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.
Application Deadline:
- 7 August 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The DAFI Scholarship Programme, managed by UNHCR, provides qualified refugee and returnee students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees or equivalent tertiary qualifications in their country of asylum or home country. The programme supports access to higher education, community engagement, and skills development, helping refugee students build academic and professional competencies for dignified futures.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The scholarship covers:
- Bachelor’s Degrees (ISCED level 6).
- Short-cycle tertiary education (ISCED level 5) – accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes of two years or more leading to certification or diploma.
Type:
- Undergraduate Scholarship | Refugee Education | Fully Funded
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
- Have achieved excellent academic performance.
- Be accepted to a university in Rwanda (proof of admission required).
- Not be benefiting from another higher education scholarship programme.
- Not be confirmed for resettlement to a third country.
- Only one family member can benefit from DAFI at a time.
Secondary priority:
- Female applicants.
- Persons with special needs education.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Based on academic merit, proof of admission, and socio‑economic vulnerability.
- UNHCR and education partners monitor scholars’ academic progress and well‑being throughout the programme.
Which Countries are Eligible?
- Rwanda (refugees and asylum seekers residing in Rwanda).
Where will the Award be Taken?
- Universities in Rwanda.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; in Rwanda, over 600 refugee students have already benefited from DAFI.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Tuition fees.
- Study materials.
- Food allowance.
- Transportation support.
- Accommodation.
- Academic and community engagement activities.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration of the undergraduate programme or TVET course.
How to Apply:
- Complete the DAFI online application form: Apply for DAFI Scholarship Rwanda 2026.
- Upload required documents:
- UNHCR proof of registration.
- Certified copy of high school diploma.
- University admission letter.
- Equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education.
- Submit before 7 August 2026.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Email: [email protected]
For technical assistance, reach out to Digital Career Counsellors at your camp level or Community Centers.
