UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships)

UNHCR, funded by the German government

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Qualified refugees up to age 28 living in one of about 50 countries of asylum (for example Kenya, Uganda, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey) who can show a refugee certificate or an asylum-seeker certificate. Covers associate, bachelor's and technical degrees in all fields. UNHCR does not run the application process; contact the scholarship provider in your country.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

DAFI is the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative. It helps refugee students earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum, with extra support such as mentoring and academic preparation.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Qualified refugees up to age 28 living in one of about 50 countries of asylum (for example Kenya, Uganda, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey) who can show a refugee certificate or an asylum-seeker certificate. Covers associate, bachelor's and technical degrees in all fields. UNHCR does not run the application process; contact the scholarship provider in your country.
2. Note the deadline. Set by each country programme (the global page states no deadline - watch the UNHCR office page for your country of asylum) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Proof of refugee status; Secondary school certificates; Application form from the UNHCR office; Identity documents.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Ask the UNHCR office or its partner about the next call because timing differs by country
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.
6. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.
7. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships)?

Qualified refugees up to age 28 living in one of about 50 countries of asylum (for example Kenya, Uganda, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey) who can show a refugee certificate or an asylum-seeker certificate. Covers associate, bachelor's and technical degrees in all fields. UNHCR does not run the application process; contact the scholarship provider in your country.

What does UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships) cover?

Full scholarship for the whole period of study: tuition, books, monthly stipend, housing, local transport, health insurance and mentoring or psychosocial support

When is the deadline for UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships)?

Set by each country programme (the global page states no deadline - watch the UNHCR office page for your country of asylum) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships)?

Host countries: Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania.

What documents do I need for UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships)?

Proof of refugee status; Secondary school certificates; Application form from the UNHCR office; Identity documents.

How much work is the UNHCR DAFI Scholarship (Refugee Undergraduate Scholarships) application?

Medium: Country-specific application form through the UNHCR office or partner. Do not send it to UNHCR headquarters