DAFI Kazakhstan Scholarship Program 2023

Қазақ | Русский

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme offers qualified refugee students around the world the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country.

Applications are now open for the 2023 DAFI scholarship programme in Kazakhstan. 

❗ Please read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand the scholarship criteria and conditions before applying. The DAFI program provides equal opportunities for women and men.

Online Application Deadline: AUGUST 15, 2023 (23:59 Astana time).

ABOUT THE DAFI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Through the dedicated support of the Government of Germany, along with the support of the Government of Denmark, UNHCR and private donors, the DAFI programme has supported over 21,500 young refugees to undertake tertiary studies since 1992.

The DAFI program supports young refugees with high academic abilities – who meet the requirements of the program and have passed the qualification selection – to access to secondary vocational and higher education in the territory of the first country of asylum. The DAFI Fellowship is designed to provide refugee youth with the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, and leadership skills to refugee communities and to promote peaceful coexistence, social cohesion and positive development of host communities. To help achieve these goals, each student receiving a scholarship must make a personal contribution to the life of their community and society, not only through their academic achievements and professional career, but also through personal participation, support, and inspiration of other members of the community, especially refugee children and youth.

DAFI Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years of undergraduate or equivalent degree studies at accredited higher education institutions. The DAFI program does not provide education at the master’s level.

DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees, education fees, study materials, and other education-related expenses such as research or internships. The scholarship also covers the cost of food, travel, accommodation, and other expenses associated with obtaining professional or higher education.

DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees, education fees, study materials, and other education-related expenses.

DAFI Fellows participate in social, peer and community engagement, and skills development activities. UNHCR and education partners maintain close contact with each fellow and with the higher education institutions they attend to support the academic success and well-being of each student.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be eligible for the 2023 DAFI scholarship programme in Kazakhstan, you must:

• Have refugee status in Kazakhstan or be considered by UNHCR to be in need of international protection.
• Be younger than 28 years old when you begin your studies. (There may be exceptions to the age limit if you started your undergraduate studies in your home country but were forced to leave your studies due to seeking asylum in another country, or if you encountered special difficulties in accessing higher education programs due to certain circumstances, such as childcare responsibilities, raising children, disability, etc.).
• Have a certificate of secondary / secondary vocational education, and you can provide original documents confirming your education background. If you do not have the relevant documents, please contact UNHCR or the Red Crescent Society and explain your situation before applying. Specify the reason why you cannot provide the original certificate when applying.
• Have graduated from high school with above average results.
• Have a good command of the language of instruction for the undergraduate (secondary vocational education) program you wish to enter in Kazakhstan.
• Not be currently receiving a scholarship from another source.
• Need financial assistance to continue your studies.
• Be strongly motivated to participate in your community and Kazakhstan through your leadership, volunteering, community service, mentorship, community development, and etc.

SCHOLARSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DAFI Scholarship may be renewed each year for up to four years, subject to regular attendance, successful completion of each semester, good academic performance throughout the academic year, and participation in DAFI program activities such as DAFI club activities and volunteering.

At the beginning of each academic year, DAFI Fellows sign a Scholarship Agreement. DAFI Fellows are expected to study hard to successfully complete their program of study and to inform UNHCR and the Kazakhstan Red Crescent Society in a timely manner of any personal or study-related problems. In the event of fraud or other forms of academic fraud or misconduct, the scholarship will be terminated immediately. In case of frequent absenteeism, unpreparedness in classes or academic failure, the continuation or termination of the fellowship will be determined by UNHCR, considering the circumstances, reasons or explanations provided.

Tuition fees and other tuition-related expenses are paid directly to the university, subject to the good academic performance of the scholarship holder. The monthly stipend is paid directly to the fellow.

HOW TO APPLY

Before applying for a DAFI scholarship, you should already know what university or secondary vocational institution you would like to study at, what course you would like to pursue, and what the admission requirements are.

Once you have this information, complete the online application form

➡️ https://unhcr-dafi-tertiary.scholarshipsplatform.com/ in English BEFORE AUGUST 15, 2023 (23:59 Astana time).

The application must contain all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

❗ If you need help completing the online form in English, please contact UNHCR staff Diana Assenova, tel. +7 775 628 11 99, assenova@unhcr.org.

Once you have submitted your application, please wait for more information from UNHCR or the Red Crescent Society.

If your application meets the application and selection criteria, you will be invited to an interview. If your application is considered after the interview, you will be contacted by a UNHCR or Kazakhstan Red Crescent representative. The scholarship becomes effective upon your acceptance and signing of the scholarship agreement.