The United Nations has announced the 2026 UNICORE Scholarship Program, a fully funded opportunity for refugees from Africa. The scholarship includes full tuition, visa, air travel tickets, and living stipends in Italy. Further details on the requirements, benefits, and application procedure will be provided.
Application Deadline:
- 17 April 2026 (noon, UTC+2)
Tell Me About The Award:
The UNICORE Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity promoted by Italian universities in partnership with UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli, and other partners. It enables recognized refugees from selected African countries to pursue Master’s (Second Cycle Degree) programmes in Italy.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- All Second Cycle Degree Programmes offered by participating Italian universities (406 courses available).
- Applicants may apply to a maximum of two universities.
Type:
- Postgraduate Scholarship | Master’s Degree | Fully Funded.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be recognized refugees residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe (and additional countries listed in the UNICORE 8.0 call).
- Hold a qualification valid for admission to a Second Cycle Degree Programme.
- Have a GPA ≥ 3.0 (or equivalent according to Italian Ministry of Education tables).
- Hold a degree obtained between 2020 and the call deadline (some universities may waive this limit).
- Meet specific admission requirements of the chosen programme.
- Not have previously enrolled in a degree programme at any partner university.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Selection is carried out individually by each participating university.
- Based on academic merit, GPA, motivation letter, and supporting documents.
- Fraudulent documents will lead to disqualification and possible legal consequences.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Refugees residing in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- At one of 37 participating Italian universities.
How Many Awards?
- 78 places available across 37 universities.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition fee exemption.
- Financial support for visa-related expenses and plane tickets.
- Study grant to cover living costs in Italy.
- Academic guidance and mentorship from UNICORE partners.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration of the selected Master’s programme (typically 2 years).
Required Documents:
- Refugee ID card or proof of registration.
- Certificate confirming qualification for admission.
- Transcripts of exams and GPA documentation.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Motivation letter.
- Any additional documents required by the chosen programme.
How to Apply:
- Applications open 2 March 2026 (noon, UTC+1).
- Register via the official UNICORE portal.
- Select up to two universities and review their individual calls.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit before 17 April 2026 (noon, UTC+2).
- Attend information session (optional): 17 March 2026, 9:30–11:00 AM Italy time.
