Are you a refugee or asylum seeker hoping to study in Australia without tuition and living expenses? The University of New South Wales Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students Commencing Term 3, 2026 offer a life-changing opportunity to pursue higher education at one of Australia’s leading universities.
The scholarship program at UNSW Sydney is designed to support displaced students through full tuition fee coverage, accommodation support, and annual living stipends. The university aims to remove financial barriers and create equal access to quality education for students from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds.
Applications close on 18 June 2026.
Table of Contents

About UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities and is globally recognized for academic excellence, research innovation, and strong support for international students.
The university is committed to:
- Equity in education
- Inclusive learning opportunities
- Supporting marginalized communities
- Creating pathways for displaced and vulnerable students
Through the University of New South Wales Scholarships, eligible students can access undergraduate and postgraduate coursework studies in a supportive academic environment.
Overview of the University of New South Wales Scholarships 2026
The scholarships are open to students commencing studies at UNSW in Term 3, 2026.
Available scholarship options include:
- Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection
- HMJ Sassafras Scholarship
Applicants only need to complete one application under the UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugees Commencing Term 3, 2026 (UGCE1420) to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
Recipients may receive full tuition fee scholarships for the minimum duration of their eligible degree program.
Accommodation Support
Students may also receive on-campus accommodation assistance worth up to AUD $25,000 per year.
Annual Living Stipend
Depending on the scholarship category, recipients may receive:
- AUD $10,000 annual stipend
- AUD $5,000 annual stipend
The stipend can help cover study materials, transportation, food, and daily living expenses.
Scholarship Categories
Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection
This scholarship provides:
- 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 undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree in Term 3, 2026 and hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa.
HMJ Sassafras Scholarship
This scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee scholarship
- Accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 annually
- AUD $10,000 annual stipend
The scholarship is 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)
Applicants must also have valid Australian study rights before the application deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the University of New South Wales Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an asylum seeker or refugee
- Hold an eligible humanitarian or refugee-related visa
- Receive an admission offer into an eligible UNSW coursework program for Term 3, 2026 by 18 June 2026
Applicants awaiting admission decisions may still apply for the scholarship.
Required identification documents include:
- Passport
- ImmiCard
- Titre de Voyage
- PLO56 (M56)
- Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Commitment to education
- Educational aspirations
- Motivation for higher education
- Potential contribution to the university community
Applicants must also submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words explaining their background, educational challenges, future goals, and motivation for pursuing higher education.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 1 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 18 June 2026 at 11:59 PM AEST
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Register on the UNSW Scholarship Application Online portal
- Complete the UGCE1420 scholarship application
- Upload required documents
- Submit a personal statement
- Complete admission application to UNSW
- Submit before the deadline
Apply, Click Here
For more information, visit the official website
Students can apply for UNSW coursework programs through UAC or directly via apply.unsw.edu.au.
Conclusion
The University of New South Wales Scholarships 2026 provide an incredible opportunity for refugee and asylum seeker students to study in Australia with substantial financial support. By covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, UNSW Sydney continues to demonstrate its commitment to educational inclusion, diversity, and humanitarian support.
Join our WhatSapp Channel or go to our social media page or our scholarship page for more opportunities




