Refugee Student Settlement Pathway Support: What to expect?
Cohort 1 students at the Welcome Forum at UTS in Sydney!
As Skill Path prepares to open up for more applications for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway, we want to share updated information about the financial, relocation and settlement support student can expect in this program.
What support is provided through the RSSP?
Moving to Australia to study and settle is a major life transition for any student, particularly a student who has experienced displacement. The Refugee Student Settlement Pathway is designed to ensure students are not doing this alone. The program brings together universities, the Australian Government, settlement agencies, volunteers, corporate and philanthropic partners and Skill Path to provide coordinated support before departure, on arrival, and throughout the early settlement stages for RSSP students.
Support through the RSSP is practical and structured. It focuses on helping students to establish themselves safely, meet living needs while studying, and navigate Australia’s education and settlement systems to be set up for success. This support comes from different partners, each with a clear role. Understanding who provides what support, and what costs students may still need to plan for, is an important part of preparing for the program.
Financial Support
From the University
Each university participating in the program provides a minimum transition package or “soft landing” 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 offer additional financial or in-kind support depending on location and intake. A few have partnered with philanthropic supporters, such as the Bennelong Foundation, to enhance what they can provide. Our generous partner Duolingo also contributes to some of these costs on behalf of participating universities. For students requiring affordable housing options, Skill Path partnered with Scape to provide access to subsidised campus accommodation where available. While the specifics vary by campus and student circumstance, Skill Path works with universities to ensure all students can access the minimum soft landing package.
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. Students 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 the student portion of tuition, and students are able to pay back the government when they have graduated and are working above a certain income threshold.
These supports are the same as what other Australian students receive, and they are designed to support students while they are investing in their future potential through higher education.
From Skill Path
Skill Path does not provide financial support to students moving through the RSSP, however we do assist students in matching with a university that will provide the financial assistance outlined above, and ensuring RSSP students have access to all the support they need to thrive in Australia.
Important note: 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 to let us know so we can investigate.
Spark Finance: Refugee Student Loans
Skill Path has partnered with Spark Finance and created an exciting new Refugee Student Loan Scheme specifically designed for RSSP students. The loans are available to cover the cost of living expenses that RSSP students are not able to fund through the sources listed above or from the income they 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 course, meaning RSSP students do not have to repay the loan until after they complete their 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
Skill Path proposes the visas of all students coming to Australia through the RSSP. We arrange pro bono legal support for each student to complete their visa application (thanks to our amazing partners Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Russell Kennedy Lawyers and Albert Arthur Lawyers). 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. IOM also provides pre-departure cultural orientation support to students, depending on location.
Settlement Support
From Skill Path
Skill Path facilitates university admission as well as training of Student Welcome Groups to provide settlement support for RSSP students at each campus. Skill Path also provides pre-departure orientation and budget planning, as well as post-arrival support to register for services, open bank accounts and complete other important administrative tasks.
From the University
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). Staff across all participating universities have been enthusiastic supporters and participants of this program, volunteering to provide a range of supports to incoming RSSP students - from helping with orientation to assisting with university admission, academic preparation and wellbeing support.
Student Welcome Groups (SWG), trained with the support of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia
We have worked with CRSA to train volunteers at each participating campus to join Student Welcome Groups, provide welcome and peer support to incoming RSSP students. Each RSSP student is matched 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 registrations and appointments. 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.
Academic preparation support
Through our partnership with Refugee Education Australia, RSSP students receive additional academic preparation and guidance as they make the transition into tertiary study. REA and Skill Path have developed an academic preparation module and compiled resources for students to prepare for university study, as well as targeted assistance for student requiring English language test preparation support. Each university is also offering a suite of academic preparation resources as part of orientation.
Employment Support
RSSP students have access to tailored career support through Skill Path’s partnership with Glow Up Careers. This includes one-on-one career coaching, assistance with resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and guidance on part-time work and graduate employment pathways in Australia. The aim is to strengthen students’ confidence and readiness for the local labour market, support earning while studying, and helping to build a career aligned with skills, interests and goals.
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. Students can also utilise the Spark Finance Refugee Student Loan Scheme to cover the costs of flights, if needed.
In Australia: Once in Australia students are responsible for their own living expenses and budget, supported by the arrangements above. Skill Path assists each student to develop a budget prior to travelling to Australia.
Considerations: Our message to prospective RSSP students
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:
The role of RSSP students: We believe in the capability and potential of all students coming through this program. Throughout this journey, we encourage selected students to take ownership of their experience and be proactive in the process. Skill Path works alongside students, providing guidance, advice, and support on what steps to take and how to navigate challenges. RSSP students are 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 students develop the independence, confidence, initiative, and self-advocacy skills that will not only help them succeed in the RSSP, but will serve them throughout their academic journey and professional future in Australia.
Flexibility and evolution: The RSSP is a dynamic pilot program that is growing and improving quickly based on student feedback, changing circumstances, and new opportunities we discover together. We ask that students 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. The adaptability and willingness of participating RSSP students to embrace change will be valuable assets in 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. Skill Path is right there through each step of this journey. We are committed to connecting students with the resources, support, and community connections needed to truly thrive and feel belonging in Australia.
