Where can I find information about higher education opportunities and scholarships for refugees?

UNHCR provides information on a variety of higher education opportunities and scholarships for refugees. Information on UNHCR’s higher education scholarship programme for refugees  – the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) – which provides scholarships for refugee students to access higher education programmes in their country of asylum can be found here, as well as on the Opportunities site. UNHCR’s Opportunities site provides additional information on higher education opportunities and other scholarships for refugees in countries of asylum and in third countries.

Where can I find more information about DAFI?

Information on UNHCR’s higher education scholarship programme for refugees  – the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) – which provides scholarships for refugee students to access higher education programmes in their country of asylum can be found here, as well as on the Opportunities site.

I am a refugee or an asylum-seeker. Can I study at a higher education institution in my country of asylum?

Refugees are able to access higher education in many countries of asylum. The right to education at all levels is recognized in a number of international instruments and frameworks, including for refugees. The inclusion of children and youth in national systems can be considered as an international obligation and has been reaffirmed by SDG4−Education 2030. Inclusion means emphasis on securing access to all types and levels of education, access to health care and employment at all skill levels.

The Opportunities site will progressively house more information on higher education programmes for refugees to access higher education in the country of asylum. You are further encouraged to consult the UNHCR office, higher education institutions or partner organisations in the country where you are located, to make your intentions to pursue higher education known and to obtain information about other opportunities that may be available.

I am a refugee or an asylum-seeker. Can I study in a country other than my country of asylum?

A variety of options to study in a country other than your country of asylum exist. The Opportunities site includes many programmes for study in another country that meet the basic protection needs of refugees, namely, prevention of refoulement and access to international protection. Some programmes also provide more comprehensive support for refugee students to ensure their success.  It is crucial that you consider those aspects of a higher education programme in another country that may impact your safety and your success in the progammes. More information can be found here.


See also