DAFI Scholarship Programme 2026

Since 1992, the German Albert Einstein Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) has been supporting young refugees around the world access or continue higher education.

The DAFI Programme supports young refugee women and men with strong academic potential who meet the programme requirements by providing access to undergraduate or secondary vocational education in their first country of asylum. The scholarship enables students to develop their knowledge and leadership skills while contributing to refugee communities, promoting peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and the positive development of host communities.

Each DAFI scholar is expected to make a meaningful contribution to their community through academic achievement, leadership, volunteering, mentoring, and support for other refugee children and youth.

DAFI scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years of undergraduate or equivalent degree studies at accredited higher education institutions. The programme does not support master’s degree studies.

The DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees. Scholars also receive a monthly living stipend and щne-time allowance for educational materials.

DAFI scholars participate in community engagement, peer support, leadership, and skills development activities. UNHCR and its education partners maintain close contact with each scholar and their educational institution to support their academic success and well-being.

To apply for the DAFI Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have been granted refugee status (refugees recognized by the relevant state authority or by UNHCR (i.e., Convention refugees and mandate refugees), as well as asylum-seekers registered with the state authority in Kyrgyzstan.
• You are not older than 28 years at the start of your studies. Exceptions may be considered for applicants whose education was interrupted due to forced displacement or who faced significant barriers to accessing higher education (e.g. childcare responsibilities, disability, or other exceptional circumstances).
• You have completed secondary or secondary vocational education and can provide original educational documents. If you cannot provide these documents, please contact UNHCR or the PF “Legal Clinic “Adilet” before applying and explain your circumstances.
• You graduated from secondary school with above-average academic results.
• You have a good command of the language of instruction of the programme you wish to study.
• You are not currently receiving another scholarship.
• You require financial assistance to pursue higher education.
• You demonstrate strong motivation to contribute to your community and Kyrgyzstan through leadership, volunteering, community service, mentoring, or other civic engagement.

The DAFI Scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years, subject to:

• Regular attendance;
• Successful completion of each semester;
• Good academic performance;
• Active participation in DAFI programme activities, including refugee youth group initiatives and volunteer activities.

At the beginning of each academic year, DAFI scholars sign a Scholarship Agreement.

Scholars are expected to study diligently and promptly inform UNHCR of any personal or academic difficulties. Any form of fraud, academic dishonesty, or serious misconduct will result in immediate termination of the scholarship. In cases of repeated absenteeism or poor academic performance, continuation of the scholarship will be assessed by UNHCR based on the individual circumstances.

Tuition fees and other approved education-related costs are paid directly to the educational institution. The monthly stipend is paid directly to the scholar.

Applications must include all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to apply

Complete the online application form in English through the DAFI Scholarship Platform between 7 July and 31 July 2026 (until 23:59 Bishkek time) DAFI Programme Management Platform

Applicants must register by completing the following three steps indicated on the registration page:

a. Create an account
b. Start completing the application form (and save it as you progress)
c. Submit the application for review

After registration, applicants will log into the platform using the credentials they used to create their account.

Applicants should click the “Start Application” button.

Applicants must complete the application form, where questions are organized into different tabs. Some questions are mandatory, while others are optional. Optional questions will be clearly indicated.

Questions requiring supporting documents are also specified. In addition, there is a separate “Additional Attachments” tab where applicants must upload the following documents:

1. A copy of a valid identity document.
2. A copy of a refugee certificate or asylum-seeker certificate.
3. A copy of the secondary school completion certificate. If the certificate was issued in another country, the academic transcript must be officially validated and recognized by the Ministry of Education.
4. If previously enrolled in a higher education institution, a copy of the academic transcript or record of credits earned from the previous institution.
5. A university admission/enrollment certificate, if available. Preferably, applicants should be admitted to their chosen university at the time of application submission.
6. A document confirming the annual tuition fee amount, if available.

Applicants may save their applications and continue completing them later, provided that the application deadline has not passed.

Should applicants encounter any technical difficulties, they should contact support using the contact information provided in the “Support” section.

Applications to the DAFI Programme will be considered only if they are fully completed and contain responses to all required questions.

• If you need assistance completing the application in English, please contact UNHCR at: [email protected]
  • Alternatively, you may contact the UNHCR Office: 160 Chuy Avenue, Bishkek, Tel.: +996 (312) 611 264, +996 (775) 589 50, Contact person: Olesia Golovko.
• Research your preferred field of study and identify accredited higher education or secondary vocational institutions in Kyrgyzstan  offering your chosen programme. Ensure you meet their admission requirements.

After the application deadline, UNHCR and the Public Fund “Legal Clinic “Adilet” will review all applications. All applications for DAFI Programme scholarships will be reviewed and assessed on a competitive basis.

Applicants who meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be invited for an interview.

Successful candidates will be contacted by UNHCR. The scholarship becomes effective upon signing the Scholarship Agreement and formally accepting the award.