DAFI Tertiary Scholarship Programme

Mandela, from DRC, is a student of Computer Science at Cavendish University in Lusaka, Zambia, on a DAFI scholarship. In the background are some of his DAFI peers from all over the world.

Higher education makes it possible for a generation of change-makers that can take the lead in identifying solutions for refugee situations. Higher education is a priority for UNHCR, as outlined in Education 2030: A Strategy for Refugee Education, forming an integral part of UNHCR’s protection and solutions mandate.

The DAFI scholarship programme constitutes one of the five core pillars of the strategy to achieve 15 per cent enrolment of young refugee women and men in higher education by the year 2030 – the 15by30 Roadmap.

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme offers qualified refugee and returnee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. Through the dedicated support of the government of Germany, the support of Denmark and the Czech Republic, UNHCR and other private donors, the programme has supported over 18,500 young refugees to undertake tertiary studies since 1992. To learn more please see the 2020 DAFI Programme Annual Report.

Are you a refugee looking for a scholarship? Please visit the DAFI programme FAQs page or our Scholarship portal for more information.

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.