MITLearn | Alison | Global Mentorship Initiative | Coursera
UNHCR India is inviting eligible refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR India to apply for four free learning and professional development opportunities under the Digital Higher Education (DHE) Initiative.
The DHE Initiative aims to expand access to online higher education and skills-based learning for refugees and asylum-seekers in India. It is implemented by UNHCR India’s implementing partner, BOSCO.
1. MITLearn – Universal AI Course
UNHCR India has secured a limited number of free vouchers from MIT for refugees and asylum-seekers in India to access the MITLearn platform.
The platform offers a Universal AI course designed by MIT faculty.
The course includes:
- 15 foundational AI modules, each requiring approximately 8–10 hours.
- Approximately 150 hours to complete all 15 foundational modules.
- 6 additional sector- and industry-specific modules, with new modules released periodically.
- An AI learning assistant to support learning.
Benefits
- Learn AI concepts through MIT-designed content.
- Earn stackable certificates after completing individual foundational modules.
- Receive a Course Completion Certificate after completing all 15 foundational modules.
- Flexible, self-paced learning.
Apply for MITLearn
Apply for MITLearn – Universal AI
Important:
- Access is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The number of vouchers is limited. Submitting an application does not guarantee access.
- Selected learners are expected to complete the Universal AI course.
- Learners should inform BOSCO if they experience personal or academic challenges.
- The DHE Initiative’s rules for equitable distribution apply.
2. Alison – 6,000+ Free Online Courses
UNHCR India has secured free access to Alison, an online learning and career development platform offering thousands of courses.
Benefits
- Free access to 6,000+ online courses.
- Develop skills for education, employment and personal growth.
- Receive a free downloadable transcript after successful course completion.
- Access courses online or download them for offline learning.
- Flexible, self-paced learning.
- Download course content through the Alison website or mobile application.
Apply for Alison
Tip: In the application form, mention any specific courses or learning paths you would like to pursue through Alison.
3. Global Mentorship Initiative – Career Mentorship
UNHCR, in partnership with the Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI), is facilitating structured career mentorship for refugees and asylum-seekers in India.
Participants receive structured virtual mentoring sessions with experienced professionals to support their career and professional development.
Mentorship can support you with:
- Career planning
- Networking
- Job readiness
- Professional development
- CV/resume development
- Interview preparation
- Building professional confidence
Additional benefits
After completing the programme, participants can receive:
- A one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription.
- Access to LinkedIn Premium Learning, with 20,000+ courses.
- Free access to Aperian.
- Access to a global community of mentors and learners.
Who is this for?
This programme is intended for refugees and asylum-seekers who are preparing to enter or re-enter the job market.
Please note: This is not a higher education or job placement programme. Participation does not guarantee employment.
Apply for Global Mentorship Initiative
Apply – Global Mentorship Initiative for Displaced Learners
Important: When completing the application, select “UNHCR” as the referral agency under Question 14 to help prioritise your application.
4. Coursera – 22,000+ Free Online Courses
UNHCR India is facilitating free access to Coursera for registered refugees and asylum-seekers in India.
Coursera offers 22,000+ courses developed by more than 350 leading universities and institutions across 25 countries.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Business
- Technology
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Languages
- Health
- Social Sciences
- And many other fields
Benefits
- Free access to 22,000+ courses from leading universities and organisations worldwide.
- Earn course completion certificates after successfully completing courses.
- Certificates can be shared with employers, educational institutions and professional networks.
- Build or update skills relevant to education and employment.
- Flexible, self-paced learning.
- Downloadable course content for offline learning through the website or mobile application.
Learners are encouraged to choose courses aligned with their education, career and professional development goals.
Apply for Coursera
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a refugee or asylum-seeker of any nationality registered with UNHCR India and currently residing in India.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Be proficient in English.
Connected Learning Centres – Delhi-NCR
Learners residing in Delhi-NCR can be facilitated through two Connected Learning Centres (CLCs) established under the DHE Initiative.
The centres are equipped with laptops, workstations, reliable Wi-Fi and on-site facilitation.
Budella, Vikaspuri
WZ-83, Budella Village, Opp. DG2 Flats, Vikaspuri, New Delhi – 110018
Bhogal
1-1/6A, 3rd Floor, Temple Road, Jangpura Bhogal, Delhi – 110014
Key Dates
There is no fixed deadline to submit the application forms.
All forms will remain open throughout the year, except MITLearn, which has a limited number of vouchers.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Important Information
- Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements or submitting an application does not guarantee admission, selection or access to any programme.
- Detailed information about the DHE Initiative, eligibility, selection process and equitable distribution rules is available in the DHE community message.
- It may take up to 20 days or more to receive an invitation to join a platform after submitting the application.
- Do not submit duplicate forms if you have not received an invitation. Please wait for your application to be processed.
Apply / Stay Updated
Direct Application Links
MITLearn – Universal AI
Apply Now
Alison
Apply Now
Global Mentorship Initiative
Apply Now
Coursera
Apply Now
DHE Initiative
DHE Expression of Interest (EoI) Form
Submit the DHE EoI Form
UNHCR India Announcements – Check here regularly for new Calls for Applications and deadlines.
Visit the Announcements Page
DHE WhatsApp Broadcast Community
Join the DHE WhatsApp Community
BOSCO Delhi
Follow BOSCO Delhi on Instagram
Contact
UNHCR India
[email protected]
BOSCO
[email protected]
[email protected]
BOSCO Phone:
- Ms Rini Das: 9540510601
- Mr Tiajungla Walling: 9354938974
- Ms Rakhi Pal: 9354938965
BOSCO Address:
WZ-83, Budella, Vikaspuri, Near DG-22 Flats, Opp. Community Centre, New Delhi – 110018
Beware of Fraud
All services provided by UNHCR India and its partners, including under the DHE Initiative, are FREE.
UNHCR and its partners never ask for money or favours in exchange for selection, admission, scholarships, courses or other assistance.
If any UNHCR or partner staff member, leader, member of the refugee community or any other person asks you for money or favours in exchange for selection or assistance, report it immediately.