The UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Program, widely known as the DAFI Scholarship Program, is now open for the academic year 2024-2025 to qualified refugee and returnee (in selected countries) students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country.
This is the call for Applications for the DAFI Scholarship Program for the Academic Year 2024-2025. The scholarship is designed to provide students with academic and professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Institution(s): Universities in Rwanda
- Number of Awards: Several
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): UNHCR
- Study Level: Undergraduates
- Nationality: International Students
- Funding Amount: Funded
About DAFI Scholarship
UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Program (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. DAFI covers programs at International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, bachelor’s degrees, or equivalent qualifications.
The scholarship package varies from country to country and covers a range of costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation. DAFI also covers programs at International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, bachelor’s degrees, or equivalent qualifications.
DAFI Scholarship Details
The scholarship is designed to provide students with academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. DAFI can also cover short-cycle tertiary education, and ISCED level 5 courses.
In Rwanda, UNHCR has awarded over 540 DAFI scholarships to eligible refugees at a bachelor’s degree level. For the academic year 2024/2025, there are new scholarships for qualified refugees and asylum-seekers in Rwanda. Students who meet the following eligibility criteria are invited to apply for this scholarship program by 15th September 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for the DAFI Scholarship Program
To be eligible for the DAFI Scholarship Program for Academic, the applicant has to meet all of the following criteria:
- Priority will be given to those who achieve excellent academic performance.
- Applicants who have been confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Only one family member can apply/obtain a DAFI scholarship to ensure that the benefits allocated are equally given to other refugee students.
- The applicant must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
- The applicant should have been accepted to a university in Rwanda. (You will have to submit proof of admission to a university.)
- Applicants currently benefiting from another Higher Education scholarship program, are not eligible to apply for DAFI scholarship.
SECONDARY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Females and persons with special needs education are highly encouraged to apply.
The DAFI Scholarship Benefit
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for undergraduate programs at recognized universities or higher education institutions.
- Study Materials: Provision of essential study materials, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic pursuits.
- Community Engagement: Scholars are encouraged to participate in community engagement and skills development activities, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution.
- Living Expenses: Support for food, transportation, and accommodation, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
Application Procedures for the DAFI Scholarships
How-to-Apply: All applications should be submitted through the online application form, available at the following link: Rwanda DAFI Application 2024 | Rounds | DAFI Program Management Platform (scholarshipsplatform.com).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED OR UPLOADED
- Please upload your official/certified copy of the high school diploma.
- Please upload the equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum (optional)
- Please attach your UNHCR Proof of registration
- Please upload a university admission letter or proof of acceptance for study in one of the universities in Rwanda
Scholarship Timeframe
Applications will be received from 27th August to 15th September 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed.
Tip
If you encounter any difficulties accessing internet connectivity or require technical assistance for uploading the required documents, kindly reach out to the nearest Digital Career Counsellors at the camp level or Community Centers in your vicinity.
How to contact UNHCR
If you haven’t found the information you’re looking for on this website, UNHCR and our partners are available at a variety of locations across Rwanda and are ready to help you with general issues and individual protection assessments. Please click here to get the numbers you can contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the DAFI scholarship?
UNHCR awards undergraduate scholarships to refugee youth who meet the DAFI program selection criteria. The scholarship, which applies to refugee youth in their first country of asylum, includes context-specific support structures and preparation for economic inclusion.
- Does the UNHCR process refugees in Rwanda?
Refugee status in Rwanda is granted by the Government of Rwanda, not by UNHCR.
- What is DAFI in full?
Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative
- Who cannot apply
- Individuals with an advanced resettlement process
- Individuals who already hold a tertiary or high-level degree
- Individuals above 28 years of age (exceptions may be made depending on circumstances
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