or exit the form, we save your progress so you can return to your partially answered form later on. Simply return to the same link you used to fill out the form initially. Upon reopening the form, you will see a pop-up, where you can choose to “Continue” filling out the rest of the form. If you would like to start again with a new form, select “Start again”. 

Please ensure you complete editing your form by the submission deadline (5pm AEDT on 29th December). No further edits will be possible after that time.

How do I prove my English language ability? 

To apply to the RSSP you need to show proof of your English level. 

This happens in two stages: 

1. When you submit your application form you must upload your English scores via one of the following recognised tests: 

• Duolingo English Test

• IELTS

• British Council Aptis Test

• TOEFL

• PET

• OET

Online “at home” tests are accepted at this stage of the application process.

2. If you are shortlisted for the program, you may be required to conduct an official “in person” test in order to be admitted into the relevant Australian tertiary institution. We will assist you if this is required.

How do I know if my English score is good enough?

The level of English proficiency will depend on the course of study you wish to pursue. If you are shortlisted to proceed we will confirm the exact English level you will require for the course you wish to pursue. This table here is a guide only to help you prepare. We encourage you to keep practicing English while you go through the application process, as you can significnatly improve your level in this time.

Talent Beyond Boundaries has compiled this handy list of English language resources which you can use to help you improve your levels.

Can I access an English test for free?

If you have not already sat an English test, Duolingo will provide you with one for free. You can request this in your application form when you get to the “English language” section, if you are eligible. A test voucher code will be sent to you via email. Further instructions here in the RSSP Application Guide.

Do I still need to sit an English test if I have proof that I have already been studying in English?

If you have studied at an undergraduate or postgraduate level for 2 years or more completely in English, you may upload your results from these courses in lieu of an English test. Just upload any document that confirms the course was taught entirely in English, and showing your results (we are particularly to see results in any English courses, if you have done these). If your results do not give a good impression of your English abilities, we recommend you select the "I have not taken a test" option and request a test through Duolingo so you can showcase your abilities.

What do I do if I do not meet the English language requirement?

 That’s ok! English takes time to learn, but you will get there. Just keep studying and try again in a future RSSP intake round.

 Talent Beyond Boundaries has compiled this handy list of English language resources.

Do I need a passport to apply for the RSSP?

No. The program is designed for the needs of refugees and does not require a passport to apply. If you are shortlisted, we will work with you to gather necessary documentation to prove your identity and obtain a travel document, if you do not have one already.

Will I have to pay any fees to apply for the RSSP?

No. If you are successful in being admitted to the program, you will be treated as a domestic student. You will have to cover some of your tuition fees, depending on your course of study, but these fees will be covered fully through a government-assisted loan program called the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).

If I am successful, what visa would I come to Australia on?

If you are successful, you will be proposed by Skill Path Australia for a Special Humanitarian Program 202 visa – a permanent humanitarian visa to Australia. 

If approved, this visa would allow you to study, work and move around freely in Australia. This visa also provides access to a range of free services such as Medicare (free healthcare), and allows you to propose family members to join you later. More information here.

If I am successful, is approval of the Special Humanitarian Program visa guaranteed?

No. The Australian government determines who is approved for Special Humanitarian Program visas. We will work with you to ensure your visa application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria. It is imperative that you answer all visa application questions honestly, as any dishonesty will lead to visa rejection.

Can I bring family members with me?

The RSSP is designed for students to travel on their own. This enables students to focus on their studies, as is the case with other international scholarship programs. There are options available to scholars to bring their family later once settled, or to visit family outside Australia, depending on particular family circumstances.

Can I sponsor my family members to relocate to Australia once I am settled?

You may be able to propose family members for a humanitarian visa, once you are settled in Australia. Dependant family members (husband/wife/spouse and children) are prioritised for humanitarian visas. Extended family, including parents, are lower priority and would depend on availability in Australia’s humanitarian program. There is no guarantee when or whether your family members would be granted a humanitarian visa.

Will I be able to travel back to my country of asylum once I move to Australia?

There is no restriction on leaving Australia, however you would need a valid travel document to do so. Your ability to visit family in Malaysia/Thailand/India would depend on whether they would grant you re-entry. Please note that in order to obtain Australian citizenship you would need to prove residency in Australia for a significant amount of time.

If I am successful, do I have to pay for my own flights or any other costs?

We are recruiting campus welcome groups – groups of volunteers at your university who will help to fundraise to support you to cover the costs of flights and other related travel costs. We are also exploring loan options to cover any expenses that campus welcome group are not able to cover. You may need to cover some related travel costs (such as travel to airport, cost of a bag to take to Australia etc).

If I am successful, what supports will be provided through the program?

Skill Path Australia will manage your application and be a point of contact for you until you land in Australia. Skill Path will propose you for your visa and coordinate travel arrangements with you. Skill Path is arranging pro bono legal advice to support visa application through the program.

Once you land in Australia, you will also be matched with a campus welcome group at your university, consisting of students and staff volunteers. The campus welcome group will:

·  Cover the cost of your flights to Australia

·  Collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation

·  Help you with initial orientation tasks and getting to know your new location

·  Include you to social activities

·  Provide you with some funds for essential things like food

In addition, your host university will provide:

·  Advice on finding suitable accommodation

·  Academic readiness support before you start your course (such as English language preparation courses)

·  Emergency assistance, if you require it

You will be responsible for covering your living expenses while in Australia. Skill Path Australia is exploring student loan options to assist students to cover the costs of living expenses, including accommodation, if this is required. The Australian government also provides some financial support to students living in Australia to assist with living expenses.

If I am successful, will I be allowed to work part-time while studying?

Yes. You are able to undertake part-time work while you are studying as a way of assisting with expenses that aren’t covered by the support provided.

I have a health condition. Will this impact my eligibility for a visa?

 Most health conditions do not impact your chances of being approved for a Special Humanitarian Program visa. However, you must disclose any medical information. Please note – you will be required to conduct a medical check with an approved doctor before being granted this visa. It is therefore imperative that you disclose any known medical conditions honestly. 

I’ve been rejected for an Australian visa before. Will this impact my visa application?

This is unlikely to impact your visa application. However, it is absolutely critical that you are honest about a previous visa rejection in your application. Any dishonesty is likely to result in a negative decision on your visa application this time. If you have been previously rejected for an Australian visa, the government will know this – so honesty is absolutely the best policy.

If I am successful, where will I live in Australia?

This depends on the course of study and university that will be hosting you. For your first year of study, the university will cover your accommodation. This will likely be a mix of on-campus accommodation and home-stay accommodation.