Education and Scholarship Opportunities

IMPORTANT: UNHCR is not currently facilitating any education pathways. The information on this page is for reference only. If you want to apply for any opportunities, please visit the websites listed below.

Complementary Education Pathways include opportunities for refugees to continue their higher education in a third country. Depending on the program, students enter the third country on a temporary student visa but may have opportunities to apply for different types of visas at the end of their studies or access asylum systems in third countries.

Education opportunities and scholarships are limited and highly competitive. They often have strict requirements for acceptance based on an applicant’s educational background and linguistic skills. Not only do education pathways have competitive requirements, but they are often reserved for candidates within certain age ranges. In most countries, student visas are only provided for the students themselves, and dependent family members (including spouses and minor children) cannot be included. It is important that you thoroughly examine the requirements of each scholarship before deciding to apply.

Each scholarship has different requirements and application processes. Often, applications are open only during specific periods of the year, and deadlines are relatively short. It is important to pay close attention to the requirements and deadlines of each program.

Accredited higher education and scholarship opportunities that have been verified by UNHCR are listed on UNHCR’s Scholarship Opportunities for Refugees platform.  The criteria, areas of study, application process, and other relevant details of these programs are different for every school. Please find the details on the various program here:

Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship in Human Rights and Sustainability (2027)

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is inviting applications for its 18-month Master of Liberal Arts in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) programme, commencing in September 2027. The programme focuses on human rights, international law, governance, and sustainability, and provides students with an opportunity to pursue master’s studies in these fields.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to eligible Afghan refugees interested in advancing their academic and professional development. Refugees who meet the programme’s admission requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility criteria and admission requirements before submitting an application.

Important Information for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Refugees residing in Pakistan are responsible for ensuring that they possess all documentation required for travel and departure, including a valid passport or travel document, visas, travel authorizations, exit permits, and any other required documentation.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend of EUR 450
• Round-trip economy-class travel to and from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• Basic medical insurance
• Opportunities for funded internships in Central Asia and Europe (subject to competitive selection)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be an Afghan national or a citizen of another eligible country.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 240 ECTS credits or equivalent) in social sciences, humanities, law, sociology, or a related field, or be in the final year of an eligible bachelor’s programme.
• Demonstrate an interest in human rights, sustainability, and democratization in Central Asia.
• Have advanced English-language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90).
• Be willing to relocate to Kyrgyzstan and other countries for studies and internships.
• Hold a valid passport or travel document accepted by the destination country and programme.
• Be able to obtain any required visas, travel authorizations, exit permits, and other departure-related documentation.

Programme Information

• Duration: 18 months
• Start date: 1 September 2027
• Application deadline: 31 January 2027 at 11:00 p.m. (Bishkek time)

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should apply directly through the OSCE Academy online application portal:

https://osce.embark.com/apply/MAHRS2027

Important Notice This scholarship is offered and administered by the OSCE Academy. UNHCR Pakistan is sharing this opportunity for information purposes only and is not involved in the admission or selection process. For all programme-related enquiries, applicants should contact the OSCE Academy directly at [email protected].

UNHCR Opportunities site.

Types of education pathways
Bachelor degree program
Master or PhD degree program
Technical degrees
Associate degrees

Minimum education qualification
Depends on the program. Normally, most programs require a high school diploma at least.

Language
Similarly, it depends on the program. For most programs, a certain level of command of the English language is required. Some programs provide language training courses prior to the academic program.

Call for applications for Sciences-Po/UNIV’R programme
Please note that UNHCR Pakistan is unable to respond to enquiries related to this programme.
For any questions or further information, please contact the UNIV’R Programme at Sciences Po directly at [email protected]

Examples of Available Programs (some specific for Afghan nationals)

Should you have an active application, or any inquiry during your particular application process, please contact the UNHCR helpline at 0800-86677 or email [email protected]

Please note UNHCR and its partners maintain a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse and any form of solicitation for money or favors in exchange for assistance and services. Please report any complaints to UNHCR via the helpline number (0800-86677) or email ID [email protected].