UNHCR 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 covers a range of costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation and accommodation. The DAFI scholarship programme may also provide academic preparatory, language and information and communication technology (ICT) courses, as well as psychosocial support, depending on the needs and capacity of the individual country operation or programme partner.
DAFI covers programmes at International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, or bachelor’s or equivalent level—typically designed to provide participants with intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. Traditionally offered by universities and equivalent tertiary educational institutions.
DAFI also covers short-cycle tertiary education ISCED level 5 courses—usually designed to provide participants with professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, either academic or technical. This includes accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs of two years or more, specifically structured to equip participants with targeted skills directly aligned with labor market demands. These programs lead to certifications or diplomas that increase employability and career development.
Deadline: 31st July 2026