DAFI Scholarship in Rwanda for International Students

The UNHCR Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme (DAFI) offers qualified refugee and returnee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The scholarship package varies from country to country and covers costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation. DAFI covers programmes at ISCED level 6 (bachelor’s degrees or equivalent), and it can also cover short-cycle tertiary education at ISCED level 5.

In Rwanda, DAFI supports refugee students pursuing bachelor’s degree studies. It is designed to provide academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. The scholarship does not cover master’s degree programmes. UNHCR and education partners monitor scholars’ academic progress and well-being through regular engagement with students and their institutions.

Selection is based on main eligibility criteria and secondary selection criteria. Priority is given to applicants with excellent academic performance. Applicants must be recognized as refugees or asylum seekers living in Rwanda, and must have been accepted to a university in Rwanda with proof of admission. Only one family member can apply or obtain DAFI. Applicants benefiting from another higher education scholarship programme are not eligible, and those confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible. Female applicants and persons with special needs are highly encouraged to apply.

Support is described as covering tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation, with monitoring by UNHCR and education partners through regular engagement with students and their institutions. No duration of support or post-scholarship obligation is stated in the provided information.

• Must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
• Priority is given to those who achieved excellent academic performance.
• Must have been accepted to a university in Rwanda.
• Must be able to submit proof of admission to a university in Rwanda.
• Only one family member can apply/obtain DAFI scholarship.
• Applicants currently benefiting from another higher education scholarship programmes are not eligible to apply for DAFI scholarship.
• Applicants confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
• Female applicants and persons with special needs are highly encouraged to apply.
• DAFI covers bachelor’s degree studies and does not cover master’s degree programmes.
• DAFI can cover short-cycle tertiary education at ISCED level 5, including accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes of two years or more that lead to a certification or diploma.

• Tuition and study materials.
• Food.
• Transportation.
• Accommodation.
• Academic and/or professional knowledge, skills, and competencies leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification.

1. Submit the application through the DAFI online application form for Rwanda.
2. Attach or upload the required documents with the application (UNHCR proof of registration, high school diploma copy, university admission letter or proof of acceptance, and equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum).
3. Submit the application within the application window; late applications will not be considered.
4. If there are internet connectivity challenges or technical assistance needs for uploading documents, contact the nearest Digital Career Counsellor in your camp or visit a nearby Community Centre for support.
5. For inquiries, contact the provided email addresses.

• UNHCR Proof of registration.
• Official or certified copy of the high school diploma.
• University admission letter or proof of acceptance for study in one of the universities in Rwanda.
• Equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum.