Are you an asylum seeker or refugee?
An individual or dependents of individuals are eligible to participate in the Asylum Seeker VET (ASVET) Program if they:
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) that is yet to be determined, and hold a bridging visa.
Individuals must have study rights, and work rights are also required for programs that include work placement.
Financial support initiatives
At Swinburne, we have several initiatives available to support eligible students financially, including:
Skills First program
Skills First is a Victorian Government program that helps people access vocational education and training. You may be eligible for a place in this program if you:
- hold a humanitarian, protection or refugee visa
- are applying for a Certificate 1 to IV, a diploma or an advanced diploma.
Applications for the Skills First program must be submitted on campus
If you meet the eligibility requirements and wish to apply for a place in the Skills First program, you will need to submit your application on campus. To do this, please book a one-on-one appointment with a course adviser at Future Student HQ on our Hawthorn campus.
Free TAFE for priority courses
If you’re eligible for a Skills First place, you may also be eligible to apply for Free TAFE for Priority Courses.
Please note: As with the Skills First program, you will need to complete your application on campus if you wish to apply for a Free TAFE course.
Swinburne Welcome Scholarships
Swinburne Welcome Scholarships include a full fee waiver and help certain visa holders access a variety of Swinburne courses. You may be eligible to receive this scholarship if you hold one of the following:
- Bridging Visa ‘E’ (BVE’s) (subclass V050)
- Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) (subclass V785)
- Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) (subclass V790)
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern (V786)
- Bridging Visa A (BVA’s) (subclass V010)
Want help applying as an asylum seeker or refugee?
We’re here to support you. Contact us via phone or book an in-person appointment to get support with your application.
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Academic policies and frameworks to help you succeed
Browse our policies and procedures that outline what you can expect from us – and what we expect from you.