A Tibetan refugee is one step closer to fulfilling his dream after winning a scholarship for UN World Refugee Week.
Canberra Refugee Support has awarded Tenzin Khenrab $1000 to help him finish his barbering certificate at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
He is one of 49 refugees and asylum seekers in Canberra to receive a grant, which can cover tuition fees or other studying costs.
Mr Khenrab's family fled persecution in Tibet to India, where he was born and worked as an unqualified barber.
The family settled in Canberra in January last year under Australia's humanitarian refugee program.
After finishing his degree, the 26-year-old hopes to eventually open his own business.
"The scholarship will help me with the fees," Mr Khenrab said.
"I hope to complete my course within a year and eventually run my own salon."
Canberra Refugee Support said they rewarded students who showed a commitment to their education.
Mr Khenrab works part-time as a barber in Weston to pay for his course but teacher Tegan Riley said the enthusiastic student still made time to support his peers.
"Tenzin goes out of his way to help other students and it's a pleasure to have him in the classroom," she said.
The scholarships are granted in time for UN World Refugee Week, which runs from June 21-25.
Mr Khenrab and six other CIT students will receive their awards at a ceremony on Wednesday.
