All scholarships
Undergraduate, MastersFully Funded Verified active

DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme provides fully-funded higher education opportunities for refugees, fostering self-reliance and leadership.

Provider
DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme
Host country
Switzerland
Deadline
Annual – check official site

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Undergraduate, Masters
Deadline
Annual – check official site

Key eligibility criteria

  • The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.

Recorded funding information

  • Fully Funded

About the DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme (2026)

## The DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme is a pivotal initiative by UNHCR, dedicated to providing higher education opportunities for refugees worldwide. Established in 1992, the program has supported over 27,200 students across 59 countries, aligning with UNHCR’s "Education 2030: A Strategy for Refugee Education" aiming for 15% enrolment of young refugee women and men in higher education by 2030. ## Funding and Coverage This scholarship is fully funded, covering a comprehensive range of expenses to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies. The support includes tuition fees, study materials, food, transportation, accommodation, and other essential living costs. Beyond financial aid, DAFI scholars receive crucial additional support such as close academic monitoring, preparatory and language classes tailored to individual needs, and invaluable mentoring and networking opportunities. Active DAFI student clubs and alumni groups further enrich the scholars' experience and contribute positively to their host communities. ## Eligibility and Application To be eligible for the DAFI scholarship, applicants must be refugees. Specific eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices within the countries where the program is active. Prospective applicants are advised to select their country from the dropdown menu on the UNHCR website to access the contact details for their nearest UNHCR office. This office will provide detailed information regarding local requirements and the application process. The program is designed to empower refugees, enabling them to acquire skills and qualifications that transform them into change-makers within their communities and beyond. ## Impact and Value The DAFI scholarship does more than just provide education; it promotes self-reliance through enhanced opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. It empowers students to develop knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities, fostering peaceful coexistence with host communities both during displacement and upon return. The program also strengthens the protective impact of education by encouraging lifelong learning and provides crucial role models for refugee children and youth, demonstrating the transformative power of education on individuals, communities, and societies.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Fully Funded

DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.

DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.unhcr.org/dafi-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Annual – check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Annual – check official site. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Annual – check official site

      Provider deadline information: Annual – check official site. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

    Visit official site

    Share this scholarship

    Send the application link to a friend or post it to your network.

    Tell us you're applying

    Share your details and we'll send deadline reminders plus similar awards you qualify for. Takes under a minute.

    We only use this to support your application. We never sell your details.

    Editorial verification note

    Auto-curated from official source (top-tier batch).
    Last checked 5/12/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme?+

    The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.

    What funding does the DAFI UNHCR Scholarship Programme offer?+

    Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Annual – check official site. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.unhcr.org/dafi-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The DAFI scholarship is open to refugees. Eligibility criteria are determined by local UNHCR offices in the countries where the program operates. Applicants must select their country in the provided dropdown to find local contact information and specific requirements.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Annual – check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Guides for this scholarship

    Next steps & guides

    Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

    Explore related programmes

    Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

    Related hubs

    Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.