UNHCR - DAFI Scholarships

UNHCR’s 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 tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation.

In Rwanda, DAFI covers programmes at ISCED level 6, bachelor’s degrees or equivalent qualifications, and can also cover short-cycle tertiary education at ISCED level 5. This includes accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes of two years or more that lead to certification or a diploma. The scholarship is designed to support academic and/or professional knowledge leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification.

Applicants must meet the main eligibility criteria, including being a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda, having been accepted to a university in Rwanda, and not already benefiting from another higher education scholarship. Priority is given to those with excellent academic performance. Secondary selection encourages female applicants and persons with special needs education. UNHCR and its education partner maintain close contact with scholars and the higher education institutions to support academic success and well-being.

DAFI is not for master’s studies. DAFI scholars are expected to participate in community engagement and skills development activities linked to their studies. The level and scope of what is covered is described, but the text provides no stated duration for funding, no continuation criteria, and no obligation after study beyond participation in related activities.

• Applicant must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
• Priority is given to applicants who achieved excellent academic performance.
• Applicant should have been accepted to a university in Rwanda and must submit proof of admission to a university.
• 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 who have been confirmed to depart for resettlement to third countries are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
• Female applicants and persons with special needs education are highly encouraged to apply (secondary selection criterion).
• The scholarship does not cover master’s studies.

• Tuition.
• Study materials.
• Food.
• Transportation.
• Accommodation.

1. Submit the application through the online application form (Rwanda DAFI Application 2024 on the DAFI Programme Management Platform).
2. Upload/attach the required documents listed in the application instructions.
3. Ensure the application is submitted within the stated timeframe; applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed.
4. If there are difficulties accessing internet connectivity or uploading documents, contact the nearest Digital Career Counsellors at the camp level or Community Centers for technical assistance.

• 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 (optional).