Education pathways are higher education opportunities through which refugees are admitted to a third country that is a country other than their country of origin, as well as other than the first country in which they apply for protection.

These opportunities are based on refugees’ education and language skills, not their protection needs. The educational opportunities offered through such pathways should provide a long-term solution through a routine immigration mechanism or asylum system in the new country, rather than short-term study programs and scholarships. 

Further details and application processes for higher education opportunities and scholarships accredited by UNHCR worldwide are listed on UNHCR’s Scholarships for Refugees page on the UNHCR website. 

Programs operating in Uganda

WUSC- Canada 

WUSC is a Canadian international development non-profit organization dedicated to improving education, employment and empowerment opportunities for youth, women, and refugees in more than 25 countries around the world. Operational for over fifty years. 

Call for applications for the WUSC program will be posted as they become available.  

For further information, please use the following link: Canada – Student Refugee Program – WUSC 

UNICORE- Italy  

The application process is completely free of charge. In case of any difficulties in the application process, students can contact the University’s focal point directly at the dedicated e-mail address available at the individual university’s page. 

More information on eligibility, the application process and a list of universities and courses can be found on the UNICORE 5.0 website.

UNIV ́R- France

The UNIV’R (University for Refugees) program holds its second term and invites refugees from the first country of asylum who wish to pursue a two-year master’s degree at French higher education institutions to apply (application).

The program provides students with easy access to the academic system, and administrative, social and financial support (scholarships and subsistence during the Master’s degree). 

DAAD – Germany                                                 

The German Academic Exchange Association (DAAD) runs the scholarship program “Hilde Domin” with the German Foreign Ministry funding. 

The program provides opportunities for PhD students and volunteers from around the world who are officially or de facto at risk of being deprived of their education to start or finish a research degree at a higher education institution in Germany. 

Students and doctoral candidates who have been offered and accepted for this program will be awarded scholarships for a course of study of their choice based on individual competencies. 

For more information, please see the links shared on the official UNHCR Uganda Facebook and X (former Twitter) pages as the scholarships become available.) and the DAAD website Find Scholarships – DAAD. 

MASTERCARD FOUNDATION

More information on the scholarships can be found at The Mastercard Foundation.  

To submit a complaint or feedback to UNHCR, you can call the toll-free FRRM Helpline 0800 32 32 32

In Uganda, refugee and asylum seeker children have access to universal primary education, as well as access to pre-primary education, secondary education, vocational skills, and tertiary institutions.

• Enrollment Requirements:
  • To enroll in school, you’ll need a refugee ID or asylum seeker certificate. If you have any previous school certificates, bring them for enrollment.
  • Contact the education partner in your settlement for guidance and support.
• Validating Previous Certificates:
  • The Ugandan school system will evaluate previous certificates to see if they match the Ugandan education system.
  • The education partner in your area can assist with this process.
• Accessing Support:
  • Reach out to the education partner in your settlement for detailed information and available support services in your area.

What do I need to access school in Uganda?

To enrol in school, you’ll need:

• a refugee ID or asylum seeker certificate.
• If you have any previous school certificates, bring them for enrollment.

And contact the education partner in your settlement for guidance and support. (See below)

Validating Previous Certificates:

• The Ugandan school system will evaluate previous certificates to see if they match the Ugandan education system.
• The education partner in your area can assist with this process.

If you need help with education, reach out to the education partner in your settlement for detailed information and available support services in your area:

To submit a complaint or feedback to UNHCR, you can call the toll-free FRRM Helpline 0800 32 32 32

See also

Child Protection Services

Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Support to Persons with Specific Needs

Health services

Work and skills

Registering Birth

Support in Kampala

Support in the settlements

Legal Assistance