The Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) is a ground-breaking new educational complementary pathway for refugees in Australia. encouraging university students and staff to play an active role supporting young refugees to pursue their education in Australia. It offers refugees who are currently displaced in three countries in the Asia Pacific – India, Malaysia, and Thailand – a pathway to resettlement via studying at an Australian university.
The objectives of the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) are to:
- Create new resettlement opportunities for Australia and engage new communities in refugee protection.
- Provide hope and a future for young refugees and allow them to pursue their educational goals in safety.
- Create greater public awareness and support for refugees as more stakeholders in the education sector become involved in refugee resettlement.
- Enable universities in Australia to build upon their expertise of working with students to meet the needs of refugee youth and enhance their employment outcomes after graduation.
The RSSP Youth Advisory Group (YAG) will assist with the co-design and ongoing planning, implementation and evaluation of the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP). The RSSP Youth Advisory Group (YAG) will be to assist with the following aspects of the RSSP:
- Student Welcome Groups
- Academic preparation
- Sociocultural/ resettlement preparation
- Community resources
- Soft landing materials/ ideas.
The focus of the RSSP YAG is to provide advice and feedback and to review materials including but not limited to student welcome packs, loans, welcome group materials and more.
The RSSP YAG members will have the opportunity to meaningfully inform the way that the RSSP offers a welcome to displaced students, and they will contribute to the ongoing upgrade of university support for refugee students in Australian higher education.
Hailing from different states and territories across Australia, we are proud to introduce you to the RSSP Youth Advisory Group members:
Aurore
Aurore Girabanyu is a youth mentor, community advocate, and passionate leader dedicated to empowering young people and promoting social equity. Through her work with culturally diverse communities, Aurore supports youth in building confidence, connection, and opportunities for growth. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces where young voices are heard, valued, and uplifted. Her mission is to inspire resilience and positive change through meaningful engagement and leadership.
Arvin
Arvin came to Australia under a permanent humanitarian visa through the complementary protection pathway. He studied Computational Science and Mathematics at Monash and now runs a small real estate company based in Melbourne. He joins MYAN’s RSSP program to learn from others, give back and support the unique challenges migrant and refugee youth face.
Hamidah
Hamidah brings lived experience and academic insight to her advocacy for equitable education and resettlement pathways for refugee youth. Hamidah holds a Bachelor of Medical Research and is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. She is committed to improving health outcomes and student experiences through culturally responsive support, research, and representation.
Huda
Huda is an emerging actor and creative for both screen and stage, having graduated in a BA in Fine Arts from QUT and currently managed by KHOO Management. Aside from her creative performing arts endeavors, she is also a strong presence within the community and advocacy work. Huda is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree at Griffith University, starting her research journey and exploring how arts practice can be implemented in the settlement sector
Nargis
Nargis Rezaie is a purpose-driven cybersecurity student, youth advocate, and emerging leader passionate about using technology and education to drive positive change. With a deep interest in ethical tech and social impact, Nargis is focused on helping build systems where all young people can thrive, connect, and lead with confidence.
Queen Kury
Queen Kury is a 19-year-old Sudanese and South – Sudanese person from Melbourne’s North with a passion for community work and helping others. Currently in her first year of studying Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University, she advocates for queer, black or disenfranchised people and wants to open more pathways for international students in Australia.
Ruba
Ruba is a recent graduate of the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Renewable Energy Systems. As a proud Palestinian living in the diaspora, she is committed to educating and sharing her culture and advocating for students, social justice and climate justice.
Shantel
Shantel is 23 and originally from Fiji. She moved to Australia when she was young and has completed a Bachelor of Islamic Studies and is excited to start pharmacy studies soon. Shantel is passionate about learning and embracing new opportunities in life.
Tahera
Tahera is a passionate and caring nursing student who loves helping people and is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community. At 19, Tahera believes deeply in the power of kindness, resilience, and compassion, and is excited to build a future where she can grow, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Patrick
Patrick is a dedicated Community Services worker and student with lived experience as a refugee in Kenya. After migrating to Australia, he successfully navigated the challenges of settling in a new country and am now passionate about helping other migrants and people with refugee backgrounds do the same by guiding individuals through services, systems, and everyday life in Australia.
Sarah
Sarah is a Sudanese-Australian second-year law student, with a passion for refugee rights and social justice. She volunteers within Students for Palestine, and is currently active within Curtin’s Student for Refugees Club as an Event Officer. Sarah aims to become a migration lawyer upon graduation graduate. Outside the law, she is a comic artist and creator of Frujabi, a webcomic that explores Muslim identity and culture.
This initiative reflects the commitment of Skill Path and MYAN to embed refugee leadership at every stage of the RSSP.
About Skill Path
Skill Path builds programs and advocates for policies that enable refugees to settle in Australia and access higher education qualifications suited to work in Australia’s key industries.
We provide advice and support to refugees on how to obtain the right qualifications and professional recognition to work in high-demand, strategic occupations in Australia. Then we collaborate with industry and educational institutions to ensure Australia’s economy is equipped to leverage the talent and potential of refugees to meet future challenges.
Special Thanks
Thank you to the inaugural 2025 members of the Youth Advisory Group for their service and expertise in helping shape the RSSP.
Thanks also to key partners Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia and Refugee Education Australia for their support in making this initiative possible.