Digital resources in the Social Sciences and Humanities OpenEdition Our platforms OpenEdition Books OpenEdition Journals Hypotheses Calenda Libraries OpenEdition Freemium Follow us

“It’s a life”: What it means to be supported as an asylum seeker?

The greeting card in the photo was designed by a young girl whose dream is to continue her interrupted studies in Australia after being forcibly displaced. The Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) recognised her talent and printed a series of cards and wrapping paper that she designed. These items are for sale online. All profits go towards supporting people seeking asylum in the Greater Sydney community.

This young artist explained her inspiration as follows: “I made some vector illustrations about how the life inside the ASC. It’s one place that ‘make a life’, different people enjoying many activities in their journey to start a new life. I want to add a quote about that in the design like ‘It’s a life’.”

I have the chance to know this young asylum seeker and advise her on study plans and university applications. Her card is a reminder of the resilience and hope of forcibly displaced people arriving in their new country, and that education plays a crucial role in rebuilding their lives.

Veronika Durin-Hornyik, PhD

Pilot project for refugee access to higher education in Australia

This week marks the official launch of the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway by Refugee Education Australia. In the first phase of this pilot project, 20 scholarships will be awarded to refugees selected from applicants in Malaysia, India and Thailand.


The RSSP will provide students with the opportunity to study in fields such as nursing, civil engineering, technology, and business, with support from local campus support groups. Participants will arrive on permanent humanitarian visas, giving them access to domestic student places and HECS, and helping them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the Australian workforce.


I wrote about this pilot project in my article published last July, which has now been approved by the Australian Government and will be implemented in 2025.

Veronika Durin-Hornyik, PhD