UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) 2026/2027

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. 

• Table of Content
• About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI)
• Aim and Benefits of UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI)
• Requirements for UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.

UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI)

Aim and Benefits of UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI)

The scholarship covers tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation.

Requirements for UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) Qualification

• 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.

Documents Required for Application

• Please attach your UNHCR Proof of registration
• Please upload your official/certified copy of the high school diploma.
• Please upload university admission letter or proof of acceptance for study in one of the universities in Rwanda
• Please upload the equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

All application should be submitted through DAFI online application form, available at the following link: Rwanda 2026 DAFI Call for applications

If you experience internet connectivity challenges or require technical assistance with uploading the required documents, please contact the nearest Digital Career Counsellor in your camp or visit a nearby Community Centre for support. For any inquiries, please contact us via [email protected] and [email protected]

For more Information, visit UNHCR webpage