There are 360 disadvantaged students in NSW who are supported by the charity. At tonight's event at the University of Wollongong, graduating Year 12 and tertiary students, as well as ongoing tertiary students, will be joined by friends, family, MPs and members of the business community to mark their achievements.

Felicite Nderagakura, a refugee from the Republic of Burundi in Africa, is in her second year of a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Wollongong.

The 19-year-old has been supported by The Smith Family since arriving in Australia with her parents and two sisters five years ago. She said the financial support has had a huge impact.

"It's made my life much easier," she said.

"I don't need a job to buy text books, so it gives me extra time. Without The Smith Family it would be very difficult. I'd be struggling."

Ms Nderagakura loves her new life in Australia and says her education is something she values highly.

"Australia is better than Africa - there are lots of opportunities," she said. "You get to actually go to school without paying. It's a lot harder in Africa, with the school fees.

"Where I come from, not many people get the chance to go to university and half the time they drop out because they've not got the money."