A research project has made Bathurst-based Dr Jae Major confident that country communities have what it takes to help them become model citizens.

The study by Dr Major and colleagues was prompted by knowledge of "schools struggling" with young refugees and teachers "not knowing quite what to do".

It focused on the experiences of Sudanese students in Orange and Wagga Wagga to determine what "resources and practices" made it possible for them to succeed.

Dr Major said the results showed the significant impact a positive and welcoming community could have on the educational outcomes of a refugee student.

"What we found was that opportunities such as sports groups, church youth groups, PCYC and council-run holiday programs played a significant role in the feelings of inclusion and wellbeing for the young refugees," she said.

"We also found that families felt many of these things were easier to access in a regional town compared to a big city because local people helped and supported that participation.

"Community members demonstrated a welcoming attitude and a willingness to offer practical support and friendship to those in need."

Dr Major said Wagga Wagga had become a primary settlement point for refugees, as were capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Orange had been a secondary point of settlement for the Sudanese families who had previously "spent some time in Sydney", she said.

Dr Major said the key to regional cities taking refugees was their size and social services, with Dubbo largely fitting the bill.

The benefits to regional cities of accepting and nurturing refugees included population growth, the potential retention of students once they entered the workforce and community pride at caring for others in need.

"It would be great if regional communities could put up their hand and say we want to help," Dr Major said.

Dr Major conducted the research with Dr Kiprono Langat from CSU's Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education, former CSU Associate Professor Jane Wilkinson and Adjunct Professor Ninetta Santoro.