Esperance Nyiramugisha receives the 2026 Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship
An aspiring storyteller has been awarded this year’s Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship to study at the prestigious Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in Sydney.
Nineteen-year-old Esperance Nyiramugisha, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Arts: Screen Production at AFTRS, has been recognised for her passion for storytelling and her creative potential as a writer.
Born in a Rwandan refugee camp to Congolese parents, Ms Nyiramugisha arrived in Australia as a child.
“Receiving this scholarship is such an honour, it gives me the chance to study and tap into my creativity without the worry of financial constraint,” Ms Nyiramugisha said. “I’m so grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and I’m excited to see what opportunities it opens up for me.”
The Australia for UNHCR Beddie Scholarship is awarded with the generous support of Francesca Beddie, AFTRS and Australia for UNHCR.
Established in honour of Francesca Beddie’s parents and their strong belief in social justice and the arts, the scholarship supports aspiring storytellers from refugee backgrounds to pursue creative careers and bring diverse perspectives to Australian audiences.
The scholarship is valued at more than $80,000 and covers full tuition for a Bachelor of Arts program, living expenses and volunteering opportunities at Australia for UNHCR.
Australia for UNHCR CEO Trudi Mitchell said Esperance brings a unique voice to the next generation of creative talent.
“The calibre of applicants for this scholarship reflects the depth of talent and breadth of perspectives within refugee communities,” she said.
“Esperance has a clear passion for her craft. We’re excited to walk alongside her as she continues to shape her voice and bring new perspectives to Australia’s creative landscape.”
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said: “AFTRS is proud to partner with Australia for UNHCR and Francesca Beddie on this transformative scholarship. The Beddie Scholarship enables talented storytellers like Esperance to pursue their creative dreams and ambitions, and we are deeply grateful to UNHCR for their commitment to supporting new voices in Australian storytelling.”
Francesca Beddie said she was delighted to see the scholarship continue to support emerging storytellers. “I am so pleased this scholarship will support Esperance bring her perspectives on the world to Australian audiences,” she said. “Hearing each other’s stories can foster the empathy that is so needed in today’s world.”
About Australia for UNHCR and Rurer Beddie
Australia for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner in Australia, raising awareness and funds to support UNHCR’s global emergency response to humanitarian crises. It achieves this through the generosity of Australian individual donors, trusts, foundations and other organisations who donate to and partner with Australia for UNHCR to support its goals.
Francesca Beddie’s mother, Rurer, first came to live in Australia during World War II. Until the age of 10 she lived in China. Her father was a naturalised Englishman, whose Jewish parents left Germany in the 1890s. Her mother was English. War meant that Ms Beddie had to leave three childhood homes: Tientsin, Jersey and Melbourne. She returned to Australia in the mid-1950s and lived in Canberra for the rest of her life. This scholarship honours her strong sense of social justice and her support for the arts.
For further information, please contact:
Kelsey Taylor | Senior Media & Communications Manager, Australia for UNHCR
ktaylor@unrefugees.org.au | +61 450 322 320