Scholarships help refugees start a new life
Posted on 13 May 2025
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
The educational aspirations of 34 refugee students have been given a boost with through a scholarship program designed to help asylum seekers overcome financial barriers to study.
The scholarships, provided by Allianz Australia and Settlement Services Australia (SSI) were awarded to refugee students from 13 different cultural backgrounds, including Afghan, Palestinian, Syrian, Ukrainian, and Congolese.
The SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarships help with the costs of secondary school, vocational education, university, skills training, and the recognition of overseas skills.
SSI chief executive Violet Roumeliotis said the scholarships help newly arrived communities to reach their full potential.
“People with refugee background face several challenges in pursuing their education,” she said.
“In particular, the increasing cost of living and housing crisis has adversely impacted newly arrived students, who struggle to balance studies and work to get by.
“By working with organisations, such as Allianz and other community partners, we aim to offer support to students in their educational pursuits.”
“I believe Australia offers a bright future for me.”
Afghan-born Shabir is one of the 2025 scholarship recipients, and said the scholarship would allow him to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.
He also received help from SSI through its Humanitarian Settlement Program, which help pay his exam fees.
“I felt extremely happy and grateful,” said Shabir.
“Receiving the scholarship was a big achievement for me and motivates me to continue working hard.”
Shabir said he was passionate about repaying the support by giving back to the community.
“Once I finish studying, I hope to become a good doctor and serve the public. I want to contribute to the health and wellbeing of my community.”
“I believe Australia offers a bright future for me.”
Allianz Australia chief people and culture officer Anna Stavropoulos said the partnership with SSI benefitted both scholarship recipients and the community.
“Access to quality education is essential for empowering young Australians with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, establish fulfilling careers and make a positive contribution to the communities that they live in.
“We care deeply about diversity, inclusion and belonging and believe that the more we can bring together people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and ideas, the better the outcomes will be for both businesses and society as a whole.”
Now in its ninth year, the SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarship program has helped more than 300 young people from refugee backgrounds across Australia.
Allianz Australia chief people and culture officer Anna Stavropoulos said the partnership with SSI benefitted both scholarship recipients and the community.
“Access to quality education is essential for empowering young Australians with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, establish fulfilling careers and make a positive contribution to the communities that they live in.
“We care deeply about diversity, inclusion and belonging and believe that the more we can bring together people from different backgrounds, with different experiences and ideas, the better the outcomes will be for both businesses and society as a whole.”
Now in its ninth year, the SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarship program has helped more than 300 young people from refugee backgrounds across Australia.