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UNSW has partnered with universities across the state to offer scholarships for refugees on a humanitarian visa.

“UNSW is pleased to announce additional funding to support the needs of refugees from Syria and Iraq,” said Professor Ian Jacobs, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNSW.

The University will provide annual scholarships funded from investment returns on a $500,000 contribution to the Refugee Scholarship Fund.

UNSW is pleased to announce additional funding to support the needs of refugees from Syria and Iraq.

“We are committed to working in partnership on this important area with Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney who are undertaking similar scholarships programs,” Professor Jacobs said.

Scholarships will be open to refugees from Syria and Iraq who will be resettled in NSW over the next 18 months.

Professor Jacobs said UNSW has a strong history and reputation across a range of disciplines in both research and advocacy of refugee and migration-related matters.

“Our academic units have co-ordinated activities to offer the State Government assistance and guidance in the relocation program for refugees in NSW in 2016 and 2017. This is an important aspect of UNSW’s 2025 Strategy.”

Announcing the state-wide university initiatives, NSW Coordinator–General for Refugee Resettlement Peter Shergold said: “We’re delighted to see this strong show of support from our NSW universities. We know that education is key to unlocking potential, opportunities and jobs. Many refugees have been forced to abandon their studies and this support from across the states will enable then to rediscover and pursue their dreams.”

Other universities joining with UNSW, the University of Sydney and WSU to provide scholarships and financial assistance are University of Technology, Sydney, University of Newcastle, Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, University of New England, University of Wollongong and Charles Sturt University.