Call for UNHCR-DAFI Scholarships Programme 2021. 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.

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.

Objectives 

The DAFI Programme aims to

• Promote self-reliance of sponsored students through 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.

Benefits

UNHCR-DAFI Scholarships Programme offers the following benefits

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

Eligibility

To be eligible for the DAFI scholarships programme, candidates must have the following criteria

• Refugee status or be registered with UNHCR or the government in the country of asylum.
• Successfully completed secondary school to a standard sufficient to perform and succeed at a tertiary level.
• Have no other financial means of support for university studies.
• Select a course of study that is likely to lead to employment in the country of asylum or country of origin.
• 28 years or younger at the beginning of studies.
• Have no other family member receiving a DAFI scholarship.

Main Selection Criteria

The DAFI Programme supports socio-economically disadvantaged and academically deserving -refugee students in the first country of asylum. Selection criteria include:

• Academic merit
• No means of financial support for university studies.
• Proficiency in the language of instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement.

DAFI programme FAQs