Italy Opens UNICORE 8.0 Scholarships 2026 at University of Messina
A new higher education pathway to Europe has opened for refugee students as the UNICORE 8.0 – University Corridors for Refugees Project announces scholarships for the 2026 academic cycle. The initiative, supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and implemented by several Italian universities, continues to expand access to higher education for displaced students from multiple regions of Africa and Asia.
For the 2026–2028 academic period, the University of Messina in Italy has confirmed the availability of two fully supported scholarships for refugee students who wish to pursue English-taught Master’s degree programmes at the university. The scholarships are part of a broader international effort to create educational corridors that allow talented refugee students to safely relocate to Italy and continue their university education.
Through the UNICORE initiative, refugee students not only gain access to high-quality European education but also benefit from academic mentorship, integration support, and the opportunity to build long-term professional careers after completing their studies. The program focuses on students currently residing in countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Funding Blueprint: What the UNICORE 8.0 Scholarship Covers?
The scholarships offered under the UNICORE 8.0 project aim to remove the financial and logistical barriers refugee students often face when pursuing international higher education.
Selected students admitted to the University of Messina will receive support designed to facilitate both their academic journey and their relocation to Italy.
Key benefits typically include:
- Full access to English-taught Master’s degree programs at the University of Messina
- Tuition fee coverage or exemption for the selected program
- Financial assistance for living expenses during studies
- Support for relocation and arrival procedures in Italy
- Academic mentorship and integration assistance through university support services
- Opportunity to study within an inclusive academic environment focused on refugee integration
For the 2026 edition of the program at the University of Messina, two scholarship positions are available for eligible refugee applicants.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria for UNICORE 8.0 Applicants
The UNICORE program targets refugee students who have the academic potential to pursue graduate education but face barriers to accessing international universities.
Applicants must satisfy the following core requirements:
- Must hold official refugee status or international protection in one of the eligible host countries
- Must currently reside in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification required for admission to a Master’s program
- Must meet the academic admission requirements of the University of Messina Master’s programs taught in English
- Must demonstrate strong academic motivation and potential for graduate study
- Must meet any language requirements specified for the chosen Master’s program
- Must be eligible to obtain a study visa for Italy
Candidates selected under the program are expected to actively participate in the university community and contribute to intercultural dialogue during their studies.
Apply: https://international.unime.it/news/unicore-80-call-applications-2-scholarships-refugee-students
The last date to apply for the UNICORE 8.0 Scholarships offered by the University of Messina for refugee students is 17 April 2026. Applicants must ensure that their complete scholarship application and supporting documents are submitted before this deadline to be considered for one of the two available Master’s scholarship opportunities for the 2026–2028 academic period in Italy.