Funding Opportunities for Refugee and Displaced Students

Opportunities for refugee and displaced students are more vital now than ever before. Access to education becomes a lifeline rather than simply a privilege in today’s world when conflict, persecution, or natural calamities regrettably displace millions of people. Overwhelming obstacles like financial need, lack of documentation, interrupted education, and legal restrictions often close the doors of higher education opportunities for refugee and displaced students. Still, their dreams are quite strong despite these difficulties. Many young people are ready to rebuild their lives, help humanity, and discover hope in classrooms that provide more than simply lessons.

Fortunately, there are several opportunities for refugee and displaced students that help to make this difficult trip seem more doable and optimistic. Apart from being financial instruments, these grants, fellowships, and funding programs are strong confirmations that the world still values the potential of displaced kids. Built on empathy and inclusiveness, these programs help people who have had to leave their houses for conflict, war, persecution, or natural calamities. For students whose lives have been turned upside down, they provide a redefined sense of mission, identity, and community in addition to a possibility for learning. Knowing that someone, somewhere, supports their future, refugee and displaced students can dare to dream once again with these chances.

Also check, Studying in the USA Without IELTS

Global Opportunities for Refugee and Displaced Students

1. UNHCR DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative)

Among the oldest and most effective projects aimed at refugee education is the UNHCR DAFI program. Fully financed undergraduate scholarships give refugee students the opportunity to access excellent higher education in their host nation, therefore empowering them. Operating in over 50 countries since its 1992 debut, the initiative has aided thousands of gifted but underprivileged students in overcoming the obstacles of displacement.

Eligibility:

• Must hold refugee status
• Completed secondary education
• Strong academic record

What it Covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Learning materials and other academic support

2. The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program

WUSC’s Student Refugee Program provides a potent and life-changing mix of resettlement and post-secondary education opportunities for refugee and displaced students. It is among the few initiatives worldwide that offers both academic access and a defined road to permanent residency. Chosen students are sponsored to seek higher education in Canada, where they are welcomed into encouraging communities and given the tools they required to flourish. Beyond academics, the program provides safety, stability, and a rekindled sense of belonging which are the fundamental needs for students who have survived the trauma of displacement.

Eligibility:

• Must be a recognized refugee
• Residing in a country of asylum where WUSC operates
• Demonstrate academic potential

What it Covers:

• Tuition fees
• Travel and resettlement support
• Living expenses during studies

3. The Oxford Refugee Scholarships

The University of Oxford offers generous and transformative opportunities for refugee and displaced students, ensuring they can pursue academic excellence at one of the world’s top institutions. These scholarships are not only financial support mechanisms, but also a testament to Oxford’s dedication to building an inclusive and globally-minded academic community.

Eligibility:

• Refugee or asylum seeker status
• Meet Oxford’s academic requirements

What it Covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Annual living expenses
• Additional support for academic resources

Also check, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

4. The Japan ICU Foundation Scholarships

For displaced and refugee students aspiring for a world-class education in Asia, the Japan ICU Foundation Scholarships offer a significant academic lifeline. Presented in collaboration with International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, this scholarship seeks to promote peace, diversity, and worldwide understanding together with academic brilliance. ICU is renowned for its liberal arts style and inclusive campus, which promotes students from many backgrounds, including those who have been uprooted by calamity, persecution, or conflict.

Eligibility:

• Recognized refugee status
• Must meet ICU’s academic admission criteria

What it Covers:

• Full or partial tuition
• Monthly living stipend
• Campus accommodation

5. The IIE Odyssey Scholarship Program

IIE Odyssey Scholarship brings incredible opportunities for refugee and displaced students o complete their undergraduate or graduate education abroad.. Under the direction of the Institute of International Education (IIE), a worldwide leader in increasing access to education, this initiative was particularly developed to allow students who have been forcibly displaced keep their education in safe, caring academic settings.

