The 32-year-old, born in Iran after his parents were exiled from Iraq, is a guest speaker in a new unit World Refugee Crisis in Action launched at the UC.

Mr Ahmad said the subject, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students of all disciples, was a fantastic way to broaden understanding and unpack the complex political, social, financial and humanitarian implications as the number of global refugees hits an all-time high.

"I came to Australia in 2007 to study business in Australia," he said. "Generally people I come across are supportive of helping refugees. But extremist terrorist attacks across the world are changing some people's perception about general refugees."

UC education associate dean and unit convenor Scott Pearsall said the program drew on the university's wealth of experts.

Through the winter semester students will hear from more than 30 presenters who have worked with UNHCR, UNICEF, Amnesty International, in diplomatic posts and creating respected migration reviews.

Companion House director Kathy Ragless will give a lecture as part of the subject offering students an insight into the ACT migrant resettlement sector.

Last December UC provided five refugee students, who arrived as unaccompanied minors and are still waiting for their claims to be processed, domestic student rates as the international fees they faced made tertiary studies impossible.

The five have just completed their first semester of study in construction, software engineering, physiotherapy, politics and a bridging course for entry into justice studies.

"They have all been here up to 3-4 years and are well settled in the community," Ms Ragless said.

Companion House raises funds to cover the $4000 course fees for each student every university semester.

One student has begun a nursing course at CIT, costing $6000 per semester; however there are four students without a pathway to gain skills who are desperately seeking apprenticeships with ACT businesses.

"They are keen to learn practical skills in construction, electrical engineering and such but are open to whatever is available," she said.

Ms Ragless said the eager young people, aged 18-20, were hardworking and had, in a very short timeframe, learnt English and graduated from an ACT high school.

"It's frustrating to watch, they are so ready to fly and we are trying our best to make pathways for each of them," she said.

Anyone willing to offer support or training opportunities to the students can contact Companion House on (02) 6251 4550