Kigali Independent University/ULK – UNHCR Scholarship
Kigali Independent University ULK is a private institution of higher learning founded on 15th March 1996, and now governed by the Law N° 010/2021 of 16/02/2021 determining the Organization of Education; the Law N° 66/2018 of 30/08/2018 regulating Labour in Rwanda; the Ministerial Order N°001/MINEDUC/2021 of 20/10/2021 establishing quality standards in higher learning institutions; the ULK Statutes, the present Internal Regulations and Academic Regulations. Kigali Independent University ULK is destined to stand out as a remarkable University for excellence at the heart of Africa with highly motivated students and high-qualified personnel endowed with elevated ethical values.
The mission of ULK is to educate, teach, conduct research and serve the community. The fundamental mission of ULK is to provide the students with a training, which will enable them to become actors and organizers of a complete development of the nation.
UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) offers qualified refugee and returnee (in selected countries*) students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The scholarship package varies from country to country and covers a range of costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation. Beneficiaries of this scholarship are expected to participate in community engagement and skills development activities linked to their studies. Kigali Independent University/ULK and UNHCR, alongside the education implementing partner, maintain close contact with each scholar to ensure the academic success and well-being of each student. The scholarship is designed to provide students with academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification.
Kigali Independent University is offering 20 scholarships to refugees, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year on 8th September 2025. The University will cover registration and tuition fees while UNHCR will cover monthly living allowance including accommodation, transport and food. UNHCR will also facilitate refugee students under this scholarship to get enrolled in Community based Health Insurance (CBHI).
The scholarships are open to all undergraduate and polytechnic courses.
Students who meet the following eligibility criteria are invited to apply for this scholarship program by 12th July 2025.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- The applicant must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
- Priority will be given to those who achieved excellent academic performance. (graduates of 2024, 80% and above; graduates from 2023 downwards, general education 60 and above, TVET 50% and above.
- Applicant must submit admission letter from Kigali Independent University/ULK
- Applicants currently benefiting from another Higher Education scholarship programmes, are not eligible to apply for ULK-DAFI scholarship.
- Applicants who have been confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Female and persons with special needs education are highly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION FORM:
All application should be submitted through an online application form, available at the following link: https://forms.gle/HcZQ9Lq5EHM8159J9
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED OR UPLOADED
- Please attach your UNHCR Proof of registration
- Please upload your official/certified copy of the high school diploma.
- Please upload Kigali Independent University admission
- Please upload the equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum (in case your secondary education diploma is from a foreign country)
TIMEFRAME
Applications will be received from 30th June to 12th of July 2025. Application submitted after the deadline will not be processed.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing internet connectivity or require technical assistance for uploading the required documents, kindly reach out to the nearest Digital Career Counsellors at the camp level or Community Centers in your vicinity.
For any inquiries, please contact us via [email protected] and [email protected]
| UNHCR Representation in Rwanda KG9 AV 60 Nyarutarama Road P.Box: 867 www.unhcr.org | www.unhcr.org/rw/ | Kigali Independent University /ULK KG102 Av 12 Gisozi Road P. Box:2280 https://ulk.ac.rw/ |