Complementary education pathways are higher education opportunities through which refugees are admitted to a third country, i.e., a country other than their country of origin and the first country in which they have sought protection. Access of the refugees to these opportunities is based on their education and language skills as opposed to their protection needs. Education opportunities offered through such pathways should allow for a long-term solution through a regular migration system or asylum system in the new country instead of short-term study and scholarship programmes.
These opportunities contribute to refugees’ economic and social empowerment while increasing their agency and self-reliance.
At the same time, they benefit host communities and institutions with a more prosperous academic environment, enhanced social cohesion, and improved academic infrastructure and resources.
Third country education programmes may be part of traditional immigration systems adapted to facilitate the admission of refugees with requisite skillsets on different levels. For programmes of this type to be sustained, it is essential to ensure proper travel documentation for legal entry and stay arrangements. Relevant protection safeguards throughout and following the study duration and subsequent access to information on access to a durable solution are equally important.
Available opportunities worldwide are listed on the UNHCR Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees Website
Please beware of individuals claiming false affiliation to UNHCR and/or its partners including outside the UNHCR Office or on various social media platforms. Do not trust anyone who claims to provide services on behalf of UNHCR including resettlement and complementary pathways in exchange for money or favors.
Can UNHCR help me find an opportunity to study in another country and apply for me? ⬇
No, you need to identify your own opportunities. Opportunities are listed on the UNHCR Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees website. You must initiate the application process yourself.
Occasionally, UNHCR may share information on education programmes specifically seeking candidates in Iraq. Information on such programmes will be available on UNHCR Iraq’s ‘Help’ page and through social media.
Can UNHCR help me to secure documentation from my home country support my third country education application? ⬇
No, UNHCR cannot directly assist with obtaining documentation from your home country. You need to make sure you have all required documents ready before applying.
If you are unable to produce a required document and this is preventing you from moving ahead with a third country education application, inform UNHCR. There may be alternatives that can be used instead.
I can’t afford the costs associated with a third country education opportunity I have found, can UNHCR pay? ⬇
UNHCR cannot provide financial support to cover these costs, but if you are unable to proceed with your application due to financial constraints inform UNHCR as there may be alternatives to reduce or remove these financial barriers.
When exploring third country education opportunities you should consider programmes that offer financial aid to cover/assist with tuition and living expenses. Available opportunities worldwide are contained in the UNHCR Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees website.
I need to travel to an embassy to finalize my application/attend an interview, but I don’t have a passport. Can UNHCR help me to travel to the embassy in Jordan/Iran/Türkiye/Lebanon? ⬇
Yes, if you have been asked to travel for an appointment in an embassy in a neighboring country, but you are unable to do so legally, please inform UNHCR. This is something we can assist with.