About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
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.
DAFI covers programmes at International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, bachelor’s degrees or equivalent level qualifications. The scholarship is designed to provide students with academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. DAFI can also cover short-cycle tertiary education, ISCED level 5 courses. This includes accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes of two years or more that lead to a certification or diploma.
The DAFI Scholarship supports refugee students pursuing bachelor’s degree studies and encourages their participation in community engagement and skills development activities. UNHCR and its education partners closely monitor scholars’ academic progress and well-being through regular engagement with students and their institutions. Please note that the scholarship does not cover master’s degree programs. In Rwanda, over 600 refugee students have benefited from the DAFI Scholarship. Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 academic year, and eligible refugees and asylum-seekers are invited to apply by 7 August 2026.
MAIN 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.
Applicant should have been accepted to a university in Rwanda. (You will have to submit proof of admission to a university.)
Only one family member can apply/obtain DAFI scholarship to ensure that benefits allocated are equally given to other refugee students.
Applicants currently benefiting from another Higher Education scholarship programmes, are not eligible to apply for DAFI scholarship.
Applicants who have been confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
SECONDARY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Female and persons with special needs education are highly encouraged to apply.
How to apply