For millions of refugees and displaced people around the world, education represents hope, dignity, and a chance to build a stable future. Limited funding, lost documentation, and disrupted schooling often make access to higher education difficult.
The government, universities, and international organizations have offered more scholarships and special programs in recent years to assist refugees and displaced students. In addition to financial assistance, these programs offer an environment that fosters learning and career development.
Here, we will examine the top scholarship opportunities for refugees, how to apply for them, what kinds of support you can expect, and practical tips for preparing your application.
1. The importance of refugee scholarships
Educating refugees allows them to rebuild their lives, support their communities, and contribute meaningfully to the countries where they reside. Scholarships offer the following benefits:
- Access to higher education that would otherwise be unaffordable.
- Developing self-reliance, stability, and employment opportunities.
- Leadership, advocacy, and community impact opportunities.
- A sense of normalcy and hope is provided to children suffering from psychological disorders through education.
Through scholarships, universities are encouraged to adopt inclusive policies to assist displaced individuals in becoming innovators and leaders in the future.
2. Challenges refugees face as students
Understanding the barriers refugees often face is important before exploring scholarship options:
- Academic records and transcripts are unavailable due to conflict.
- Legal and documentation challenges in the host country.
- Due to language barriers, preparation courses are limited.
- The cost of applying for a visa and processing it is high.
- Trauma and mental health issues can result from displacement.
- There is a lack of awareness of scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship programs for refugees address these obstacles by providing flexible requirements, mentorship, and psychological support.
3. International scholarships for refugees and displaced students
Scholarship Program for Refugees (DAFI Program) of UNHCR
As one of the most well-known refugee scholarship programs, UNHCR coordinates the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI).
Highlights:
- Funding is provided for undergraduate studies in full or in part.
- Tuition, study materials, and living expenses are covered.
- Assists students academically and psychologically.
Requirements:
- Recognizing refugee status.
- Academic excellence.
- After graduation, they make a contribution to their communities.
As much as possible:
Kenya, Jordan, Uganda, Turkey, and Lebanon are among the countries that have implemented it.
For more information on application deadlines, contact your local UNHCR office or partner university.
(b) The World University Service of Canada – Student Refugee Program
With WUSC’s Student Refugee Program, resettlement is combined with opportunities for higher education.
Highlights:
- Providing full scholarship funding for students to attend Canadian colleges and universities.
- Permanent resettlement status of Canada.
- In the first year, housing, tuition, and living allowance are covered.
Requirements:
- Residents of host countries where WUSC operates.
- A secondary education equivalent to what Canada offers.
As UNHCR and local NGOs work together for refugee selection, you should make sure that your refugee registration with WUSC is active and up-to-date.
(c) Refugee and Displaced Students Program, Open Society University Network (OSUN)
Through a global partnership of universities, OSUN offers scholarships and academic bridge programs for refugees.
Highlights:
- Undergraduates and masters students have the option of receiving full or partial scholarships from us.
- Online and in-person learning options are available.
- Providing academics with career guidance and mentoring.
Requirements:
- Refugee, asylum seeker, or displaced student.
- University admissions standards must be met by applicants.
Bard College (USA), American University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan), and others are participating in the project.
(d) Scholarships offered by the Refugee Education Trust
RET Foundation provides vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate education assistance to refugees from several developing countries.
Highlights:
- Tuition coverage.
- Books and living allowance.
- Leadership and personal development training.
Requirements:
- Refugee or displaced person status in a host country.
- Committing to the rebuilding of the community.
(e) World University Service (Germany) in partnership with HOPES-LEB and DAFI
This program provides scholarships to Syrian and other displaced students in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Highlights:
- Funding for undergraduates and graduates of the program.
- English language and academic readiness training.
- Psychological and career development support.
Requirements:
- Refugees and vulnerable members of the host community.
- Displacement proof and academic readiness proof.
(f) Global Leaders Program and ABE Initiative by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The JICA prioritizes displaced students from conflict-affected African nations, but not exclusively.
Highlights:
- Full funding for postgraduate studies in Japan.
- Development and leadership training.
Requirements:
- A nationality or refugee status from one of the eligible countries.
