Mohammad’s Story: A Journey of Learning and Growth

When Mohammad Jalil Hosseini came to Türkiye from Afghanistan in 2016, he brought with him a strong will to learn and grow. Nine years later, thanks to his hard work and the support of the DAFI Scholarship Programme, he’s turning that dream into reality—and showing just how far determination can take you.

Mohammad is pursuing a two-year degree in Bureau Management and Assistance at Trabzon University and his expenses are supported in part by the DAFI scholarship provided by UNHCR. "I started two years ago, and I hope I will graduate soon," he says. "I like office and administrative work. I’ve always been inclined to work in office settings, and I’m currently also enrolled in a second university—Anadolu University—studying aviation online." He hopes to build on his skills and experience and eventually become an entrepreneur, particularly in fields like aviation.

His academic choices are shaped by both passion and practicality. Encouraged by his high school friends and family, Mohammad chose fields that could lead to stable employment and help support his household. “I didn’t want to study something I didn’t like and then leave it behind. I wanted to do something I enjoyed and could build a future with,” he explains. With no working members in his family and two younger sisters just beginning high school, Mohammad carries a deep sense of responsibility.

“It’s made a real difference.”

 

Before receiving the DAFI scholarship, financial burdens often forced him to take on part-time work. “My parents can’t work due to health conditions. But since I started receiving the scholarship in December, things have changed. I can focus more on my studies, and it’s made a real difference.”

That focus has paid off. When he started his bureau management program, Mohammad’s computer skills were minimal. “I could only open and close a computer,” he admits. But now, he’s fluent in software like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, and even accounting programs. “Every course awakened something in me,” he says. “My mind opened up, especially in communication and human relations classes. My whole perspective changed.” Education hasn’t just taught him technical skills—it’s also shaped how he approaches challenges, including social barriers. “I like to overcome prejudice, rather than avoid interaction,” he says.

Mohammad is eager to apply his skills in real-world settings. Now preparing for a compulsory internship, Mohammad hopes to intern with humanitarian organizations like UNHCR or at airports in administrative or cargo departments, where he will contribute to people-focused work. He aims to showcase his skills during the internship and later land a job offer.

His vision for the future is both grounded and ambitious. He plans to build his career step-by-step, improve his English, and gain hands-on experience in administrative roles. Long-term, he hopes to become an entrepreneur—investing in commercial ventures related to aviation or even sports like Formula 1.

Mohammad also finds meaning in giving back. At university, he enjoys volunteering by helping organize graduation ceremonies and conferences. “I always try to get certificates for these, so I can add them to my CV,” he says. “It’s a great way to meet people and build a network, especially in a foreign country.”

To other refugee students, his advice is clear: "Learn English well. Improve your tech and communication skills—this is the computer age. No matter how talented you are, if you can’t communicate effectively, you can’t succeed in a workplace. And don’t wait for opportunities—go out, do research, volunteer, get certificates. That’s how you build connections.”

“A good budget makes a huge change.”

 

And to the donors behind the DAFI Programme, Mohammad offers sincere thanks—and a request. “A good budget makes a huge change. Last year was very difficult for me financially. Supporting students not only with funding but also with career opportunities—courses, internships, job placements in their field—can change lives. Just like it changed mine.”

Background Information

In the 2023–2024 academic year, 60,750 Syrian youth were enrolled in higher education in Türkiye, achieving an enrolment rate of over 12%—well above the 7% global average for refugee enrolment. At this pace, Türkiye is on track to be the first country to achieve UNHCR’s "15 by 30" goal.

DAFI programme has supported over 27,200 scholars to access higher education in their countries of asylum since 1992 through the support of German Government, Denmark Government, foundations and private sector donors. In 2024 alone, the DAFI programme supported more than 700 refugee students in Türkiye. It is UNHCR’s flagship higher education scholarship programme and is currently implemented in 59 countries worldwide, including in Türkiye since 2014. The DAFI programme for Syrian nationals has been implemented in partnership with Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) since 2015. Türkiye has hosted one of the largest DAFI programmes for several years in a row.

Beyond academic degrees, DAFI strongly emphasizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), recognizing its vital role in enhancing refugee youth’s employability and integration into local economies. In line with UNHCR’s "Education 2030" strategy, DAFI promotes access to vocational pathways that meet labour market needs, providing practical, work-based skills for sustainable livelihoods. Türkiye operation notably tracks and analyses TVET outcomes, highlighting the growing importance of technical education for refugee resilience and economic participation. UNHCR Türkiye remains grateful to the Government of Germany for their support in enabling refugee students to fulfill their dreams and build a solid future for themselves.