This scholarship is dedicated to empowering asylum seekers who have resided in Australia for at least twelve months. It is specifically tailored for those who have not yet pursued any tertiary education in the country and who find themselves facing social and financial challenges. Through this opportunity, we aim to help individuals transform their lives and create brighter futures..
About Western Sydney University
The University of Western Sydney (UWS) began operation on 1st January 1989, under the terms of the University of Western Sydney Act, 1988 which had been passed by the New South Wales Parliament in December 1988. However, the predecessors of the University date back as far as 1891 with the establishment of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. The Act created a federated network university, based on two existing Colleges of Advanced Education – Hawkesbury Agricultural College and Nepean College of Advanced Education.
Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
Western Sydney University in Australia offers scholarship opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate programs at the institution.
Why You Should Apply For The Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
The scholarship may include one or more of the following:
- the relevant course tuition fees, which are not less than the minimum international tuition fees for an undergraduate course;
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF); and
- a bursary amount of up to $2,000 for books and other mandatory course materials.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Citizenship:
- hold one of the Humanitarian visas listed under the Asylum Seeker Scholarships section on the Humanitarian Visa Classes page.
Enrolment:
- new or continuing students
Program/s:
- any undergraduate degree at Western Sydney University or diploma (including Extended Diploma or Foundation Studies) at Western Sydney University The College
Additional:
- Have been born overseas
- Have resided in Australia for at least one year
- Be experiencing financial hardship and able to demonstrate social or other disadvantages.
- Provide a personal statement responding to the below questions:
- Could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your educational background, career aspirations, and what influenced your decision to choose Western?
- How did you overcome obstacles or challenges faced in pursuing education opportunities?
- What contributions can you make as a Western student and scholarship recipient?
- Provide a personal reference relevant to the scholarship application from a referee who has known you for at least 12 months. A referee statement should comment on the following:
- The applicant’s readiness to participate in Higher Education and available support network.
- The applicant’s motivation and a clear commitment to learning and study.
- How has the applicant overcome obstacles or challenges in pursuing education?
- Suitability for a scholarship.
Application Deadline For Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
The deadline for the Scholarships for Asylum Seekers application is November 16, 2025
How To Apply For The Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
Selection will be determined by the Asylum Seeker Scholarship Panel, which will consider the applicant’s referee’s statement, the applicant’s personal statement, their educational documents, or a statutory declaration as to their educational history and financial circumstances, their visa notification letter.
Each year Western offers a limited number of Asylum Seeker Scholarships. Applying and meeting the eligibility criteria will not guarantee an offer of a scholarship.
Preference is given to applicants who do not hold a qualification from an Australian university and applicants who are not enrolled at an Australian university.
For more details, visit Western Sydney University Scholarship webpage
