About SSI Allianz Scholarship Program

People with refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds can face considerable barriers to participating in Australia’s education system. Supported by financial services company Allianz and other donors, the SSI Allianz Scholarship program aims to make things a little easier. 

Through the program we provide one-off scholarships of up to $5000 to students preparing to undertake study or have their existing skills recognised in New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria. 

 

How we help

We collaborate with financial services company Allianz, and other donors, to utilise their generous donations to award scholarships annually.
Based on a rigorous application process, we identify individuals in need of assistance.
We provide payments to support people’s education or career aspirations in New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria.

Applications for the 2026 academic year will open on the 17th of October.

Key dates

Applications open: October 17th 2025

Applications close: November 14th 2025

Successful applicants notified: Applicants notified mid – late January 2026

Applicants receive funding: Mid-January – mid February 2026

Eligibility criteria

To be successful for support, applicants must:

  • Be from a refugee or asylum seeker background on the listed visa numbers: 117, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 449, 786, 790, 842, 851, 866. Applicants on bridging, SHEV 790 or TPV 785 are also eligible to apply but must consider individual circumstances regarding visa obligations and any potential impact to other sources of income.
  • Have been living in Australia for five years or less, (from and including 2020).  The five-year country entry limit does not apply to 851, bridging, TPV 785 or SHEV 790 visas holders
  • Reside and study in NSW, QLD or VIC.
  • Meet eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship category (see application forms for more details).
  • Not have previously received an SSI Allianz scholarship.

*No more than one scholarship will be awarded in each immediate family in the same household per year.

*People living with disability that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. 

More about SSI Scholarships
What are the categories of scholarships?

The Educational categories available and the amounts awarded are as follows:
* Secondary Education – $1500
* Vocational Education and Training – $3000
* University – $5000
* Skills & Qualification Recognition – $5000

Why do the SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships exist?

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.
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.

When and where can I apply?

Applications for scholarships for the 2025 academic year will open and be available here in October 2024.

Who can apply for the scholarships?

To be successful for support, applicants must:
– Be from a refugee or asylum seeker background on the listed visa numbers: 117, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 449, 786, 790, 842, 851, 866. Applicants on bridging, SHEV 790 or TPV 785 are also eligible to apply but must consider individual circumstances regarding visa obligations and any potential impact to other sources of income.
– Have been living in Australia for five years or less, (from and including 2020).  The five-year country entry limit does not apply to 851, bridging, TPV 785 or SHEV 790 visas holders
– Reside and study in NSW, QLD or VIC.
– Meet eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship category (see application forms for more details).
– Not have previously received an SSI Allianz scholarship.
*No more than one scholarship will be awarded in each immediate family in the same household per year.
*People living with disability that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. 

I am on a visa category not listed on the application form. Can I still apply for the scholarship? 

No, scholarships are open to those mentioned above. If you are unsure, please contact  
scholarships@ssi.org.au    

I am on a visa category SHEV790, TPV785, 449, or a bridging visa (with an asylum seeker background) can I still apply?  

Yes, you are eligible to apply but due to the variable and changing visa requirements we advise applicants to consider the scholarships one off payment’s potential, to impact any existing payments as well as any reporting obligations you may have, particularly regarding full-time study.  
 
The websites below may assist but it is advised to speak to an expert to understand any impact to your individual circumstance.   
 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing   
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/income/30376#a4 https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/special-benefit-income-support-tpv-shev-holders/   

I’ve applied for a scholarship. When will I find out if I am successful? 

Please see the key dates listed on this webpage for details on application opening, closing and announcements.

I am applying for, or have received, another education scholarship from another organisation, am I still eligible for the SSI Allianz scholarship?  

We have no restrictions on you receiving scholarships from other providers but we do advise that
you to check the other scholarship provider’s restrictions.     

What if my scholarship application is unsuccessful?   

You will find a document on this webpage called ‘Alternatives to SSI Allianz Scholarships’ that lists other scholarship and education opportunities that you can explore.

Can more than one member of a family receive a scholarship?   

Multiple members of a family household are invited to apply in the same academic year; however, no more than one scholarship will be granted per immediate family household in a single academic year.    

Are the scholarship applications available in other languages?   

