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What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the scholarship?
To be:
- A recognized refugee
- Currently residing in the first country of asylum
- Holder of a bachelor’s degree or expected to graduate this year (not later than June 2023)
- Fluent in French (minimum B2 level) for masters in French, OR
- Fluent in English (minimum B2 level) AND have few notions in French, for masters in English
Is there an age limit for applying to UNIV’R scholarship?
There is no age limit to apply. During the selection process, universities could assess on a case-by-case basis if a study gap could be a barrier for the academic success of the student.
How to apply for the scholarship?
By completing the application form available at: https://services.unhcr.org/opportunities/
What are the different steps of the selection process?
After the closure of applications, the universities will screen all applications and assess applicants against their eligibility criteria. Pre-selected candidates will be contacted via email for an interview by phone or online video conference. At the end of the selection process, successful candidates will be contacted by email by the university. After acceptance, UNHCR France and UNHCR offices at first countries of asylum will assist the selected students in their administrative formalities and preparation for departure.
Are virtual pre-departure meetings planed?
A pre-departure meeting should be organised by each university after the selection procedure. The meetings aim at providing information on administrative procedures upon arrival in France as well as on the academic curriculum to the selected students.
What is the legal status of the students in France?
The students will travel to France with a Convention Travel Document and a student Visa. The Visa is issued to the student only and does give the right to student to apply for family reunification.
Can students work while studying in France?
Yes. All students have the right to work on or off campus.
What is the next step after graduation?
Upon graduation, students may apply for a provisional residence authorization valid for 12 months to seek job opportunities in France; apply for a work visa if they find a job in France; return to the first country of asylum or seek asylum in France.
Students who wish to seek asylum, they should follow the normal asylum procedure in France. Initiating an asylum application in France doesn’t guarantee the obtention of the refugee status. Asylum-seekers do not have the right to apply for family reunification. Should they be recognized as refugees, they have the right to apply for family reunification as per the family reunification procedure in France.
The refugee status may be granted to students who have been recognized as refugees by a state on the basis of The Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees, July 28 1951 or by UNHCR UNHCR on the basis of Articles 6 and 7 of its Statute.
What are the required documents to be submitted when the final year of bachelor’s degree is still in progress?
Applicants should submit all transcripts of completed semesters. They can also provide any other documents as a proof of their ongoing studies with the estimated date of their graduation.
Is it mandatory to provide a language certificate?
No. The language proficiency of the students will be assessed by the universities during the admission interview. Students who have language certificates are encouraged to attach them to their application form.
What is covered in this program?
- Tuition
- Visa fees
- Subsistence allowance to cover all costs (rent, food, health insurance, transportation)
- Plane ticket
What are the pre-departure procedures?
- Conventional Travel Document issued by the authorities in the first country of asylum.
- Long term student Visa issued by the embassy/consulate of France in the first country of asylum.
How monthly living allowances are funded?
The implementation of the project depends on the success of universities’ fundraising activities to cover the subsistence allowances of refugee students. The results of the fundraising activities should be known before the selection of students. Students are selected only if funds have been secured.
The amount of the monthly living allowance could differ from one university to another, depending on the local cost of life (≈800/month).