Join this online webinar if you are interested in further studies. Here about university scholarships available across Australia and the process you need to apply.
When: Wednesday 23 July 5-6:30pm
Where: Online
Register online HERE.
Western Sydney University is offering a new program for asylum seekers who would like to go to university.
If you’re seeking refuge in Australia, they can help you start or continue your education. They offer personalised education plans, free English and study preparation programs, help with visa referrals, jobs, and housing, scholarships and financial support.
Learn more HERE.
Are you a storyteller with a refugee background and a passion for film, TV or media?
The Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship at AFTRS could be your pathway into a thriving career in the arts! This life-changing opportunity supports emerging creatives to study at the prestigious Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in 2026. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses allowance, vocational support & internship and more. Deadlines close 25 October 2025.
Learn more HERE.
Get Your Child Ready for School!
Is your child 4 or older? Cumberland City Council, in collaboration with the Samah Project, has a free fun and friendly School Readiness Program. Each week, kids will learn letters, numbers, and build confidence through games and play — all in a safe, caring space.
When: Every Monday, 28 July – 22 September 2025, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road
For bookings and more information click HERE.
Children’s Playgroups
Join a Supported Playgroup to connect with your child, build confidence, and meet other families! Simply use the links provided to find groups in Sydney, and be sure to register first as many require it.
When/Where: Different dates and locations
Find information at the links below
Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Delicious and healthy lunches are available in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm and in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:00pm.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Are you passionate about food and want to give back to the community? Want to develop your skills in food handling and commercial kitchen operations while sharing traditional recipes from your culture? Then this is for you!
We are inviting ASC clients to volunteer in our cooking program. Volunteers will help prepare meals for community lunches hosted by the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC).
Start Date: 23th July 2025
Session Time: Every Wednesday for 7 weeks – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Commitment: You’ll need to commit to the full seven weeks.
If you’re interested in joining the cooking program as a volunteer please email novela.corda@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Join in on a fun and relaxing weekly art project with volunteer Sophie.
When: Every Wednesday 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: Upstairs at ASC 43 Bedford St Newtown
Book a spot by emailing ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
More information HERE.
Be part of a fun and creative sewing community, learn new skills and have a good time. Bring in your mending or any sewing project you are working on. We will provide all supplies, equipment, and a supportive and friendly learning environment.
When/Where: Every Wednesday at ASC Auburn (12:30pm-2:15pm) and Fridays at ASC Newtown (10:30am-12:30pm)
Booking: To join the sewing group please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
When: 10:30am – 12:30pm every Friday.
Where: ASC, 43 Bedford Street, Newtown
To join the sewing group: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
The ASC Marketplace is now open!
It is where you can see a list of various items that are available for FREE if you need them. What to do:
The list will be regularly updated as more items are added over time.
Please visit the Marketplace in the link HERE.
Offering clothing, homewares, produce, cold/fridge items, meat, meals, pantry and more. FREE to all during hours listed! Everyone is welcome here, this is a no questions asked service. You do not need anything other than some bags to put your shopping into and a little patience.
When: Ongoing. Monday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Friday 11:00 AM to 16:00 PM
Where: Outreach Service Store. 64 Cabramatta Ave, Miller 2168
No booking required but can call 0493 048 650
More information via this LINK.
The Cafe service that provides FREE food, pantry items, toiletries, vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, meals and cold items such as milk eggs cheese etc. They also provide clothing, shoes, and all other household items and white goods.
When: They are open 3 days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am to 4pm.
Where: 54 Celebration Road Sadleir 2168
For more information call 0493 048 650 or visit this LINK.
Visit Addi Road Food Pantry for very low cost groceries. Once you spend $5 or more, you receive free fruit, vegetables and bread.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12 noon – 4 pm and Wednesday 12 noon – 7 pm
Where: Addison Road Community Centre 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
or
When: Monday to Saturday 12 noon – 4 pm
Where: 31 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Camperdown
For more information visit this LINK.
