Deakin Sanctuary Scholarships

Deakin is committed to providing access to higher education for students seeking asylum or from refugee backgrounds residing in Australia to help with the cost of university study.

Important dates

Applications for Trimester/Semester 1 2025 open 5 September 2024.

Applications for Trimester/Semester 1 2025 close 7 January 2025 at 5pm.

Benefits

This scholarship is available for the normal duration of your course.

100% of your student contribution (tuition fees).

A cash payment of $6000 per year ($750 per credit point).

Further support will include:

  • English language course through Deakin University English Language Institute (granted on a needs basis)
  • a transition program for new students prior to Orientation Week
  • case management with supported referrals to relevant staff or services
  • academic mentorship
  • professional development opportunities and the possibility of casual paid work at Deakin University.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

  • be an International student who holds one of the following:
    • a Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
    • a Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790)
    • a Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449)
    • a Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
    • or be a person seeking asylum on Bridging visa A (Subclass 010) or Bridging visa E (Subclass 050 or 051)
  • be eligible for entry into an undergraduate or postgraduate by coursework degree at Deakin University (at time of application)
  • be a student commencing studies in Trimester/Semester 1 2025 at Deakin University
  • be studying full time
  • not be an existing or previous Deakin Sanctuary Scholarship holder.

Preference will be given to students who study on campus.

Conditions

Special conditions apply for the scholarship:

  • Applicants must apply for course admission before their scholarship application can be assessed. Any scholarship offer will be conditional on receiving a course offer, acceptance and enrolment in Trimester/Semester 1 2025.
  • The recipient must satisfy all requirements for admission into an undergraduate or postgraduate by coursework degree.
  • This scholarship is for coursework programs only.
  • Recipients will only be eligible for one Deakin Sanctuary Scholarship at either undergraduate or postgraduate level (if you have previously received a Deakin Sanctuary Scholarship you are ineligible to receive a second).
  • Recipients will be required to attend an orientation program which will connect you to an academic support program.
  • This scholarship cannot be deferred or intermitted.
  • Payment is subject to satisfactory academic performance.
  • Holders of this scholarship must inform Deakin immediately when their visa changes.

Your application

Supporting documents

As part of the application process, you will also be required to upload supporting documentation.

Make sure you choose the correct Document type - 'Deakin Sanctuary Scholarship only - all supporting documentation' when you upload your documents. If your documents are uploaded into the incorrect document type they will not be considered when assessing your application.

Remember it is quality, not quantity. Aim to provide documents which are current, relevant and concise.

Supporting documentation should include:

  • a copy of your visa
  • a copy of your ImmiCard OR your passport showing your nationality and passport number
  • statement of recommendation from a school (secondary or tertiary) or community leader (not a family member)
  • other referee statements which could support your application.

Application tips

Applying for a scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria.

It's a good idea to think about why you want a scholarship - it’s your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and be recognised for where you’ve come from and where you need to go.

Read our tips on applying for scholarships

How to apply

Apply directly to Deakin

You can apply for this scholarship directly to Deakin through our Scholarship Application Portal.

When applying direct to Deakin for this scholarship, select the 'Deakin Sanctuary Scholarship (Asylum Seekers and Refugees)' option

Apply for this scholarship

The scholarship application process is highly competitive with a limited number of scholarships available. Unfortunately, not all eligible applicants will receive one.

What happens next?

You will be notified of the outcome of your application usually within six weeks of the application closing date. You can see the status of your application via your Scholarship Application Portal account.

You may be asked to attend an interview if you are to be considered for a postgraduate scholarship.

More information

For further information please email the Deakin Scholarships team.

Email the Deakin Scholarships team

Next offering period

Following the application period detailed above this scholarship will again be available for offer in:

  • Trimester/Semester 1 2026 (early-September 2025 to early-January 2026)

Application dates provided are indicative only. Please check closer to the application period for specific opening and closing dates.