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Third Country Education Opportunities

REFUGEE EDUCATION AND SKILLS SURVEY 2026 
Refugees and asylum seekers in India who are registered with UNHCR India and are above the age of 16 years are requested to fill the following UNHCR administered survey form on your education, skills, work experience, and language proficiency. This form seeks self-reported information from the refugee and asylum seeker population registered with UNHCR India regarding to aid program implementation for complementary pathways.  
 
Link to the Survey Form: https://enketo.unhcr.org/tVtb4oP5  
The data and documents provided by you will be stored securely with UNHCR as per our internal data protection policies. UNHCR will not share any personal information externally without consent.
 

Third country educational pathways allow refugees and asylum seekers to explore higher education opportunities in third countries based on academic merit and qualifications. This can include private, community or institution-based educational opportunities, scholarships, apprenticeships, academic research, sports, arts and traineeship programs in third countries to enhance knowledge and skills. Third country educational pathways enable refugees to live, study, and eventually obtain a permanent solution in a third country. During or upon completion of their studies or traineeship, students may become eligible to apply for asylum, family reunification and temporary or permanent work opportunities. 

Access to third-country education opportunities corresponds to UNHCR’s objectives set out by both, the Roadmap 2030 and the Education 2030 Strategy.  

Read more about this on UNHCR’s Frequently Asked Questions relating to: 

UNHCR India also has been implementing some educational pathways programs where refugees and asylum seekers may apply based on the eligibility criteria. Information about open and upcoming educational opportunities is actively shared on our Instagram Page.  

Some of the programs and their details are as follows: 

1. Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) – Australia 

The Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) has been enabled by the Government of Australia for a pilot program. Applications to the RSSP are managed by Skill Path Australia. The program enables refugee students from India, Malaysia and Thailand to migrate to Australia for undergraduate or postgraduate studies at one of the 16 participating universities. Selected students are able to depart to Australia on a permanent resident visa with full study and work rights. For more information and link to apply, please visit their website. You may also refer to the community message for the 2025 cohort, here. 

2. University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) – Italy 

The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) aims to increase opportunities for refugees to continue their higher education in Italy. The program offers refugee students the opportunity to attend a master’s degree program at one of the 37 participating universities. The program provides a series of services and benefits, including: accommodation, meals, expenses related to the residence permit for study in Italy, health insurance, legal/social/psychological support, study materials (laptops, books, etc.). It is promoted by the participating Italian universities with the support of UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Jesuit Refugee Service and other partners. For more information and link to apply, please visit their website. You may also refer to the community message for the 2025 cohort, here. 

3. University Corridors to France (UNI’VR) 

The University Corridors to France (UNI’VR) program enables recognized refugees to pursue master’s studies (two years) within a higher education establishment in France. The program provides easier access to the university system along with administrative, social and financial support for the total duration of the master’s degree. For more information and link to apply, please visit their website. You may also refer to the community message for the 2026 cohort, here.  

Other services offered through partnership: 

4. Duolingo English Test and IELTS Test Vouchers 

A common requirement for accessing educational and labour mobility pathways is the possession of an English language proficiency certificate, typically obtained through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests. ​ 

UNHCR and Duolingo have partnered to provide refugees and asylum seekers with a free alternative service, the Duolingo English Test, accepted by 3500+ institutions around the world.​  

UNHCR has also partnered with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to offer recognized refugees access to the language test for free.  

​Candidates who have a specific, identified need for a DET or an IELTS test can approach UNHCR India for a voucher. For more information about the DET, please visit their website. For more information about IELTS, please visit their website. 

NOTE: Free IELTS and Duolingo vouchers are available exclusively for refugees and asylum seekers with a confirmed educational or labour mobility pathway opportunity, where the only requirement remaining for accessing the pathway is the submission of English proficiency test results. For specific queries, please write to us at [email protected]  

5. Other Educational Pathways 

UNHCR India is continuously exploring partnership opportunities that can provide accurate and reliable information about various study programs in third countries, including information about scholarships and financial aid for refugee and asylum seeker students.  

Refugees and asylum seekers have also independently accessed the below-mentioned educational pathways to secure durable solutions in third countries. Please note that UNHCR India is not involved in implementing these programs. If you have any queries, you may contact the involved institutions directly.  The details and relevant links for these programs are as follows:  

  1. Classes Internationales, France: https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/classes-internationales 
  1. Educational Pathways to Japan  

VIDEO BY UNHCR:  Scholarships for refugees can completely transform their lives