Visit universities at open days to learn more about the university, courses on offer and the campus
26 July 2025: University of Wollongong Open Day (Liverpool)
16 August 2025: Macquarie University Open Day and University of Newcastle Open Day
30 August 2025: University of Technology Sydney Open Day
7 September 2025: UNSW Sydney and Australian Catholic University (North Sydney)
From Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October 2025, Western Sydney University is bringing Year 12 students a jam-packed week of free online HSC study sessions.
This includes: Deep dives into content and syllabus areas, smart study tips and techniques, and the chance to sit a practice exam and get it deconstructed by pros.
It’s free, it’s online, and it’s all designed to help you succeed in the HSC.
To register, click HERE.
Do you want to apply for University and Scholarships for 2025? If so, you can get help applying for university courses and tuition fee scholarships.
Contact us at employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to talk to a University Advisor at ASC.
TAFE offers flexible study options, industry experienced teachers and nationally recognised courses to ensure you are job-ready.
There are many courses up to Certificate IV offering government subsidies – including English courses, Cert III in Individual Support and Cert IV in Community Services!
Talk to a TAFE Career Counsellor today!
Call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment with one of the TAFE Counsellors.
TAFE offers hundreds of courses to choose from. Many courses up to Cert IV may be fee-free for people seeking asylum.
TAFE NSW provides free counselling about education and careers to current and future students.
TAFE counsellors can help you to:
Call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment with one of the TAFE Counsellors.
For more information click here.
Explore TAFE online courses. Study anywhere anytime.
TAFE Digital offers a wide range of nationally recognised, online study options, across a range of modern industries. You can study online and enjoy flexible learning to fit your lifestyle, with our online short courses, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
More information HERE.
Learn to speak everyday English at home, in the classroom, in your career and in your community. Talk to others, prepare for further study and feel more confident using the language
Explore English TAFE courses HERE.
There are many ways to study at TAFE. Explore study and training options via this LINK.
The ASC can help you to understand information and make decisions about whether the training courses are the right choice for you. We can also provide you with advice and guidance, and help to complete enrolment forms.
For more assistance, contact us by email or phone at employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au or call (02) 9078 1900).
Limited full-fee undergraduate scholarships for people seeking asylum are available in a number of universities in NSW. You MUST also apply to enrol in an eligible course at the university you are applying for scholarships.
Current open scholarships
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Scholarship for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Mid Year 2025 Intake. Undergraduate and Postgraduate.
Open 1 May. Closes 15 July.
Active Inner West is a FREE recreation program supported by Inner West Council – bookings required. Enjoy Zumba, Pilates, Dance, and more!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations such as Marrickville, Lilyfield, Summer Hill and Ashfield
Bookings via this LINK.
Jesuit Refugee Services are offering 10 free swimming lessons to people seeking asylum at swimming pools in both Seven Hills and Gregory Hills. All female classes available.
When: Various times
Where: Seven Hills and Gregory Hills
For bookings email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Join other ASC community members at the King George the 5th (KGV) gym in the rocks for free use of the facilities with help from the KGV staff.
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 6pm
Where: The KGV Centre | 15 Cumberland St, The Rocks
Bookings: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
For more information click HERE.
Affordable/free swim and ocean safety classes for men, breaking down barriers for men of all backgrounds.
When: Starting 24 April
Where: Various Locations – Auburn, Roselands, Liverpool
Booking: Information and booking HERE.
Play soccer. An opportunity to get active, make new friends and seek support in a fun and safe environment. Equipment and Coaches provided. For women only.
When: Wednesdays 2:30pm-4:30pm
Where: King George V Recreation Centre, Cumberland St, The Rocks New South Wales 2000
Bookings via this LINK.
Swimming lessons for Adults on Monday Nights.
When: Mondays starting the 17th of February, 6.40pm
Where: Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, 458 Harris Street, Corner William Henry Street Ultimo
Bookings via this FORM.
