Higher education nurtures a generation of future change-makers that can take the lead in identifying solutions to refugee situations. Higher education is a priority for UNHCR outlined in the Education 2030: A Strategy for Refugee Education, forming an integral part of UNHCR’s protection and solutions mandate.
Specifically, UNHCR’s goal is to increase refugee enrolment in higher education from the current 3% to 15% by 2030 (15by30). The 15by30 roadmap reflects an ambitious but feasible goal that can be achieved through expanding the forms of tertiary education available and the continued engagement and commitment of partners and host countries.
The idea underpinning the DAFI scholarship programme (also known as the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) is simple but powerful: that talented, passionate students should be supported to gain the skills and qualified cations they need to build a career, gain financial independence, and become leaders for positive change.
“If you can help add even one refugee to the programme you change a life of that person – and the lives of the generations that follow them.”
Enock Mambili, Senior Education Officer, UNHCR Ethiopia
The strategic priorities of the DAFI programme are to:
- Promote refugee self-reliance through increased access to opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship;
- Empower students to contribute knowledge, skills and leadership
- Facilitate peaceful coexistence with host communities during displacement and upon return;
- Provide role models for refugee children and youth to demonstrate the impact of education on individuals, communities and societies.
The DAFI scholars are free to pursue their chosen field of study – the programme does not impose limitations to certain academic areas or sectors. However, the largest share of students, amounting to just over 20%, chose to study medical science and health-related fields in 2019.
Features of the DAFI scholarship programme:
Designed to address the specific challenges and barriers faced by academically qualified young refugees who lack the financial means to support higher education.
Aims to give equal opportunities to women and men and takes into account the needs of individuals with sensory, physical, cognitive impairments and other differing abilities.
Provides psychosocial support to address the impact of conflict-related trauma and other challenges often faced by refugees.
Voices of the DAFI Scholars
You Can Bring Them Hope to the Scholarship Programme!
Due to the high number of applications we receive for the programme, many passionate and committed young people are currently denied the opportunity to pursue their studies, which is why your support is so important.
UNHCR enters its 70th anniversary on 14 December 2020. Through the DAFI scholarship programme, we hope to fund 70 refugees to access tertiary education and support each refugee student with a modest but decent standard of living which meets their basic needs, allowing them to focus on and complete their tertiary studies. The DAFI scholarship is provided for up to four years to allow students to complete a standard undergraduate degree or equivalent.
With an investment in the DAFI scholarship programme, you can make a deep and lasting impact on the lives of young refugees, their families, and the wider community.
The DAFI scholarship is designed to support each refugee student with a modest but decent standard of living which meets their basic needs, allowing them to focus on and complete tertiary studies.
The DAFI scholarship is provided for up to four years to allow students to complete a standard undergraduate degree or equivalent.
HK$ 24,800
Full DAFI scholarship for one student for one year of study
HK$10,250
Essential education expenses for one student for one year of study, including travel, housing, food and books
HK$6,950
University tuition fees for one student for one year of study programme
