Refugees: a new group of refugee students from the UNICORE project of the university corridors has arrived in Italy

On 29 October, at Fiumicino and Malpensa airports, a first group of 71 refugee students arrived, winners of scholarships offered by 33 Italian universities as part of the seventh edition of the UNICORE – University Corridors for Refugees project, coordinated by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The new arrivals are refugees residing in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, selected directly by the participating universities through a public call on the basis of academic merit and personal motivation. Students will attend two-year master's degree programs in different disciplines.

The UNICORE project, active since 2019, has so far allowed over 300 refugee students to access university education in Italy in a safe and regular way, offering a concrete alternative to the dangerous journeys managed by traffickers.

At a time when, globally, humanitarian aid funds are declining dramatically – with heavy repercussions on vital programs for millions of refugees – initiatives such as UNICORE take on even greater importance. Access to tertiary education for refugees globally is 9%, compared to a global average of 43%. The lack of opportunities in countries of first asylum is often the main cause that pushes refugees to continue their journeys irregularly, risking their lives. Offering access to education means not only protection, but also dignity, autonomy and opportunities to actively contribute to the societies that welcome them, and the possibility of arriving in our country safely.

"At a time when global crises are multiplying and resources for humanitarian aid are dwindling, investing in regular entry routes for refugees is a strategic priority. UNICORE demonstrates that collaboration between universities, institutions and partners can transform solidarity into concrete high-quality educational opportunities. Offering safe and legal pathways means allowing refugees to be protagonists of their own future, contributing skills and ideas to the communities that host them," said Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino.

The project is carried out thanks to the support of numerous partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli – JRS Jesuit Refugee Service, Fondazione Finanza Etica, Gandhi Charity, Consorzio Communitas, Campus X and a wide network of local realities that provide support to students for the completion of studies and integration.

UNHCR expresses particular gratitude to the Permira Foundation for its valuable contribution to the UNICORE programme and for the support offered through a mentoring path dedicated to some students, contributing in a concrete way to their academic and personal success. We also thank Diego Piacentini and Monica Nicoli, whose support was a fundamental element for the realization of the initiative.

The UNICORE project is part of UNHCR's strategic priorities, in synergy with the resettlement programme, humanitarian admission channels and work corridors, aimed at offering refugees a protected entry into Italy and opportunities to build their future in a dignified and autonomous way.

The universities participating in the UNICORE project in 2025 are:

Luiss Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli, Polytechnic University of Marche, Polytechnic University of Bari, Polytechnic University of Milan, Polytechnic University of Turin, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Luigi Bocconi Commercial University, IUAV University of Venice, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", University of Tuscia – Viterbo, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", University of Bologna, University of Brescia, University of Cagliari, University of Catania, University of Florence, University of Foggia, University of Messina, University of Milan – Bicocca, University of Naples "L'Orientale", University of Padua, University of Palermo, University of Parma, University of Pisa, University of Rome "La Sapienza", University of Roma Tre, University of Turin, University of Trento, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, University of Verona, University of "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, University of Eastern Piedmont – Vercelli, University of Salento – Lecce, University for Foreigners of Perugia, University for Foreigners of Siena.

For more information on the UNICORE project click here HERE