The scholarship applications are only available in English and must be completed in English.  

Can I receive assistance to complete the application form?  

You can receive assistance, but the application answers must be the applicant’s own words. Applications may also be submitted by an authorised representative (e.g., Teacher or Case Manager).   

If I receive a scholarship for skills and qualification recognition, and I am unsuccessful in gaining recognition, does this mean I will have to pay back the scholarship?  

No, however documentation will be requested to demonstrate your effort in gaining skills and qualification recognition. It will be assessed by the Review Committee.   

I am an SSI Staff member. Can I apply for a scholarship?  

No, SSI employees are not eligible for the scholarships.   

I live outside NSW, QLD, or VIC. Can I apply for the scholarship? 

No. These scholarships are only for applicants living and studying in NSW, VIC, or QLD.  Please the see the ‘Alternatives to SSI scholarship’ on this webpage. 

I will be moving to NSW, QLD, or VIC to study. Can I apply for the scholarship?  

No, you must be living in NSW, QLD or Victoria at the time the application is received.  

I received a scholarship but want to defer my study to outside the 2026 academic year. Can I still receive a scholarship?  

No, you must be studying in the 2026 academic year.   

Can I submit my application after the advertised closing date? 

No late submission will be accepted for any reason.   

Do I have to attend the ceremony in May/June 2026? 

It is strongly encouraged that all successful recipients attend the ceremony. It is also strongly encouraged that you invite your family, friends, and referees to help celebrate your achievement.  Most importantly this is a chance to celebrate your success and to thank those that made your scholarship possible.  The exact date will be advertised by February 2026. 

Alternatives to SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships

University Scholarships

New South Wales and ACT

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

 

ACU Refugee Scholarship

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships/find-a-scholarship/acu-refugee-scholarship

 

ANU Humanitarian Scholarship

https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/anu-humanitarian-scholarship

 

ANU: Ben Williams Student Support Grant

https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/ben-williams-student-support-grant

 

Australian National University (ANU)

https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship

 

Charles Sturt University (CSU)

https://study.csu.edu.au/apply/scholarships-grants

 

CSU Refugee and Asylum Seeker Scholarship https://www.csu.edu.au/scholarships/scholarships-grants/find-scholarship/foundation/any-year/csu-refugee-and-asylum-seeker-scholarship

 

Macquarie University (MQ)

https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships

 

MQ: Asylum Seeker Fee Waiver Sponsorship

https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships/international/asylum-seeker-fee-waiver-sponsorship

 

MQ: The Salaam Foundation Leadership Scholarship https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships/domestic/the-salaam-foundation-leadership-scholarship

 

Southern Cross University

https://www.scu.edu.au/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/

 

University of Canberra (UC)

https://www.canberra.edu.au/scholarships/

 

UC Foundation Scholarship for Refugee Students https://www.canberra.edu.au/scholarship/uc-foundation-refugee

 

University of New England (UNE)

https://www.une.edu.au/scholarships

 

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/

 

UNSW Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection

https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/id/1583

 

UNSW Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Students https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/id/1897

 

University of Newcastle

https://www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships

 

University of Newcastle Scholarship for Asylum Seekers Program https://www.newcastle.edu.au/research/centre/ceehe/university-programs/the-university-of-newcastles-scholarship-for-asylum-seekers-program

 

University of Sydney (USYD)

https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/

 

USYD: The Gregg Humanitarian Scholarship for Asylum Seekers and Refugees https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/the-gregg-humanitarian-scholarship-for-asylum-seekers-and-refuge.html

 

USYD Humanitarian High Achiever Scholarship https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/the-humanitarian-high-achiever-scholarship.html

 

University of Technology (UTS)

https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/scholarships

 

UTS Humanitarian Scholarship Program

https://www.uts.edu.au/about/uts-vision/initiatives/social-justice-uts/uts-humanitarian-scholarship-program

 

University of Wollongong (UoW)

https://www.uow.edu.au/study/scholarships/

 

UoW Humanitarian Scholarship https://www.uow.edu.au/study/scholarships/international/humanitarian-scholarship/

Victoria

Deakin University

https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

 

Deakin Sanctuary Scholarships

https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/deakin-sanctuary-scholarships

