When Aylin arrived in Australia as a refugee, higher education felt like a dream out of reach.
Today, with the support of a donor funded equity scholarship, she has graduated as a Registered Nurse.
Aylin was born and raised in Iran. As a member of the Bahá’í minority, her family faced discrimination and persecution. Despite excelling at school, Aylin was told in Year 9 to abandon any hopes of attending university because of her faith.
Determined to support her pursuit of higher education, Aylin’s family fled Iran and sought refuge in Türkiye under United Nations protection.
Life there was difficult. They stayed with relatives, living under temporary protection and constant uncertainty. After more than a year, they were granted a humanitarian visa and migrated to Australia.
Arriving in Australia was both exciting and challenging for Aylin.
“When we finally arrived in Australia, it felt like a new beginning, but it was also overwhelming,” she says. “I was the only English speaker in my family, so I had to navigate everything: school, healthcare, and settling into a completely new culture.”
Education is a long‑term investment. The scholarship makes that journey easier.
Aylin, Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) graduate
Inspired in part by caring for her younger sister, who lives with global developmental disorder, severe autism and ADHD, Aylin developed a passion for healthcare
“I became the point of contact for doctors and therapists. That experience inspired me to pursue nursing and make a difference for families like mine.”
After completing Years 11 and 12, Aylin was accepted into a Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) at the University of Sydney. She chose Sydney for its strong research focus and commitment to developing nursing leaders who drive change in healthcare.
“When I heard about the Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies), I thought, wow — that’s a great pathway for both practical experience and research, which I’ve always been passionate about, she says.
“The University of Sydney encourages nurses to be leaders and make global changes. That’s what I wanted.”
However, the financial burden of study soon became overwhelming. Aylin worked extra hours to pay rent, while balancing full‑time study with clinical placements. It quickly became exhausting.
“I worried constantly about money. I skipped meals and exercise because I couldn’t afford them. It was affecting my health and my grades.”
Just as she thought the pressure might overwhlem her, Aylin found a lifeline in the form of a donor‑funded equity scholarships., Aylin was able to buy essentials like a laptop, uniforms and study materials and, most importantly, focus on her education and wellbeing.
“The scholarships were a true blessing. They gave me the freedom to prioritise my studies and wellbeing,” she says. “Education is a long‑term investment. The scholarship makes that journey easier.”
Today, Aylin is working as a new graduate Registered Nurse. Her journey to becoming a healthcare professional is a testament to her resilience and courage, and to the life‑changing impact of generosity.
“The scholarships have not only opened doors for me, but has given me the chance to follow my passion for learning and making a meaningful impact.”
Aylin isn’t shy about looking to the future, speaking animatedly about her passion for diagnostic medicine and health justice.
“I really want to do a PhD,” she says.
Aylin recently presented at a university function where she delivered a poem. Photo: Michael Amendolia/ University of Sydney.
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LinkHero image: Aylin standing in the University of Sydney quadrangle. Photo: Michael Amendolia/ University of Sydney.