- Developing and building peace around the world.
g) Erasmus+ Scholarships for Displaced and Refugee Students in Europe
Erasmus+ offers scholarships for refugees to study at European universities as part of the Inclusion and Diversity Action Plan.
Highlights:
- Full tuition waiver.
- Monthly living allowances and travel support.
- Integrating and exchanging cultures through workshops.
Requirements:
- Refugees or asylum seekers in Europe or partner regions.
- Erasmus programs are eligible for participation.
(h) University of the West Indies Refugee Initiative
Refugees aged 16-19 can complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma at UWC, paving the way for further university scholarships.
Highlights:
- Housing and study are fully funded.
- Global community experience.
Requirements:
- Strong leadership and academic abilities among young refugees and displaced persons.
i) University-Based Refugee Scholarship Initiatives
There are several universities around the world that offer direct scholarships to refugees and displaced students. These include:
- University of London – Refugee Bursaries
- Scholarships for Refugees – University of Edinburgh
- Oxford University – Refugee Academic Futures Scholarship
- The York University (Canada) offers Tent Partnership Scholarships
- (France) Sciences Po – Refugees Welcome Program
Mentorship, career advice, and mental health support may also be offered, depending on the program.
4. The scholarships covered by these scholarships
Student refugees and displaced persons can apply for several types of scholarships, including:
- Tuition fees may be waived in full or in part.
- Living and housing stipends.
- Assisting with visas, travel expenses, and relocation costs.
- Students who have missed years of school are provided with a bridging or foundation program.
- Whether the language is English, French, or a local dialect, the aim is to improve the ability to communicate effectively.
- There is a psychological support system and a mental health counseling service available.
To assist graduates in reintegrating into society, some programs provide mentorship and employment opportunities.
5. How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Scholarship competition for refugees remains high even though many scholarships are designed to be inclusive. Follow these tips to improve your chances:
As soon as possible, gather all available documentation
If you have lost your school certificates or transcripts, you can contact the UNHCR or your previous schools for assistance. Many universities accept alternative methods of verification, such as recommendation letters or competency tests.
(b) Demonstrate your resilience and tell your story
Stories of perseverance, determination, and leadership are valued by scholarship committees. Personal statements should emphasize how education can help rebuild your future and contribute to your community.
c) Demonstrate a commitment to academics and community service
Show your dedication to learning, whether you took online courses, volunteered, or taught others. The dedication and adaptability shown here are admirable.
d) Seek guidance and mentorship
Consult NGOs, education counselors, or alumni of scholarship programs. Documentation, applications, and interview preparation can be assisted by them.
e) Strive to learn the language of the area
Applicants to Germany, France, or Japan should begin language preparation early. The ability to speak the language is required for integration into many scholarships.
(f) Prepare for interviews in advance
The interviewer may ask you about your motivation, career goals, and how you plan to use your education to benefit your community. You should be able to articulate these points clearly and confidently.
6. Assistance with scholarship-related matters
Scholarships are only one part of the journey to higher education. The following institutions offer additional support to refugees and displaced students in order to assist them in adjusting to their new environment:
- Research and study skills mentoring.
- Career services connect graduates with employers.
- We provide assistance with issues related to residency and visas.
- Health and counseling services for the management of trauma and stress.
- Creating a sense of belonging and community through peer support groups.
Services in this category play a crucial role in ensuring that students have access to and succeed in education.
7. Improving Refugee Students’ Opportunities for Study Abroad
- Be part of refugee networks – Connect with online refugee communities or student refugee associations.
- Financial planning – Even if you win a full scholarship, you may still need money for personal expenses. Make wise spending decisions.
- Maintain your refugee documentation – Delays in renewal may cause issues with your residency or visa.
- Make the most of mentoring and internship opportunities – They provide valuable connections and professional experience.
- Applicants must be patient and persistent – It can take a long time to process an application, but perseverance is key.
In conclusion
Refugees and displaced students can transform their lives through education. DAFI, WUSC, Erasmus+, and university-based scholarships have helped countless individuals rebuild their futures, contribute to their new communities, and become global ambassadors for peace.
It is important for refugees and displaced students to remember that their experiences and determination make them strong candidates. Make sure you prepare your documents carefully, and apply to as many opportunities as you can.
Through courage and persistence, you can transform your story of displacement into a story of hope, success, and leadership.