A week of welcome for refugee students in Sydney
Refugee Student Settlement Pathway students at Welcome Forum hosted by University of Technology Sydney. L-R from top: Khulud (Deakin), Beheshta (University of Queensland), Steven (Australian National University), Habib (Western Sydney University), Sandra (Deakin), Carmen Ghaly (Settlement Services International, presented on settlement in Australia), Majid (Curtin), Umar (Deakin), Ayat (Curtin), Professor Jaya Dantas (Dean International, Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University), Osama (University of Melbourne), Husna (University of Melbourne), Sumaia (University of Sydney), Sally Baker (Skill Path), Jasmine (University of Sydney), Alina (University of Technology Sydney), Dar Dar (University of Melbourne, Trinity College), Steph Cousins (Skill Path), Uaeisa (Deakin) and Elma (University of Queensland). 3 February 2026.
Last week we welcomed the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) Class of 2026 with our first in-person Welcome Forum at University of Technology Sydney.
Exactly one year ago, 20 smart and determined students joined an online call from Malaysia, India and Thailand. At the time, their living situations were temporary and uncertain. That day, they learned they had earned a place in the very first Refugee Student Settlement Pathway - enabling them to settle in Australia and study at one of our world-leading universities.
Fast forward to this week, and those same students came together at the University of Technology Sydney for a Welcome Forum focused on orientation, learning and serious team bonding. For many, it was their first time meeting in person. For all, it marked the start of a new chapter.
A diverse cohort, finally free to learn
The Class of 2026 comes from a wide range of backgrounds and is studying across disciplines including computer science, health sciences, engineering, biotechnology, education and business. Over the past few months, students have travelled to Australia from Malaysia, India and Thailand. They come originally from countries including Afghanistan, Somalia, Myanmar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen, and include young people who have been denied citizenship and are stateless, including three Rohingya students.
What unites them is a shared determination to learn and grow and, for the first time in their lives, the freedom to do so without structural barriers.
Why we came together in Sydney
Students in this cohort are now living and studying across different states and territories. The Welcome Forum in Sydney brought everyone together for a shared orientation to life in Australia and to build a sense of belonging from the outset. As the inaugural cohort of the program, these students form its vanguard, and we are working closely with them to shape and strengthen future iterations of the pathway.
The forum provided a practical orientation to life in Australia. Sessions focused on settlement essentials, navigating key systems and services, and understanding where to seek support when challenges arise. Meeting service providers, university representatives and volunteers in person helped demystify processes that can otherwise feel complex and isolating. A highlight was also learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture through an Aboriginal guided bush tucker tour at the Botanical Gardens in Sydney.
Equally important was creating space for connection. Many students arrived in Australia only days earlier, often after long periods of uncertainty. Spending time together in Sydney helped establish a sense of belonging and mutual support that will carry forward as students transition into their studies and new communities across the country.
University partners leading the way
We are deeply grateful to the University of Technology Sydney and in particular, Sonal Singh (Head of Equity Pathways), for sponsoring this inaugural Welcome Forum and providing our meeting facilities, catering and accommodation for the students during their time in Sydney. We were also grateful to have representatives from Deakin University, The University of Queensland and Curtin University in attendance to welcome students in person and share learnings.
Together with our other partner universities, the University of Melbourne, Western Sydney University, University of Sydney and the Australian National University, these pioneering institutions are helping to build a system where refugee students can not only access higher education, but choose fields aligned with their aspirations.
Practical settlement support
A key focus of the Welcome Forum was practical settlement support. Experts and partner organisations shared knowledge on topics ranging from water safety and managing money, to understanding Centrelink, navigating family separation, and caring for mental health.
We thank all who contributed their time and expertise, including Glow Up Careers, Services Australia, Spark Finance, STARTTS, SSI, Refugee Advice & Casework Service, Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia and headspace.
We were also grateful to members of our Sydney-based Student Welcome Groups who shared their experiences of volunteering in the program and ideas for strengthening it for future cohorts.
So many beautiful moments
For the participating students, this trip to Sydney represented many firsts. First time meeting together as a group, first time seeing the Sydney Harbour, first time learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, first time trying new cuisines, and for some students, the first time setting foot on a beach. Many new friendships were formed.
The photos from our time in Sydney capture moments we will carry with us for a long time to come.
Next intake coming…
We will open up for new applications for the RSSP on 16 February 2026. The next intake will be for student who will begin their studies in Australia in Semester 1, 2027.
