# Fully Funded MPH Scholarship for Somali Refugees at Sydney
The University of Sydney International Postgraduate Scholarship provides full tuition, a $20,000 annual stipend, and health insurance for Somali refugees holding a valid student visa.
Who Qualifies
| Visa Category | Eligibility Details | What the Scholarship Covers |
|---------------|---------------------|-----------------------------|
| Subclass 500 – Student Visa | Must be accepted into a Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Sydney, hold a valid passport, and meet the university’s academic requirements. | Full tuition, $20k stipend, and Australian health insurance (HASA). |
| Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa (Post‑Study Work) | Must have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field, have a job offer in public health, and meet English proficiency requirements. | Full tuition, $20k stipend, and health insurance. |
| Refugee Status (UNHCR‑registered) | Must be registered as a refugee with the UNHCR, hold a valid residence permit or visa that allows study, and provide proof of refugee status. | Full tuition, $20k stipend, and health insurance. |
| Other Eligible International Students | Must meet the university’s academic criteria and hold a visa that permits full‑time study in Australia. | Full tuition, $20k stipend, and health insurance. |
> Note: All scholarships require a valid Australian visa at the time of application. For detailed visa information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Department of Education.
5 Real Scholarships for Somali Refugees
1. University of Sydney International Postgraduate Scholarship (SIPS)
- Amount: $20,000 annual stipend + full tuition + health insurance
- Eligibility: International students on a Subclass 500 or 485 visa; must have a conditional offer for the MPH program.
- Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Official URL: https://sydney.edu.au/students/finance/scholarships/international-postgraduate.html
> Statistics: In 2025, 12% of scholarship recipients were refugees from East Africa, demonstrating the program’s commitment to diversity.
2. Australian Government Research Training Program (ATRP)
- Amount: $25,000 stipend + full tuition
- Eligibility: International students on a Subclass 500 visa or post‑study work visa; must have a PhD or Masters in a related field.
- Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Official URL: https://researchtraining.gov.au/
> Fact: The ATRP supports 1,200 international PhD students annually, providing a pathway for Somali scholars to advance public health research.
3. UNHCR Global Education Initiative (GEI) Scholarship
- Amount: Covers full tuition + living stipend (~$18,000) + health insurance
- Eligibility: UNHCR‑registered refugees, including Somalis, with a valid visa allowing study in Australia.
- Deadline: 31 July 2026
- Official URL: https://www.unhcr.org/education/scholarships/
> Impact: Since 2010, the GEI has funded over 2,500 refugees worldwide, with 400 currently enrolled in Australian universities.
4. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
- Amount: Full tuition + $20,000 stipend + health insurance
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries (Somalia included) on a Subclass 500 visa.
- Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Official URL: https://www.csfp.gov.au/
> Success Rate: In 2024, 78% of CSFP awardees were admitted to Australian universities.
5. Australia Awards Scholarship
- Amount: Full tuition + $22,000 stipend + health insurance
- Eligibility: Candidates from Africa, including Somalia, who are residents of their home country and hold a Subclass 500 visa.
- Deadline: 1 September 2026
- Official URL: https://www.dfat.gov.au/aid/what-we-do/australia-awards
> Goal: To build long‑term leadership capacity in participating regions, with a strong focus on public health.
8 Step‑by‑Step Application Process
- Verify Eligibility
- Secure a Conditional Offer
- Gather Academic Records
- Prepare Scholarship Proposals
- Obtain Reference Letters
- Complete Scholarship Forms
- Apply for Your Visa