Student Pathway

The Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) is a new pilot program allowing refugee students to migrate to Australia to take up tertiary education opportunities. Since Jan 2026, 33 students have been selected for the program, and have begun their studies at participating universities across the country. 

Students may undertake a mix of undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational qualifications in fields such as nursing, civil engineering, technology, business and economics. In addition to receiving tertiary education, students will be supported by a local student welcome group to assist them with settlement and integration. Students will arrive in Australia on permanent humanitarian visas, enabling them to build a new life and career in Australia.

The RSSP is led by Skill Path Australia and delivered in collaboration with a range of organisations including the Australian Government, participating universities and other partner organisations including CRSA, UNHCR, Refugee Education, Glow Up Careers and others.

CRSA has been working with Skill Path Australia to see this model come to life from the outset. From advocacy for this model, through co-design and into its implementation on an ongoing basis.

CRSA now supports the training and development of Student Welcome Groups in the program. Student Welcome Groups undertake their initial training with CRSA – both online and in person – to build knowledge and confidence to support the refugee students arriving to Australia and to their campuses.

Through CRSA, Student Welcome Groups are also connected to other groups of people across the country involved in community sponsorship programs like the CRISP so that together they can learn from one another and help grow a robust and multi-faceted community sponsorship movement.