Eligibility:

• Displaced or refugee status
• Academic potential
• Must apply to a participating institution

What it Covers:

• Tuition support
• Living expenses
• Health insurance and relocation assistance

6. Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students (CUSDS)

Columbia University provides the Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students (CUSDS), a thorough scholarship scheme designed to assist overseas citizens displaced by conflict, discrimination, or natural calamity. Originally established in 2019, CUSDS offers displaced students chances to continue their studies at several Columbia campuses and affiliates. By changing the story around displaced people and seeing them as essential contributors to society, the program highlights Columbia’s dedication to solving the worldwide refugee issue.

Eligibility:

• Foreign nationals with refugee status living anywhere in the world.
• Individuals who have received U.S. asylum or submitted a U.S. asylum application.
• Internally Displaced Persons.
• There are no age restrictions for applicants

What it Covers:

• Full tuition and fees for the duration of the degree program.
• Comprehensive support services, including academic advising and mentorship.
• Assistance with housing and living expenses, depending on individual needs.​

7. UNICORE – University Corridors for Refugees

Italian universities have started the UNICORE (University Corridors for Refugees) project to allow refugee students chance to enrol in master’s degree courses in Italy. The program aims to help refugee pupils living in first asylum nations continue their college education in Italy by means of legal and safe routes. Through education, UNICORE stresses the empowerment of refugee children, cultural interchange, and academic integration.

Eligibility:

• Refugee status recognized by UNHCR in the country of residence.
• Bachelor’s degree obtained in the country of asylum or origin.
• Proficiency in English or Italian, depending on the program requirements.​

What it Covers:

• Full tuition fee waivers for selected master’s programs.
• Financial support for living expenses, including accommodation and meals.
• Assistance with visa applications and integration into the university community.

8. UNIV’R – UNHCR & AUF Scholarship for Refugees in France

The UNIV’R scholarship program is a joint effort between UNHCR and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), intended to boost refugee students in master’s degree programs in France. All in all, the aim is to improve access to higher education for refugees and promote academic excellence and professional integration in the host country. UNIV’R commits to inclusive education or empowerment of displaced persons through academic opportunities.

Eligibility:

• Recognized refugee status in the country of residence.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the chosen master’s program.
• Proficiency in French, as most programs are conducted in the French language.​

What it Covers:

• Full tuition coverage for the duration of the master’s program.
• Monthly stipend to support living expenses.
• Assistance with accommodation, health insurance, and integration services.

9. DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship Programme

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the Leadership for Africa scholarship program, targeting young refugees and national scholars from selected African countries. The program aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries. By providing access to master’s degree programs in Germany, the initiative fosters international academic exchange and capacity building. ​

Eligibility:

• Refugees with recognized status residing in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, or Mauritania.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study.
• Proficiency in English or German, depending on the program requirements.​

What it Covers:

• Full tuition fees for selected master’s programs at German universities.
• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Health insurance, travel allowances, and support for language courses.

10. University of London Refugee and Displaced Persons Scholarships

The scholarships provided by the University of London for refugees and displaced people offer opportunities for studies at higher education through distance and flexible learning programmes. The scholarships provide access to the higher education offered through these means. The intention of the program is to remove all borders and barriers that displaced people have to education, which would enable them to gain access to quality academic programs, no matter where they are located. Online learning technologies guarantee that the university education is safeguarded in terms of accessibility and inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Individuals with recognized refugee or displaced status.
• Meeting the academic entry requirements for the chosen program.
• Proficiency in English, as programs are conducted in the English language.​

What it Covers:

• Full tuition fee waivers for selected distance learning programs.
• Access to online learning resources and academic support services.
• Opportunities for academic and professional development through flexible study options.

Also check, How to Get Need Blind Admission at US College

The world is full of generous programs and people who believe in the power of second chances. These opportunities for refugee and displaced students are more than just financial aid, they are bridges to a brighter future. If you or someone you know is navigating life as a refugee or displaced learner, know that there is a path forward. And it starts with believing that your story matters. Explore these opportunities for refugee & displaced students, apply courageously, and don’t be afraid to dream big.

Looking to maximize your chances of acceptance?

Consider using our Professional Services to polish your application and stand out from the crowd.

For detailed videos on relevant opportunities check out:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)