UNHCR India is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital Higher Education (DHE) Initiative, providing refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR India access to online higher education, skills development and career-support opportunities.
The initiative is implemented by BOSCO, UNHCR India’s implementing partner.
What opportunities are available?
The DHE Initiative brings together a range of learning opportunities, including:
- Online undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes through partner universities, including the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London and others.
- Online and blended Transnational Education (TNE) programmes.
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses.
- AI and technology programmes, including dedicated cohorts in priority sectors.
- Short courses and pre-sessional programmes, including language courses.
- Mentorship, career guidance and professional support.
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through platforms such as Coursera and Alison. These are available to eligible learners alongside structured cohorts.
Connected Learning Centres in New Delhi
Students in Delhi-NCR can access two Connected Learning Centres (CLCs) established under the initiative. The centres provide laptops, workstations, Wi-Fi and on-site facilitation.
Budella, Vikaspuri
WZ-83, Budella Village, Opp. DG2 Flats, Vikaspuri, New Delhi – 110018
Bhogal
1-1/6A, 1st Floor, Temple Road, Jangpura Bhogal, Delhi – 110014
How to apply
Step 1: Submit the Expression of Interest (EoI)
The DHE Expression of Interest (EoI) form is open on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline.
Submit the EoI form:
DHE Expression of Interest (EoI) Form
Important: This EoI form is the only way to apply to the DHE Initiative. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Only one form submission per person is permitted. If more than one member of a family is interested, each person must submit a separate form.
Step 2: Enter the rolling pool
Eligible applicants will be screened and, if they meet the eligibility requirements, placed in a rolling pool.
When a DHE opportunity becomes available, applicants whose profiles match the eligibility criteria of the relevant university or programme may be contacted for the next steps.
Applicants may also be required to apply directly through a university’s application portal, depending on the programme.
How are opportunities offered?
DHE opportunities will generally be offered in two ways:
Open Cohort Opportunities
A public Call for Applications (CoA) will be announced. Applicants must apply through the CoA and have submitted the DHE EoI form.
Closed Cohort Opportunities
For time-bound opportunities or programmes with specific eligibility requirements, candidates may be shortlisted from the existing DHE EoI pool without a separate public Call for Applications.
Submitting the EoI form is mandatory for consideration under both types of opportunities.
Who can apply?
To be considered for the DHE Initiative, applicants must:
- Be a refugee or asylum-seeker currently living in India and registered with UNHCR India.
- Have completed senior secondary school (Year 12) or an equivalent programme.
- Be 18–40 years old at the time the specific DHE opportunity is announced.
- Have strong academic performance and relevant academic credentials.
- Be able to study and communicate fluently in English. Specific language or test-score requirements may vary by university or programme.
- Be willing to complete the programme from a Connected Learning Centre in New Delhi and dedicate additional time as required by the programme.
- Applicants living outside New Delhi who cannot attend a CLC must have access to their own laptop/computer to complete the course.
- Provide consent for processing of personal data, including sharing information with the educational institution offering the relevant opportunity where the applicant meets the criteria.
Please note: Individual programmes may have additional eligibility requirements related to age, qualifications, academic performance, English-language proficiency or other criteria.
Important information about eligibility and prioritisation
Applicants who already have cases under Voluntary Repatriation, Resettlement or Complementary Pathways — including sponsorship, family reunification, study or work visas — that are at the pre-departure stage are requested not to apply for structured DHE opportunities, so that limited places can benefit applicants who do not currently have a solution.
Exception: Open-access MOOCs are available to eligible applicants in these circumstances.
Prioritisation rules
For structured DHE opportunities:
Never-Before-Supported Priority: Applicants who have not previously pursued higher education or skills training, including through DHE, will be prioritised. An applicant cannot pursue two structured DHE opportunities at the same time.
Family/Household Cap: Only one member of a family can receive a DHE scholarship for a structured DHE opportunity.
Open-access MOOCs and pre-sessional programmes may be allowed exceptionally.
How will applicants be selected?
Selection will depend on the specific opportunity.
University-led selection:
For most DHE opportunities, the educational institution will make the final selection based on its programme criteria. UNHCR India may share eligible candidate profiles from the rolling pool where there is no direct application process.
UNHCR-led selection:
Where the educational institution asks UNHCR India to conduct the selection, a panel comprising representatives from UNHCR India and BOSCO’s multifunctional team will conduct the process according to the institution’s criteria and the DHE prioritisation rules.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.
Key dates
The DHE Initiative operates on a rolling basis.
The EoI form remains open at all times, so there is no fixed deadline to submit the initial expression of interest.
Specific Calls for Applications (CoAs) for time-bound opportunities will be announced separately and will include their own application timelines and deadlines, where applicable.
Stay updated
Follow these official channels for new DHE opportunities and Calls for Applications:
UNHCR India Announcements:
UNHCR India Help – Announcements
DHE Expression of Interest (EoI) Form:
Submit the DHE EoI Form
DHE WhatsApp Broadcast Community:
Join the DHE WhatsApp Community
BOSCO Delhi:
Follow BOSCO Delhi on Instagram
Important: Applying does not guarantee selection
Submitting the EoI form or meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission, a scholarship or selection.
Selection will be carried out by the educational institution or UNHCR India, as specified in the relevant Call for Applications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Need more information?
UNHCR India:
[email protected]
BOSCO Focal Point:
[email protected]
Beware of fraud
All services provided by UNHCR India and its partners, including under the DHE Initiative, are FREE.
Do not pay anyone or provide favours in exchange for selection, admission, scholarships or access to DHE opportunities.
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 assistance or selection, report it immediately.