Queensland student Soumi Gopalakrishnan said she is excited to receive university scholarship offers, which brings her closer to her goal of becoming a doctor.
The 19-year-old was school captain at her Brisbane high school and finished top of her class, but her refugee status meant she was not eligible for a domestic government-supported HECS position at university.
From a Tamil background, she and her family fled Sri Lanka four years ago. They are now facing deportation after their application for a Safe Haven visa was rejected by the government. An appeal is currently before the courts.
She told SBS News earlier this week, the upfront course fees and increased cost for international students ruled out any hope of university without a scholarship.
Since that time she has received offers from a number of universities, including Southern University and the Australian National University.
"It just feels crazy. Now I can think about going to uni and also think about being a doctor," she told Channel Ten's The Project.
"It is unbelievable. It is like a dream come true."
She said individuals have also reached out to her with offers of financial assistance to further her studies.
"I wasn't expecting any positive feedback, but I have received tonnes of positive feedback from the community," she said.
"And it just melts my heart knowing there are people out there who really care about others and can contribute to their life in a good way."
St James College principal Gerry Crooks told SBS News earlier in the week that Soumi Gopalakrishnan should be commended for her achievements, which include finishing Year 12 as dux (top of the school).
"Australia would be crazy to lose a person of her ability and calibre but also just her genuineness, these are the people we really need to look after, I think," he said.
