UNHCR Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) UNHCR’s Scholarship Programme 2021 for refugee students

Application Deadline: Ongoing

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme offers qualified refugee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum. Through the dedicated support of the German Government, UNHCR and private donors, the programme has supported over 18,000 young refugees to undertake tertiary studies since 1992.

Target Nations

Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Martinique, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Benefits

• Tuition
• Books
• Monthly stipend (e.g. food allowance)
• Housing
• Local transportation expenses
• Health insurance
• Mentoring or psycho-social support

The strategic priorities of the DAFI programme are to:

• Promote refugee self-reliance through increased access to opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship;
• Empower students to contribute knowledge, skills and leadership and to facilitate peaceful coexistence with host communities during displacement and upon return;
• Strengthen the protective impact of education by encouraging lifelong learning;
• Provide role models for refugee children and youth to demonstrate the impact of education on individuals, communities and societies.

The scholarship covers a range of costs, including tuition, fees, study materials, food, transportation, accommodation and other expenses. To amplify academic achievement and skills development, DAFI scholars receive additional support through close monitoring, academic preparatory and language classes based on students’ needs, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. DAFI student clubs and alumni groups are active in many countries, and make valuable contributions in the communities that host them.  

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the DAFI UNHCR’s Scholarship Programme 2021