The SSI Allianz scholarships directly support people from refugee backgrounds in NSW to achieve independence. The scholarships have been created to minimise the financial barriers experienced by refugees as they participate in the NSW education system.
SSI, with the generous support of Allianz, continues to achieve its vision of a society that values diversity of its people, actively provides support to ensure meaningful social and economic participation, and assists individuals and families to reach their potential.
Scholarships for the 2021 academic year are closed.
Key dates:
| Scholarships open (6 weeks) |
Monday, 19 October 2020 |
| Scholarships close |
5pm Monday, 9 November 2020 |
| Notification of application outcome for the following categories: Secondary, Vocational Education & Training, Skills & Qualification Recognition |
End-December 2020 / January 2021 |
| Notification of application outcome for the University category |
late-January / February 2021 |
| Successful Secondary, Vocational Education & Training, Skills & Qualification Recognition receive funding |
late-January 2021 |
| Successful University applicants receive funding |
February / March 2021 (confirmation of enrolment must be received) |
| Scholarship Afternoon Tea |
Mid-April 2021 |
Eligibility criteria:
To be successful in their application for support, applicants must:
- be from a refugee background on a humanitarian visa - Subclass 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or 866. Applicants with a 117 visa will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- have been living in Australia for five years or less.
- reside and study in NSW.
- meet eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship category (see application forms for more details).
Application forms:
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
For more information, please contact our Scholarships team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alternatives to SSI Allianz scholarship
We have prepared a document to help you find alternatives to SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships and make your transition through education smoother. It includes resources such as:
- State and nationwide universities that offer scholarships focusing on humanitarian entrants
- TAFE's Smart & Skilled program offered to humanitarian entrants
- Charities and foundations that support education through various programs
- Technology and stationery providers at affordable prices
Download: 
Alternatives to SSI Allianz Scholarships (PDF 623.14 KB)
Responding to challenges faced by refugees
Persecution, war, political instability and displacement are all factors that lead individuals and families to leave their homes to seek permanent protection elsewhere, including Australia. Refugees who come to Australia face many challenges during settlement, such as financial hardship, dealing with experiences of torture and trauma, and family separation.
Yet Australia is a nation built on immigration. We have a long history of providing safe asylum to refugees, many of whom have gone on to make great civil, social and economic contributions to Australian society.
SSI and Allianz aim to continue that tradition by providing targeted scholarships to those who are most in need and willing to overcome social and economic challenges.
In response to the various needs of refugee communities, SSI and Allianz offer scholarships to individuals across a range of education categories, including secondary, vocational education and training, university, and skills qualification and recognition.
How you can help
SSI welcomes donations from members of the community who are committed to helping individuals and families reach their potential. Opportunities for support include the funding of scholarships.
All donations are welcome and will help make a difference to refugees in NSW.
Donations of $2 and above made to Settlement Services International are tax deductible.
SSI Head Office
Level 2, 158 Liverpool Road,
Ashfield, NSW, 2131
t: (02) 8799 6700
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
