Moving to a foreign country and learning a new language is a tough challenge at the best of times. With the added pressure of a law degree, QUT law student Raziq Qasimi really had his work cut out for him.
Raziq arrived in Australia in 2010 on a humanitarian visa but even without any knowledge of English, he thrived amongst various educational settings, each preparing him to ultimately become a university student one day.
From grade 10, Raziq had dreams of attending university.
“I always knew if there was anything to change my life for the better, it would always be education and attending university,” he said.
Support in the form of a QUT Law Founders’ Scholarship made a big difference.
When asked about his motivation for studying law, Raziq explains that due to being from an ethnic minority group in Afghanistan and seeing a lot of suffering and pain, he became interested in studying law.
“I fundamentally believe law is about helping people and making the world a better place for everyone,” he said.
Raziq is the first in his family to finish secondary schooling and to attend university.
“Having the idea to attend university was daunting and there were many barriers such as the financial cost. The scholarship has been instrumental in helping me overcome such adversity.”
Raziq is now completing his final year of a Bachelor of Justice/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree. The Law Founders’ Scholarship helped to ease Raziq’s financial stress and allowed him to focus more on his studies.
Another positive impact has been the networking opportunities it has given him.
“The scholarship allowed me to meet people from the legal industry that I never thought I would meet while at university. It is a fantastic initiative that helps and empowers many disadvantaged law students,” he said.
Raziq’s dream is to work as a lawyer helping the most vulnerable members of society, and it is within reach.
“My university education has changed my life for the better. It has helped me not only to become a better individual but to have a professional career in the legal industry. I have big hopes and dreams. I think the opportunities are limitless and I continue to strive to achieve my full potential.”
The Law Founders’ Scholarship is open to all first-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or double degree incorporating the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) students who are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
See more information on how to apply.