RMIT Humanitarian Visa Scholarship

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 2025 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
  • living with a disability, long-term medical condition or identify as neurodivergent
  • 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 link to the application form will be provided here once 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 are now closed.

Applications for Semester 1 2025 are now closed.

This scholarship will next be offered for Semester 2 2025, with applications opening May 2025. 

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.