Street Soccer for 16+ all abilities
Free, inclusive social soccer in multiple locations. Get exercise, have fun and meet others.
When (Date and time)/Where:
Mondays – The Rocks – KGV Rec Centre – 2.30 – 4pm
Tuesdays – Mt Druitt – Town Centre Reserve – 1.00pm – 3.30pm – basic skill level
Thursdays – Parramatta – Robin Thomas Reserve – 3.30pm – 5.00pm
No need to register – just turn up – email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au if you have any questions. More info HERE.
Botany Family & Children’s Centre is running a free, evidence-based parenting program supporting all parents/carers to build stronger emotional connections with their children. The program is run by qualified Early Childhood Educators and Parenting Coaches and will take place online on Wednesday evenings.
When: Dates: 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August, and 27th August (Wednesdays), 6PM to 8PM
Where: Online, link will be sent to attendees upon registration.
For bookings email adminassist@bfcc.org.au
For more information click this LINK.
Witness-to-War Multilingual Hotline is a FREE national phone service for people affected by conflicts overseas.
Call 1800 845 198. Monday to Friday 10am – 7pm– except public holidays
When you call, someone will ask what language you speak. They’ll connect you with a worker who speaks your language, or arrange an interpreter if needed.
Whether you’re worried about loved ones, feeling stressed, need help finding information about useful services and support, or just need someone to talk to, you can call.
Community Based Mental Health Program offers Free Counselling Sessions for Palestinians aged 18 years and over.
Face to face and online options available. Service offered in Arabic and English.
For bookings follow this LINK.
Free English classes at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Open to all adults.
When: 11th June 2025 onwards on Mondays 10.30 to 12pm and Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm
Where: 11/13 Darley Street, Newtown 2042
Registration not required – information HERE.
For any additional questions please call 9564 7333 or email communitystrengthening@newtowncentre.org.
Learn English at Auburn and Newtown. Classes are available for a range of learner stages including basic, beginner, upper beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
For more information and to book: Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
AUBURN
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn view on Google Maps
Beginners
When: Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
NEWTOWN
Where: ASC Newtown, 43 Bedford St Newtown view on Google Maps
Upper Beginner
When: Thursday 11:30 -12:30pm
Intermediate
When: Thursday 10-11:30pm
ONLINE (your teacher will send a link before each class)
Upper Beginner
When: Wednesday 6 – 7 pm
Intermediate
When: Tuesdays: 10 -11 am
When: Wednesday 11 am -12 pm
Advanced
When: Tuesday 6 – 7:30 pm
When: Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm
Drop in to Auburn Centre for Community to join a Computer class or English class run by Cumberland City Council.
Computer and English class: Wednesdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm
For more information visit this LINK.
Computer class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays 9:30AM- 12:00PM |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
English conversation class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
TAFE provides intensive English classes to all levels – usually offered full time, 4 days a week. The English courses listed under the Smart and Skilled Program are accessible for asylum seekers on bridging visas.
Courses:
This is a directory of services that can help you. These are services offered by the ASC and by other organisations.
This includes information for services to support emergencies, paying bills, housing or government services, legal aid and more.
Click HERE for more information.
Note: The list of services from other organisations have their own eligibility criteria. This is only a guide.
Learn about Refugee Laws. To get a temporary or permanent protection visa in Australia, the government must look at your case and decide if you are a refugee or if you qualify for something called ‘complementary protection’. Learn about some information provided by RACS.
Read HERE.
Things you need to know about the process of seeking asylum and your rights, and more information on the Current Legal Situation For People Seeking Asylum in Australia prepared by RACS.
Read HERE.
Coercive control is a type of abuse that can happen in relationships—it includes things like threats, controlling money, isolating someone from friends or family, and tracking where you go. It’s now a crime in NSW. The NSW Government has free information in many languages to help you understand your rights and get support – including English, Korean, Assyrian, Farsi, Nepali, Punjabi and Filipino/Tagalog.
Translated information about coercive control is available on the NSW Government’s website for FREE.