 

Federation University Australia

https://federation.edu.au/scholarships

 

Federation University Asylum Seeker / Refugee Scholarship https://federation.edu.au/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/foundation/refugee-scholarship

 

La Trobe University

https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/scholarships

 

La Trobe Humanitarian Scholarship

https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/scholarships/other/la-trobe-humanitarian-scholarship

 

Monash University

https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships

 

Monash Humanitarian Scholarship

https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/monash-humanitarian-scholarship-7004

 

RMIT University

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/careers-opportunities/scholarships

 

RMIT Study Opportunities for People Seeking Asylum

https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/applying-to-rmit/local-student-applications/application-methods/study-opportunities-for-people-seeking-asylum

 

RMIT: Sam and Nina Narodowski Asylum Seeker Scholarships  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/careers-opportunities/scholarships/coursework/rmit-welcome

 

RMIT Humanitarian Visa Scholarship

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/careers-opportunities/scholarships/coursework/rmit-humanitarian

 

Swinburne University of Technology https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/options/scholarships/

 

Swinburne University Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support https://www.swinburne.edu.au/life-at-swinburne/student-support-services/asylum-seeker-refugee-support/

 

The University of Melbourne

https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/

 

The University of Melbourne Humanitarian Access Scholarship  

https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-humanitarian-access-scholarship

 

The University of Melbourne: Stock Family Access Scholarship https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/stock-family-access-scholarship

 

Victoria University (VU)

https://www.vu.edu.au/study-at-vu/fees-scholarships/scholarships

 

VU Asylum Seeker Scholarships

https://www.vu.edu.au/study-at-vu/fees-scholarships/scholarships/bachelor-degree-honours-postgraduate-scholarships/asylum-seeker-scholarships

South Australia

Vocational Education Scholarships

Queensland

Other

Other scholarships

Country Education Foundation

https://cef.org.au/

 

Chief Executive Women (CEW)

https://cew.org.au/programs/scholarships#CEW-Scholarships-Progra

 

Open Society Grants and Fellowships

https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants

 

Public Education Foundation

https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/scholarships/

 

Ukrainian Scholarships

https://ukrainians.org.au/education-university-scholarships/

 

UNHCR Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees

https://services.unhcr.org/opportunities/

 

Refugee Council of Australia: Scholarships for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/scholarships/

Affordable computer providers
Charities and foundations

Victoria organisations

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre: https://asrc.org.au/

Eastern Emergency Relief Network: https://easternemergency.org.au/

Edmund Rice Community & Refugee Services: https://ercs.org.au/

Enable IT Recycling: https://www.enableaustralia.org.au/it-recycling

Foundation House: https://www.foundationhouse.net.au/

The Bridge: https://thebridgeinc.org.au/

Queensland organisations

ARMIA: https://armia.com.au/home

BRASS Network: https://www.facebook.com/brassnetwork/

Centacare FNQ: https://www.centacarefnq.org/

Ethnic Communities Council of QLD: https://eccq.com.au/

Inala Community House: https://ich.org.au/

Mercy Community: https://mercycommunity.org.au/

Multicultural Australia: https://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/

Multilink: https://multilink.org.au/

Pushing Barriers: https://pushingbarriers.org/

QPASTT – Torture & Trauma Survivors: https://qpastt.org.au/

QPASTT Homework Club: https://qpastt.org.au/homework-club/

Refugee Council of Australia (QLD services): https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/services-qld/

Refugee Health Network QLD: https://www.refugeehealthnetworkqld.org.au/

Refugee Connect: https://refugeeconnect.org.au/other-resources/

Refugee Tutoring Club (UQ): https://www.uqrtc.org/

Romero Centre: https://romerocentre.org.au/

St Vincent de Paul (nationwide): https://www.vinnies.org.au/

Townsville Multicultural Support Group: https://www.tmsg.org.au/

Additional resources

Alternatives to SSI Allianz Refugee Education Scholarships
Alternatives to SSI Allianz Refugee Education Scholarships

Get in touch

NSW, QLD, VIC  

For more information, please contact our Scholarships team at scholarships@ssi.org.au 

Address:  2/158 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131 

E: scholarships@ssi.org.au