Do you meet the UNHCR registration requirement?
A Guide for Refugee Student Settlement Pathway Applicants in Malaysia, Thailand and India
Last updated: 8 Feb 2026
Applying to the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway? Here's everything you need to know about providing proof of your UNHCR registration.
Why Do We Need Proof of UNHCR Registration?
To be eligible for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP), you must be registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). You do NOT need to have been assessed by the UNHCR as meeting the definition of a refugee (Refugee Status Determination), but you do need to be registered with the UNHCR.
We need to verify your registration status before your application can proceed. This is a requirement of the Australian Government for the RSSP and not something that Skill Path Australia is able to waive. We understand many refugees are unable to obtain UNHCR registration due to barriers to access and delays in registration. We apologise to students in this situation and we hope you will be able to access registration before future intakes of the RSSP. We will continue to engage with the Australian Government on the eligibility criteria as the RSSP grows.
This guide
This guide will help you understand:
✅ What documents we accept
❌ What documents we cannot accept
📸 Tips for uploading your proof
What Documents Do We Accept?
1. UNHCR Registration Card (ID Card)
Your UNHCR card should show:
Your full name
Your photo
Your UNHCR registration number
The card's validity/expiry date
Tip: Upload a clear photo or scan of both the front and back of your card.
2. UNHCR Official Letter or Certificate
If you have received an official letter or certificate from UNHCR confirming your registration, this is also accepted. The document should:
Be on official UNHCR letterhead
Include your name and registration number
Be signed or stamped by UNHCR
3. Family Registration Documents (Including Joint UNHCR/MOI Documents)
In some countries, such as
Thailand, UNHCR works with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to issue joint family registration documents. These documents list all family members with their photos and names.
We accept these documents as proof of UNHCR registration, as long as:
Your name and photo are clearly visible on the document
The document is official and current
Example: See https://refugeemalaysia.org/support/unhcr-documents/ for more information
What Documents Are NOT Accepted?
❌ RM Numbers
Documents or registration numbers starting with
"RM" (for example, RM02V03-11-E11C111) are not accepted. These are not valid UNHCR registration numbers for this program.
❌ Other Unacceptable Documents
Expired UNHCR cards – Your document must still be valid. If you have valid registration but your card is expired and you cannot get another one, we can verify your registration status directly with UNHCR.
Altered or edited documents – Do not crop, edit, or modify your documents.
Documents from other agencies – Documents issued from local NGOs are currently not accepted.
Application receipts or acknowledgements – A receipt showing you applied for UNHCR registration (such as a request for appointment) is not the same as proof of registration.
Screenshots or partial images – We need to see the full document clearly, including QR code if there is one on the document.
Tips for Uploading Your Proof
Use a clear, high-quality image or scan. Make sure all text and photos are legible.
Upload the full document. Do not crop out any parts of the card or letter.
Check the file format. We accept JPG, PNG, and PDF files.
Double-check your registration number. Make sure it matches what you entered in your application.
Upload both the front and back of ID document, including QR code if there is one
Questions?
If you're unsure whether your document will be accepted, please reach out to us before submitting your application. We're here to help!
Good luck with your application!
– The Skill Path Team
