Meet Husna

"My dad would always say that education is the best investment you can make in yourself. I truly believe that."

That’s how Husna describes the importance of education. She arrived in Australia through the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) and is now studying a Master of Information Systems at the University of Melbourne. In this short film by Ahmad Ibrahami, she shares her story.

Husna is originally from Afghanistan and was living as a refugee in India before she came to Australia.

Education has always mattered in her family. When she first heard about the RSSP, it sounded too good to be true. "This is like all my dreams come true."

Now Husna is focused on how information technology can open up opportunities for marginalised communities, whether that's refugees or Afghan women.

She describes Australia as a welcoming, multicultural place where everyone can find a place, herself included, and that gives her hope for her own future and for other refugees building their lives here.

Her advice to refugee students thinking about applying for the RSSP is simple: go for it. "It's better to just apply and see your chances, because you never know what will happen."

Asked to describe the program in one word, Husna chose "life-changing". “Being part of the program has allowed me to dream about the future and be hopeful about it. So, I'm really grateful that I can continue my education.”

An additional 75 students like Husna have been selected to arrive through the RSSP in 2027.

Want to help welcome the next arrivals?

Join a Student Welcome Group.