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Creating education opportunities for Syrian and Iraqi refugees

10 February 2016

The University of Sydney has partnered with other universities in New South Wales to offer scholarships, financial assistance and other support for refugees on a humanitarian visa.

With these funds we are able to help refugees who want to start a new life and contribute to Australian society.
Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, of the University of Sydney.

The University’s contribution of $500,000 towards the Refugee Scholarship Fund will fund scholarships from investment returns to support the needs of refugees.

“From the arrival of refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in the 80s to the more recent refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq, we have all benefited from Australia’s vibrant and multicultural society,” said Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, of the University of Sydney.

“We know that education is the most powerful tool for change in someone’s life. Universities can and should be key players in helping people unlock their potential and build the skills they need for future careers.

“With these funds we are able to help refugees who want to start a new life and contribute to Australian society.” 

The Refugee Scholarship Fund will be open to Syrian and Iraqi refugees who will arrive in NSW in the next 18 months, they build on the assistance the University offers to refugees under the Sydney Scholars Awards.  

The other universities contributing to the fund include Western Sydney University, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, University of Newcastle, Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, University of New England, University of Wollongong and Charles Sturt University. 

Sitou Sally

Higher degree research student
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