Yes β refugee students in Australia can access fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Eligibility depends on your visa status and which university or government body administers the award. This guide covers the top verified awards open to refugees and asylum seekers in 2026, with deadlines and application steps.
Who qualifies for Australian refugee scholarships?
You may qualify if you fall into one of these categories:
- Protection visa holder β you have been granted a temporary or permanent protection visa by the Australian government
- Asylum seeker β your protection visa application is pending with the Department of Home Affairs
- Humanitarian visa holder β you hold a visa under Australia's Humanitarian Programme (subclasses 200, 201, 202, 203, 204)
- Bridging visa holder β you are awaiting a visa decision and are currently on a bridging visa
- Refugee resettled in Australia β you arrived through the UNHCR referral process
> Important: Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules. Always check the specific requirements before applying β some require you to already be enrolled at an Australian university, while others accept applications from offshore.
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Top Fully Funded Australian Scholarships for Refugees in 2026
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition fees + living allowance + return airfare + health insurance
Who can apply: Citizens of eligible developing countries, including refugees referred through UNHCR
Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Deadline: 30 April 2027 (for 2028 intake)
Official link: australiaawards.gov.au
Australia Awards is the Australian government's flagship international scholarship programme. It is one of the most comprehensive fully funded awards available, covering every major cost of study.
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2. Refugee Education Scholarship (RES)
Coverage: $10,000 per year for up to three years
Who can apply: Refugees and asylum seekers currently living in Australia
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline: 15 August 2026
Note: Must be enrolled or applying to an Australian university
This award is specifically designed for displaced students already living in Australia who cannot access standard government student loans (HECS-HELP) due to their visa status.
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3. Humanitarian Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver + $20,000 per year stipend
Who can apply: Students holding humanitarian or protection visas
Study level: Postgraduate
Deadline: 31 October 2026
This award targets postgraduate students and is one of the highest-value stipend awards available to humanitarian visa holders in Australia.
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4. University of Melbourne β Refugee Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver + $30,000 per year stipend
Who can apply: Refugees and asylum seekers accepted into a University of Melbourne programme
Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Deadline: 30 November 2026
Official link: unimelb.edu.au/scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers one of the most generous refugee-specific awards in the country. The $30,000 annual stipend covers accommodation, food, and daily living costs comfortably.
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5. Australian Catholic University β Refugee Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver + $25,000 per year stipend
Who can apply: Asylum seekers and refugees enrolled at ACU
Study level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Deadline: 15 December 2026
Official link: acu.edu.au/scholarships
ACU has a dedicated refugee support programme with wraparound services including academic mentoring, counselling, and community support alongside the financial award.
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Step-by-step application process
Step 1: Confirm your visa status
Check which category you fall under β protection visa, bridging visa, or humanitarian visa. This determines which scholarships you are eligible for.
Step 2: Choose your course and university
Search for courses you want to study and shortlist universities that offer refugee-specific scholarships. Many awards require you to have an offer of admission first.
Step 3: Apply to your chosen university
Submit your application directly to the university. Include a note that you are applying as a refugee or asylum seeker β most universities have a dedicated admissions pathway.
Step 4: Find the scholarship application form
Once you have an offer, go to the university's scholarships page and search for refugee or humanitarian awards. Each has its own separate application form.
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Gather everything before deadlines hit β most scholarships close months before the academic year starts.
Step 6: Write your personal statement
Be honest about your background and journey. Scholarship panels look for academic potential, resilience, and a clear plan for what you will do after your studies.
Step 7: Submit and follow up
Submit before the deadline and keep a copy of everything. Follow up with the scholarships office if you have not heard back within six weeks.
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Documents checklist
Prepare these documents before you apply:
- [ ] Protection visa, bridging visa, or proof of your asylum application
- [ ] Passport or travel document
- [ ] Academic transcripts from previous study
- [ ] English language test results β IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE (check if required for your scholarship)
- [ ] Personal statement β explain your background, goals, and why you need this award
- [ ] Two reference letters β from a teacher, community leader, or support worker
- [ ] Proof of financial need (some scholarships require this)
- [ ] University offer letter (required by most scholarship applications)
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Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for multiple Australian scholarships at the same time?
Yes. You can apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for simultaneously. However, if you are awarded more than one, you will typically need to choose one β most scholarships cannot be combined.
Do I need an English language test to apply?
It depends on the scholarship and institution. Some universities waive the English test requirement for refugee applicants who have completed secondary schooling in English. Check each scholarship's specific requirements.
Can I apply if my protection visa application is still pending?
Yes. Several scholarships β including the Refugee Education Scholarship β accept applications from asylum seekers whose cases are still being processed. You will need to provide proof of your pending application.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Most refugee-specific university scholarships require you to already be in Australia. The Australia Awards Scholarships is the main option for applicants based outside the country.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Processing times vary widely β from six weeks to six months depending on the scholarship. Apply as early as possible and do not wait until the deadline.
What if I am not selected?
You can reapply in the next round. Ask the scholarships office for feedback on your application. Consider applying to additional universities that offer similar awards β over 40 Australian universities have some form of refugee scholarship or hardship fund.
Can I work while on a refugee scholarship?
Yes. Most protection and humanitarian visa holders in Australia have the right to work. Scholarship conditions vary β some have restrictions on paid employment, so check the terms of your specific award.
Is there support beyond the scholarship funding?
Yes. Universities like ACU and Melbourne offer wraparound support including academic mentoring, mental health counselling, housing assistance, and peer support networks specifically for refugee students.
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Additional resources
- Study Australia β official guide to studying in Australia as an international student: studyaustralia.gov.au
- Refugee Council of Australia β support and advocacy for refugees: refugeecouncil.org.au
- UNHCR Australia β information on protection visas and resettlement: unhcr.org/au
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Bookmark this page β deadlines and new awards are updated throughout 2026. Share this guide with someone who needs it.
Related Guides
- Australia scholarships for migrants
- Australia Awards
- scholarships for refugees
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026