Students welcomed with a new start, opportunity for a brighter future thanks to support program

In 2024 Western Sydney University responded to the rise in global conflict and displacement by offering a personalised entry point to the University and higher education, known as the People Fleeing Conflict Program (opens in a new window), to support people seeking refuge in Australia.

Now, six inspiring students have completed their first ten-week session of English for Tertiary Studies and more have joined the University directly transitioning into undergraduate programs, as they begin building a new life in Western Sydney.

When reflecting on the program, one of the students Tareq highlighted the transformative power of education.

“It's not just a program. It's hope. It means a new start and gives people like me a chance to study, to learn, and to build a better future,” said Tareq.

An innovative program that breaks down barriers

Western Sydney University is deeply committed to providing innovative scholarship programs and holistic services that promote access to higher education and integration into Australian society for asylum seekers and refugees.

Since its launch, the People Fleeing Conflict Program has supported more than 35 individuals from Palestine.

Under the program refugees receive tailored advice to identify the most beneficial pathway into study or support based on individual circumstances.

This includes English language testing, career consultations, readiness assessment, scholarship advice and foundation or direct entry programs.

Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, said the University is proud to lead national efforts in equity, social justice and inclusion.

“We recognise that no two journeys are the same and it is important to take the time to listen to people’s stories,” said Professor Possamai-Inesedy.

“We don’t just open the door – we walk alongside students every step of the way.”

Western Sydney University provides a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can build a brighter future and be guided towards achieving their academic and personal goals.

“As Australia’s most culturally diverse university, Western Sydney represents over 170 cultural and ethnic communities. Refugee students across the nation continue to face significant barriers including language challenges, recognition of qualifications, and financial constraints,” said Professor Possamai-Inesedy.

“The People Fleeing Conflict Program, amongst other programs we offer, are designed to address these barriers through targeted, compassionate, and community-informed support.”

A community that feels like family

The sense of community and support has been felt strongly by the students, often being described as a ‘family’. This is even more so for siblings Tala and Ghattas, with Ghattas saying it’s a point of pride to share this experience with his sister and to feel so warmly embraced.

“It’s a shared achievement that motivates us to support each other and push forward, knowing that we’re investing in a future full of possibilities,” said Ghattas.

“This program creates access — it opens doors to education and growth, allowing people to focus on building their skills and future, rather than being held back by past circumstances.”

Ghattas’ sister, Tala, added that it feels like a second chance that fills them with hope.

“Also, for our family, seeing us together, building our future together in a safe and peaceful environment - it gives them the internal peace that we are standing with each other,” said Tala.

“Coming from a country affected by war and hardship. It's really hard to deal with everything but it's a second chance for us to build our life again.

“Studying at Western Sydney University helped me to improve my English. It gives me the confidence to speak to others. I was really shy to speak to anyone and meet anyone but now I'm meeting new people, I'm talking to people from all around the world. Because, you know, Australia is a multicultural country. So, it gives me the chance to build a new relationship, either on campus or in the community.

“Western Sydney University is a welcoming place for me. I feel like it’s my home, I feel very comfortable here.”

Hala I, said the multicultural nature of Western Sydney has created a supportive environment making the transition feel much easier, during an uncertain time.

“It’s a diverse and welcoming place, and I’ve had the chance to meet people from many different backgrounds. Making new friends at university and in the community has helped me feel more comfortable and connected,” said Hala.

“The program means a lot to me. It gave me the chance to start a new life in a safe place, continue my education, and work toward a better future. It also makes me feel supported and welcomed during a difficult time in my life.”

“The teachers are kind and helpful, and I’ve learned a lot in a short time. I’m improving my language and academic skills and learning how to study in a university environment. This is preparing me well for my future degree and helping me take the right steps toward my career.”

Sights set on the future

The students are now feeling the benefits of the wrap around support, with their sights set on the future.

Roua said the program is the first step in her journey to achieving her educational goals.

“The People Fleeing Conflict Program means a lot to me. It represents a second chance at life and education,” said Roua.

“Studying at Western Sydney University’s The College is the first step to achieve my career goal. It's helped me to learn academic skills to succeed in higher education. I'm looking to do a bachelor’s degree at university, so this program is helping me to improve the skills and learn what I have to do at university.”

Now completing her first ten-week session of English for Tertiary Studies, Hala A said the program is helping her to reconnect with the hope she had for her future as a young girl living in Palestine.

“When I was in Palestine I started dreaming and we have a lot of hope, we have a lot of things to do, but after that suddenly everything was gone and we thought that was the end. But when we came here we find it's like a second chance for all of us, so that gave me hope again,” said Hala.

Hala has always been passionate about music, having graduated from a music school in Palestine, she said music therapy can bring people together and evoke joy.

"During the war and after the war when we evacuated, I started to work with children and it seems I helped them in their life, but they helped me more and they gave me positive energy.”

“They gave me love for it, that maybe we lost it at some point in our life. So, this is the first thing that I think of for music therapy.

“I hope to make a change in this world.”

With new friends and the University giving Hala a strong support network, she feels that anything is possible for her future.

“Actually, when I came here I just had one friend, and we thought this is the end and we will stay our whole life like this. After that we saw how supportive the people are and how friendly they are, so we start to build more and more friends that make you feel we belong here. So, the only thing that I can say is that maybe it will start to be my second home.”

For more information on the University’s programs that support students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, visit the Humanitarian Scholarships (opens in a new window) and Refugee, New and Emerging Communities (opens in a new window) web pages.

ENDS

10 June 2025

Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas

Video credit: Mark Keiller