More than $40,000 was raised at a dinner in Canley Vale to support a University of NSW law school scholarship named in honour of a late Cabramatta resident.

Former High Court justice Michael Kirby with
Fairvale High students at the Ngoc Tram Nguyen Scholarship Dinner

The Ngoc Tram Nguyen Scholarship was established last year to help disadvantaged students at non-selective public schools in southwest Sydney complete an undergraduate law degree.

It was inspired by Ms Nguyen, an aspiring law student who died before she could complete a University of NSW preparation program.

The first recipient of the $5000-a-year scholarship, Victor Lam, said it would allow him to devote more time to studying and volunteering.

"The scholarship means that individuals like me are not deterred from education because of our socio-economic status," the Green Valley resident said. "It is a testament that hard work and diligence will be acknowledged. The scholarship shows my family and others in my community that education is a mechanism for greater opportunities."

UNSW law school dean David Dixon held the function, which was attended by former High Court judge Michael Kirby.

Blaxland state Labor MP Jason Clare, a former Canley Vale High School student, spoke to the guests. "This scholarship will help change the lives of a lucky few," Mr Clare said.

"We need to change the lives of many people. And the key to that is our education system - it's what gave a boy from Cabramatta the chance to go to the University of NSW."