Study and settle in Australia.

How to apply

Applications are open for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway. Start by submitting an Expression of Interest - due Monday, 2 March 2026, 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Students who submit an eligible expression of interest will be emailed with an invitation to submit a full application to either the Undergraduate Stream or Postgraduate Stream.

• Undergraduate stream: For students who have completed Senior Secondary School (Year 12) or an equivalent program (such as A-Levels or the GED) and have their graduation certificate and results. This stream is also available to students who are currently part way through an undergraduate course of study.

• Postgraduate stream: For students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree and have their degree certificates and transcripts available. This stream is also available to students who are part way through a postgraduate course of study.

Key dates

• Expressions of Interest due 2 March 2026, 5pm AEDT

• Deadline to request free Duolingo English Test coupon: 9 March 2026, 5pm AEDT

• Full applications are due Monday 16 March, 5pm AEDT

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply directly to Skill Path for the current RSSP intake you must:

• Be in Malaysia, India or Thailand.

• Be registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, India or Thailand.

• Be 18-30 years of age.

• Have completed Secondary School (Year 11 and 12) or an equivalent program.

• Not have completed a postgraduate degree (Master's or Doctorate).

• Be able to study and communicate competently in English (minimum requirements depend on the course).

• Be willing to travel to Australia on your own.

• Meet additional academic criteria requirements relevant to the course (we will advise you of additional requirements if you are shortlisted for the program).

Skill Path is also accepting a small number of applicants in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe referred by the Duolingo University Access Program. Students in these countries must apply directly to Duolingo and will be referred to the RSSP. Skill Path does not accept applications directly from students outside Malaysia, India or Thailand.

Preparing for the next RSSP

The RSSP is an extremely competitive program. We expect thousands of applicants in the next intake. To ensure your application stands out, we recommend taking the following steps to prepare:

1. Immerse yourself in English

To apply for the RSSP you must be comfortable studying at a high level in English. To achieve this, it’s essential to immerse yourself in English daily by reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and understanding of grammar. Consistent effort and utilising quality resources are key to your success.

2. Take a Practice Test with Duolingo

All students applying for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway this year must do a proctored Duolingo English Test. This is to ensure consistency and fairness in our process, and ultimately to ensure students accepted into the program will be able to study at a university level in Australia.

To prepare for this, you should check your progress and practice with unlimited free Duolingo Practice Tests . Aim for:

• Postgraduate stream: DET score of at least 130 to be considered

• Undergraduate stream: DET score of at least 105 to be considered

• Skill trades/vocational courses need a DET score of minimum 95, but will be much more competitive above 105)

These scores are a guide only. Some courses require higher English test scores. Due to Australian healthcare regulator requirements, nursing and medical students should aim for a DET score of 140 or above to be competitive for the program.

When you have reached your desired score, take a screen shot of your results. You will need this for your application.

3. Get your documents in order

To apply for the RSSP you need:

• Proof of your UNHCR registration

• Your secondary school transcript (in its original language and an English translation) or if applicable, your university degree certificate and results (in original language and an English translation).

• Any additional English language test results or medium of instruction letters from your university

• A curriculum vitae (CV)

• A 400 word motivation statement

• Other optional supporting materials (such as any recommendation letters , certificates or awards)

4. Be clear on your motivation

You will have 2500 characters (roughly 400 words) to explain your motivation for applying for the RSSP. We want to know why you are the right candidate to study in Australia through this program. What you are passionate about, and why you need this supported pathway for refugee students. Avoid generic AI-driven answers. We want to know about YOU.

If you are shortlisted for the program, you will also be asked to submit a short (60-90 second) video CV. This can just be filmed on your phone and uploaded if you are shortlisted. We recommend you do the video ahead of time so you are ready to upload it if you are successful. Video CVs are a powerful way to showcase who you are, your academic achievements and future potential.