UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) 2026/27 | Fully Funded

UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship (DAFI Programme) 2026/2027 Overview

The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) sponsored by the UNHCR offers qualified refugee and returnee students full financial support to pursue higher education degrees in their host countries. In Rwanda, the program funds accredited undergraduate and short-cycle technical/vocational (TVET) degrees, enabling scholars to build academic, professional, and leadership skills for long-term self-reliance and community impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• Refugee Status: Must be an officially recognized refugee or registered asylum seeker residing in Rwanda.
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• Institutional Entry: Must hold a formal letter of admission or proof of acceptance to an accredited university or higher education institution in Rwanda.
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• Academic Merit: Strong high school academic performance (equivalence certificate from the Rwandan Ministry of Education required for foreign diplomas).
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• Family Limitation: Limited to one scholar per household to ensure equitable distribution across the refugee community.
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• Exclusions: Applicants receiving other higher education scholarships or those officially cleared for third-country resettlement are ineligible.
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• Target Groups: Women and persons with disabilities or special needs are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Scholarship Benefits & Award Package

CategoryValue & Financial SupportTuition & Academic Fees100% coverage of university tuition fees and required study materialsLiving & AccommodationsComprehensive allowance covering accommodation, food, and daily transportationEligible LevelsBachelor's degrees and accredited short-cycle tertiary/TVET programs (ISCED Level 5, minimum 2-year duration)

Required Documentation

• Official UNHCR Refugee/Asylum Seeker Proof of Registration
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• Certified copy of National High School Diploma / Advanced Level Certificate
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• Official Equivalence Certificate issued by the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) in Rwanda
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• University admission letter or proof of acceptance from a participating Rwandan university
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• Supporting documentation for applicants with special needs or disabilities (if applicable)
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How to Apply

1. Obtain formal admission to an accredited university or TVET institution in Rwanda.
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3. Access the official UNHCR DAFI Rwanda Online Application Portal.
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5. Fill out the digital application form and attach clear copies of all required registration, academic, and equivalence documents.
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7. Submit the completed application before the announced country-specific closing deadline.