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Impact stories

Your support makes all the difference

Read the stories of our students and alumni who are on the path to becoming the leaders of tomorrow with the support of scholarships and bursaries.

Mohammad Reha sitting on a bench outside the Quadrangle

Life-changing scholarship for refugee student

After leaving Afghanistan in 2019, Mohammad Reha is now living in Auburn and studying at Sydney, supported by a new scholarship for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

From devastation to dream come true for Yaser Naseri

Yaser Naseri (BCom 22) was an entrepreneur in the making before circumstances caused him to flee his home country of Iran. Years later, a University of Sydney scholarship opened the door to a degree and enabled one last family reunion.

Yane in all black and standing in front of a drawing of a map of the world

Taking a worldview

When Professor Yane Svetiev arrived in Australia from the former Yugoslavia, he wasn't sure how long he would stay. Two years on he was awarded a scholarship, and so began a career which has taken him around the world.

Tushar standing in front of a projector screen with Delhi projected onto his body.

From Delhi to diplomacy

Growing up in a single-room house in a West Delhi slum, Tushar Joshi did not envisage himself going to university. Now, the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship recipient is on a mission to transform the lives of others.

University of Sydney Quadrangle

Perfect chemistry for South Coast student

University life isn't always the same for everyone, but thanks to a scholarship, Maddi Eveleigh was able to have the same experience as her peers, focus on her Bachelor of Science and even come back for more.

Noor sits on a table cross legged, talking to four other people in the room.

How a former refugee is changing lives one classroom at a time

While other children went to school, Noor Azizah trekked through the Southeast Asian jungle to escape a life of discrimination. Now she gives young people like her a chance to receive an education.

Aerial view of Quadrangle

How a veterinary student left her hobby farm to forge a new path

Pursuing higher education in another city meant Brianna would need to leave behind the comfort of her family's farm. It was a scholarship and a love for animals that enabled her to make the move.

How a letter to Sydney led Professor Jackson Pulver to open doors for future students

From nursing to academia, Indigenous health advocacy to philanthropy, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver's legacy is one that she wants to live on - a gift in her Will to the University of Sydney is helping her to realise it.

Jacaranda tree in the University of Sydney Quadrangle

First in family: Guy Boncardo's journey from farm to philanthropy

When Gaetano (Guy) Salvatore Boncardo's parents immigrated from Sicily in the early 1950s they were dreaming of a better life. Now Guy is making sure that dream is realised for future generations by providing the opportunity of a university education.

Cody standing in front of the quad, smiling

Unleashing the power of education

Cody always knew he wanted to attend university, but many barriers stood in his way. A scholarship helped him to overcome some of the financial pressures.

Piadora wearing a graduation gown and cap in the Quadrangle with her mother, smiling.

Leading with lived experience

A scholarship and early offer gave Piadora Rahme the opportunity to rise above her circumstances and pursue her dream to join the judiciary.

A daughter's gift to the next generation

There are many ways we can choose to remember the people we love, but for John Alan Gibson, his legacy was best celebrated by supporting the next generation of rural students to pursue engineering at Sydney.

Rameen Malik, wearing a pink hijab and darker pink long sleeve shirt, holding an orb up to a light which shines brightly.

Empowering a brighter future

A scholarship has bolstered Rameen's vision of an equitable resource sector at home and around the world.

Showing up for others, thanks to supporters

Student bursaries remain a critical lifeline for students in desperate need of financial support. For Tim Bishop, they have enabled him to focus on realising his career aspiration as a linguist whilst raising a young family.

My life-changing journey from disadvantage in Delhi to the University of Sydney

Current Master of Management (CEMS) student Abhishek shares his experience as an international student and recipient of the first Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship.

vets treating a prone dog

Daughter of sheep farmers recipient of new Veterinary Science scholarship

Raised on a drought-stricken western NSW sheep farm, the recipient of the Dalara Foundation scholarship has insight into the challenges for rural vets.

A scholarship with the power to change young lives

The future is bright for Sakuni and Emmanuel, the first students to be receive scholarships and bursaries from the Adam Scott Foundation.

Kelli Owen

Scholarship supports education and teaching of Indigenous language

In life and death moments, clarity and purpose can be found. Kelli Owen's moment showed her that she wanted to help Aboriginal kids know their traditional language. A scholarship helped her do it.