Youth Development & Higher Education

Supporting young adults as they transition from care into university and vocational training, equipping them with the resources, mentorship, and stability to build independent futures.

100% of contributions go towards our programs.

Tax deductible · Secure payment

Youth Supported

20+

Years of Impact

85%

Graduation Rate

ACNC Registered

Tax Deductible Donations

Cambodian-Registered NGO

Recognised by Royal Government

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Our Youth Development program supports around 60 young people reintegrating from residential care or referred by local authorities, with tuition, living costs and mentorship through university or vocational training.

Kandal Province, Cambodia. Comprehensive support from enrolment through to employment.

Scholarships and funding

Full financial support through tertiary education

Many of our beneficiaries are the first in their families to pursue higher education. The program covers tuition fees, school supplies, transport, dormitory costs, internet access and a monthly living stipend.

Tuition and feesUniversity or vocational training fees covered in full for the duration of the course.
Living costsMonthly stipend, accommodation contribution and transport for students without family support.
EquipmentLaptops, internet access and study materials provided to each student.

Mentorship and guidance

Academic and personal support throughout

Each student receives ongoing counselling, academic mentoring and career guidance. The program began by supporting young adults leaving residential care and has since expanded to include other young people referred through local government and community channels.

CounsellingRegular check-ins and professional support to manage the transition to independent study and living.
Academic mentoringGuidance on course selection, study habits and exam preparation from experienced staff.
Career planningSupport with CV writing, interview preparation and internship placement as graduation approaches.

Support this program

Sponsor a student through university

ACNC Registered

Tax Deductible Donations

Cambodian-Registered NGO

Recognised by Royal Government

100% of contributions go towards our programs

100% tax deductible. Secure payment.

Strategic role

Breaking the cycle beyond graduation

The pathway out of generational poverty does not end at graduation. Our goal is to equip every young person with the skills, confidence and resources to build an independent life. Many return to Sunrise as mentors, volunteers or staff, creating a cycle of reinvestment.

First in familyMany of our students are the first in their families to attend university, opening doors for their wider community.
Return to SunriseA significant number of graduates return as staff, mentors or volunteers within our programs.
AIM partnership (2026)New partnership with AIM supporting young women rescued from trafficking, providing education and a path to independence.

What the program covers

Comprehensive support from enrolment to employment

Every student receives a tailored package of financial, academic and personal support.

Financial support

Tuition, living costs and equipment

Full financial coverage so students can focus on their studies.

University or vocational training fees
Monthly living stipend and accommodation
Laptops, internet and study materials

Mentorship

Guidance at every stage

Academic, personal and career mentoring throughout the program.

Regular counselling and check-ins
Academic guidance and exam support
CV, interview and internship preparation

Career pathways

From study to employment

Practical support to help graduates transition into working life.

Internship placement with partner organisations
Professional networking through alumni community
Ongoing support after graduation

Sao Sabouen

Sunrise Graduate & Board Adviser

Full circle

From refugee camp to the boardroom

“Sunrise gave me both a home, an education, and helped point the way I couldn’t have imagined as a child. Now, as a sitting member on the board, I want to make sure every young person who comes through these doors knows what’s possible for them too.”

Sao Sabouen

Computer Science Graduate, MBA, Board Adviser at Sunrise Cambodia

Where is Sabouen now?

Sabouen spent his earliest years in a refugee camp on the Thai-Cambodian border before arriving at Sunrise Cambodia at the age of eight. With the help of an Australian sponsor, he earned a degree in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration. He served in operations management over a decade, bringing his technical and management expertise to the professional sector. He has since returned to Sunrise as a Board Adviser.

LinkedIn → Meet the Team →

Community Partner

“The Youth Development program has become a vital bridge between care and independence. Young people who would otherwise have no access to higher education are graduating and entering professional careers, strengthening their families and communities.”

Community Assessment, 2023

Education Partner

“What sets this program apart is the comprehensive nature of its support. Covering tuition is one thing, but providing stipends, laptops, mentoring, and counselling addresses the real barriers that prevent vulnerable youth from completing their studies.”

Partnership Review

NGO Partner

“Sunrise Cambodia’s higher education program represents a genuine pathway out of poverty. Their graduates are the first in their families to hold professional qualifications, and that changes the trajectory of entire communities.”

Community Partnership