Refugee Student Settlement Pathway Support: What to expect
Cohort 1 students at the Welcome Forum at UTS in Sydney!
This guide outlines the financial, relocation and settlement support you can expect as a Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) student. It also highlights potential costs to consider as you prepare for your settlement and education in Australia.
Financial Support
From the University
Each university participating in the program provides a minimum transition package to support RSSP students to set themselves up in Australia. This includes:
6 months of free accommodation
A stipend of at least AU$2,200
A study essentials pack to cover essential equipment, books and stationery for your course
Some universities may provide more financial or in-kind support, but this will vary by location and intake. For some students, aspects of this support package will be provided by other partner organisations (such as Duolingo).
From the Australian Government
RSSP students are treated like any other students with permanent residence in Australia (domestic students). Common government entitlements for domestic students in Australia include:
AusStudy or Youth Allowance (depends on your age) - fortnightly allowance to cover basic living expenses
Rent Assistance - for students who are paying rent
Commonwealth Supported Places - tuition that is subsidised by the Australian Government. You pay 1/3 of the cost of tuition and the Australian Government pays 2/3 of the cost.
Access to the HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes. The government will pay your portion of tuition while you study and you will pay back the government when you have graduated and are working above a certain income threshold.
From Skill Path
Skill Path does not provide financial support to students moving through the RSSP, however we do assist students to source the support that they need to access the program and thrive in Australia. This includes assistance with matching to a university that will provide the transition package outlined above, and assistance registering for Australian Government entitlements.
Skill Path does not charge refugee students to apply for or access the RSSP. If you are asked to pay Skill Path for services you should assume that this is a scam. If this happens to you, please contact Skill Path immediately via our publicly listed contact details to let us know so we can investigate.
Other Support: Accessing a Refugee Student Loan
Skill Path has partnered with Spark Finance and created a loan scheme specifically designed for RSSP students. The loans are available to cover the cost of living expenses that you are not able to fund through the sources listed above or from the income you can earn from any part time work.
The Spark Finance loans have concessional terms including a low interest rate and a non-repayment period aligned to the length of your course, meaning you don’t have to repay the loan until after you complete your studies.
Students are also entitled to access small loans from the Government to pay for living expenses. These Student Start-up Loans are added to your HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan balance and repaid to the Government when you are working and earning above a certain income threshold after graduation.
Relocation Support
From Skill Path
Once the Australian Government approves the student’s visa, Skill Path coordinates with partner agencies such as IOM, UNHCR and Toll to ensure RSSP students can exit and travel. We may also coordinate with IOM or Toll to assist with getting to the airport (depends on location).
Once travel details are confirmed, Skill Path coordinates with the University and Student Welcome Groups to ensure they are ready for the student’s arrival.
Skill Path also provides pre-departure briefings to students which cover essential travel information, arrival preparation and details on what to expect once in Australia.
From partner agencies
UNHCR, IOM and Toll are a few of the agencies who help facilitate the relocation of RSSP students. They work closely with Skill Path to ensure students are able to depart.
Settlement Support
From Skill Path
Skill Path facilitates university admission as well as training of Student Welcome Groups to provide settlement support for student refugees under the RSSP.
From the University and Student Welcome Group (SWG)
Universities provide at least 6 months of free accommodation on or near campus, a one-time stipend to settle in and a study essentials pack to cover essential equipment (e.g. a computer, books, stationery). Universities are also involved in the Student Welcome Groups (SWGs) and provide regular support to SWG volunteers and RSSP students as they navigate the university system (course registration, administrative requirements, etc.)
RSSP students will also be matched with a Student Welcome Group which consists of students, staff, alumni and community members associated with the university. Student Welcome Groups pick students up at the airport in Australia, transport them to the accommodation, and help with initial government registrations. Student Welcome Groups support the student to get oriented to the campus and local community.
From a Humanitarian Settlement Provider (HSP)
In addition, each student coming to Australia through the RSSP is contacted by a case worker at one of Australia’s accredited Humanitarian Settlement Provider organisations to conduct a needs assessment, 6 month review and 1 year review. Case managers provide support and oversee settlement arrangements to ensure each student is effectively supported through the range of measures put in place by Skill Path.
Costs
Visa: There is no cost for the visa. Skill Path arranges free legal assistance in lodging the visa application. There are no fees or costs payable to Skill Path - our services are entirely free to refugee students.
Pre-departure: Any pre-departure costs must be paid by the student. This includes but is not limited to:
Travel/transport for interviews, medicals and other appointments required as part of the visa application process
Translation of documents (if required)
Notary of official documents (if required)
Postage (if required)
Transport to the airport (varies by location)
Excess luggage
Exit fees
Flights: Students are responsible for the costs of flights to Australia. Skill Path partners with IOM to offer affordable flight costs and assistance arranging exit permission.
In Australia: Once in Australia students are responsible for their own living expenses and budget.
Considerations
The RSSP is built on partnership: between RSSP students, Skill Path, partner agencies, universities, and the communities in Australia. We're committed to supporting you every step of the way. Here's what that partnership looks like in practice:
Your role as an RSSP student: We believe in your capability and potential. Throughout this journey, we'll encourage you to take ownership of your experience and be proactive in the process. Skill Path will work alongside you, providing guidance, advice, and support on what steps to take and how to navigate challenges. You'll be responsible for following through on these steps, and we'll work together to problem-solve when obstacles arise. This approach is intentional and important: it's designed to help you develop the independence, initiative, and self-advocacy skills that will not only help you succeed in the RSSP, but will serve you throughout your academic journey and professional future in Australia.
Flexibility and evolution: The RSSP is a dynamic program that grows and improves based on student feedback, changing circumstances, and new opportunities we discover together. We ask that you stay flexible and open to adjustments along the way. While we're committed to communicating changes as clearly as possible, some aspects of the program may shift. Your adaptability and willingness to embrace change will be valuable assets in your success.
We're here for you: We understand deeply that relocation and settlement are complex and can be emotionally and administratively challenging. There will likely be moments of uncertainty, frustration, or overwhelm along the way—and that's completely normal. Please know that Skill Path will be right there with you through each step of this journey. We're committed to connecting you with the resources, support, and community you need not just to succeed, but to truly thrive in Australia.
