Refugee scholarship

Give the gift of education to students from a refugee background

Supporting refugee scholarships helps create life-changing opportunities for students who have overcome extraordinary challenges, empowering them to rebuild their lives through education.

For refugees, the opportunity to access higher education can be transformative. Many have overcome extraordinary challenges to reach a place of safety, yet financial barriers often stand in the way of continuing their education and rebuilding their lives. By supporting refugee scholarships, you help provide stability, opportunity, and hope — empowering students to pursue their aspirations, contribute to their communities, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

When you give a gift to the Adelaide University Refugee Scholarship Fund, every dollar goes to empowering our students and changing their lives.

Shikofa’s story

Shikofa’s life has been profoundly changed by the chance to live and study in Australia – something she is extremely grateful for every day.

“As a refugee and female from Afghanistan, I know how lucky I am to be living safely in Australia, to be employed, and studying a Bachelor of Business (Design and Marketing) at university,” Shikofa says.

When I watch the news and see children in Afghanistan risking their lives to go to school, I feel immense sorrow as well as the sheer determination to work as hard as I can to receive the education that millions of girls around the world can only dream of.”

Meet our donors

Richard and Maureen Oborn

Richard and Maureen Oborn are passionate about giving more opportunities to people from a refugee background. They recently established the Hohborn Refugee Support Grant, of which Shikofa is the inaugural recipient.

“We believe if you educate a female, you educate a village. So when females in certain countries are prevented from going to school, having the opportunity to then study in Australia becomes even more meaningful. Giving back and supporting others is important to us, and we are delighted to help Shikofa with her endeavours; she is a very deserving recipient.”

Professor Rick Sarre and Debra Sarre

Former Dean at UniSA’s Law School, Emeritus Professor Rick Sarre, and his wife, Debra, have supported a range of scholarships at the University for several years. Out of deep concern for the welfare and rights of refugees, Rick and Debra generously donate annually to help students from a refugee background – they know just how important education is.

“The national anthem includes the words ‘For those who come across the seas we’ve boundless plains to share.’ While that sentiment has been politically fraught in recent times, what is not in question is the commitment of our educators to ensure that our student body will continue to celebrate its multiculturalism. We are delighted to be part of that endeavour by donating to the University and supporting students from a refugee background with their education, and hopefully, opening up more opportunities for their future careers.”

Make a donation

Refugee Scholarships donation form coming soon.