The University of Queensland (UQ) awarded physiotherapy student, Taha, a UQ Refugee and Humanitarian Scholarship 3 years ago, and it changed his life.
In conversation in UQ’s sandstone-pillared Great Court, Taha reflects on how he arrived in Australia as a free young man, became stranded as a refugee, was nurtured by St James College and now dreams of qualifying as a doctor from UQ.
“I never wanted this life,” he said. “I would much rather be in my own country, speak my own language, but that’s not possible − such is life!” Taha said.
This side of being a refugee you don’t see – when choice is taken away and your home country is dangerous. You don’t always seek asylum in Australia; sometimes being a refugee is thrust upon you.
International student - turned Dux - turned refugee
Taha arrived in Brisbane with his family as an international student and later received a scholarship.
“St James College is a very multicultural school,” Taha explained. “It was a godsend. I felt seen and nurtured at this school and the previous Principal sat down with me and said, ‘this is the path you could take.’ She cared about my life’s trajectory.”
Taha graduated as Dux of his school, earning the highest ATAR ever achieved there, yet despite this remarkable success, he was unable to attend university.
Due to political instability in his home country, returning was unsafe, and Taha has still not been granted refugee status by the Australian Government.
As a refugee, you pay international fees to attend university, and due to the instability of supporting yourself financially, this barrier is often too high.
The refugee scholarship provided Taha with a substantial stipend that allowed him to focus on his studies rather than having to work 40 hours per week to survive.
“I absolutely qualified for every other scholarship due to my grades, but my refugee status kept me out of university," Taha said.
“I just had to accept that I couldn't apply for university like my school mates could. But I don't take no for an answer.”
Scholarship opportunity and sense of purpose
“When I found out and applied for the refugee and humanitarian scholarship, that’s honestly when things started to change,” Taha said. “I came to this University for the first time.
"This scholarship didn’t just give me education; it gave me a voice, a reason to be here! Just the fact that someone sitting at a desk approved this application − they don’t know me, but that decision changed my entire life.”
Taha feels a strong sense of purpose and duty to give back to the community, given the opportunities he has been afforded.
“One of my life’s purposes is to give back what was given to me,” Taha said. “There’s a saying in my language: Others planted and we ate; now we plant so that others may eat.” Digaran kâshtand o mâ khordim, mâ bekârim tâ digaran bokhorand.
Reflecting on his journey, Taha shared:
“What is my purpose? Why am I here? Why did I have to go through these situations? I feel like it’s my duty − if I don’t do it, who will?”
Entrepreneurship and leadership at UQ
“Part of embracing life at UQ was getting deeply involved in UQ Ventures entrepreneurship programs and leadership opportunities, including winning a startup competition and pitching to venture capitalists.”
In October 2025, Taha took part in Australia’s largest student-led hackathon, run by the University of Queensland Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (UQIES). His team’s project, PhysAlign, an AI-driven physiotherapy tool, won second place and attracted industry interest.
Giving back and looking ahead
“I can contribute so much to society and give back," Taha said.
"I’ve been privileged to study at this University, receive this scholarship, and access these opportunities, which is why I chose to participate in the Queensland Commitment as a student facilitator.”
The Queensland Commitment is UQ’s long-term initiative to improve equity and access for students from under-represented and regional communities, creating pathways and removing barriers so all students can succeed in higher education.
"I’d like to live a life well lived − helping as many people as possible. If I pass away tomorrow, it’s not about money, it’s about who I’ve helped be 1% better,” Taha said.
"My dream is to study medicine. I’ve always wanted to; starting with physiotherapy was due to the complications of my refugee status and not knowing I could apply directly for medicine. After I qualify, I want to become an orthopaedic surgeon.”
Taha’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and hope. From being stranded as a refugee to becoming a leader and innovator at UQ, his journey shows the transformative power of education and opportunity.
As he looks toward a future in medicine, Taha’s words echo a universal truth: when given a chance, individuals can turn adversity into impact − planting seeds so that others may eat.
The UQ Refugee and Humanitarian Scholarship, established in 2021 and funded by UQ, supports students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds to pursue any discipline at the University.
