CDU announces new scholarship fund for Ukrainian students

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is supporting the people of Ukraine, announcing a new scholarship fund, in a first for the higher education sector in Australia.

The CDU Ukrainian Assistance Scholarship will support Ukrainian humanitarian entrants to Australia, offering education scholarships to support their tuition fees, books and living expenses.

CDU will be launching a staff fundraising campaign where the University will match dollar-for-dollar whatever is raised from staff.

The fund will also be open to business, government and community in the Northern Territory, Australia and internationally, for anyone looking to support a student’s education.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the University stands ready to support the people of Ukraine and their families and friends in Australia by providing subsidised education pathways.

“The new scholarship fund will be a show of support for the people of Ukraine, to do what we can as a University and from Territorians,” Professor Bowman said.

“This is just one small thing we can do as an educational institution to offer Ukrainian humanitarian entrants some tuition and financial support in the aftermath of the hardship and loss they are experiencing.”

“This is about showing support in a distressing time for Ukrainians, by creating more opportunities for these students to reach their full potential on their educational journey.”

CDU Global Director Joanne Chrystal said the Northern Territory is one of the most multicultural places in Australia and is a welcoming place for migrants and students alike.

“We want to help as many impacted Ukrainians as possible to ensure they are supported as they study with us in the Northern Territory with their tuition fees and other expenses,” Ms Chrystal said.

Ms Chrystal said students would be supported with access to counselling and a dedicated International Student Support team.

CDU also offers the Charles See Kee Leadership Scholarship, which provides financial support to a student who has resettled in Australia as a humanitarian or refugee entrant to undertake studies to enhance their employment and leadership outcomes.

Applicants must be a past or current permanent humanitarian visa holder, a resident of the Northern Territory, and enrolled in a higher education or vocational education and training course.

In 2021, CDU offered South Sudanese Bachelor of Nursing student John Chol Deng Chol a bursary to support his studies in Australia. He was only 10 years old when he fled his home in South Sudan, escaping the atrocities of a civil war.

Any money raised by CDU that is not used will be redirected and delivered back to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

To find out more and donate to the fund, visit: cdu.edu.au/ukraine