RMIT Humanitarian Visa Scholarship

For permanent humanitarian visa holders; worth up to $5,000 per year.

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Applications now closed

This scholarship provides $5,000 per year ($2,500 per semester) for full-time enrolled and $2,500 per year ($1,250 per semester) for part-time enrolled, for the minimum standard duration of your program.

To be eligible for this scholarship you must:

  • hold a current Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa (PHV) and not hold Australian citizenship
  • be commencing or continuing in a certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree or bachelor degree in semester 1 2024 at RMIT University in Melbourne
  • be a current refugee
  • be able to demonstrate circumstance/s which impact your ability to study such as:
    • receiving a government tested low income benefit or having a Centrelink Health Care Card
    • having a long-term medical condition or disability
    • experiencing personal/family/social difficulties
    • be from an interstate or rural/regional area and moving/moved to Melbourne to study at RMIT
    • have previously/are currently living in foster/kinship care or are a ward of the state
    • be from an under-represented background such as completed secondary school at a School Network Access Program school

It is preferred that you apply direct to RMIT for this scholarship.

Direct to RMIT applications

The online application form will be made available here when applications open. 

VTAC applications

Apply online through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) website (www.vtac.edu.au).

Supporting documentation

Depending on your circumstances, you will need to provide different types of evidence and material to support your scholarship application. Applications without supporting documents will not be considered.

You will need a copy of your: 

  • permanent humanitarian visa or Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa; or

  • Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check; or

  • refugee documentation from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection/Department of Home Affairs.

Please visit Supporting Your Application for more information.

Find out more about applying for scholarships.

Applications for Semester 1, 2024 are now closed.

This scholarship will next be offered for Semester 1, 2025, with applications opening August 2024.

Applications are now closed. 

View the Coursework Scholarships Office’s terms and conditions (PDF, 698KB).

  • Scholarship cannot be deferred or placed on hold
  • The continuation of the scholarship each semester is subject to meeting satisfactory academic performance
  • If you gain Australian citizenship while holding this scholarship, your scholarship will not be cancelled. All other terms and conditions will remain in place

Extenuating circumstances for part-time study are approved in limited circumstances such as where current medical conditions/disability does not allow full-time study. Working or not being able to enroll full-time due to failed courses are not approved circumstances for studying part-time.

Quotes from past recipients:

"This scholarship has helped me a lot. Now, I am more focused on my studies instead of worrying about having a part-time job. I can spend more time on my studies than before." - Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) (Honours) student

"Receiving my scholarship makes me feel much more supported and gave me hope. When the life was getting worse and my income did not meet my needs I felt so sad but after receiving the scholarship I was able to buy most of these needs. It made me feel much more supported, happier and calmer. In addition to that, it enhanced my mental wellbeing." - Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations) student

Find out how to contact the Coursework Scholarships Office.

Notice to applicants

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

Only successful candidates will be notified via email to their RMIT student account.

For information about other financial assistance available to RMIT students, please speak to one of our Student Welfare Advisors.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.