Asylum seeker study opportunities

If you meet certain criteria as an asylum seeker or refugee, you can access English-language and vocational training provided through the State government.

You can study English language, or a range of vocational training courses, to help you gain confidence in English and improve your work opportunities. Our teachers and advisors will help you to make the best decision based on your needs.

Our campuses are easily accessible via public transport and we have a range of student services to support your studies.

Enrol today in one of our courses.

Skills First program

The Asylum Seeker Vocational Education and Training (ASVET) program helps asylum seekers and refugees gain access to VET courses by providing them with an exemption from usual citizenship or residency eligibility criteria. Under this program, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre can refer you or you can self-enrol to a range of subsidised and free training and apprenticeship-pathway courses.

We offer sponsored places to eligible asylum seekers, including Student Services and Amenities Fee, and tuition fees. Courses are available up to Advanced Diploma level, including Certificate and Foundation courses.

Eligibility

You or your dependants are eligible to participate in the Asylum Seeker VET (ASVET) Program if you:

hold any humanitarian, protection, or refugee visa in Australia
have applied for a humanitarian, protection or refugee visa and hold a bridging visa for this purpose
have made an application under s.417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), which is yet to be determined, and hold a bridging visa.

You must have study rights. Work rights are required for programs that include work placement.

Verification process

We use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) website to verify your eligibility.

To check your eligibility we need the following:

ImmiCard or passport number
Name
Date of birth.

Scholarships

At Victoria University, we understand how important education is to achieving your potential, and that access to a scholarship can help make that happen. VU scholarships provide financial and practical assistance for students to get a head start.

Find out if you're eligible for a scholarship.

Sara is a graduate of the Asylum Seeker Scholarship program

"VU supports asylum seekers by providing opportunities for study and the skills to find a job and get involved in the community." – Sara, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121

The Refugee Council of Australia is an umbrella body for refugee-focused organisations. They have a useful directory of services for refugees.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre provides support for asylum seekers.
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) offers a 50 per cent discount to asylum seekers travelling on their services with a valid concession card.
The Refugee Legal Network provides legal assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.
The Australian government offers a free document translation service.
Foundation House provides services to refugees who have experienced traumatic events.
The Fair Work Commission has published your employment rights in 30 languages.