The UNHCR’s Tertiary Refugee Scholarship Programme, widely known as the DAFI Scholarship, is now open for the academic year 2024-2025. This scholarship program is a beacon of hope for qualified refugee and returnee students, offering them the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The DAFI Scholarship Programme is a critical initiative aimed at equipping students with the academic and professional knowledge needed to build a brighter future.
Benefits of the DAFI Scholarship
The DAFI Scholarship provides a comprehensive support package, tailored to meet the needs of refugee students. The scholarship covers:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for undergraduate programs at recognized universities or higher education institutions.
- Study Materials: Provision of essential study materials, ensuring that students have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic pursuits.
- Living Expenses: Support for food, transportation, and accommodation, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress.
- Community Engagement: Scholars are encouraged to participate in community engagement and skills development activities, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAFI Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Refugee or Asylum Seeker Status: Applicants must be recognized as refugees or asylum seekers residing in Rwanda.
- Academic Excellence: Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
- University Admission: Applicants must have been accepted into a university in Rwanda, with proof of admission required at the time of application.
- Family Consideration: Only one family member can be awarded the DAFI Scholarship to ensure that the benefits are distributed fairly among refugee students.
- Non-eligibility for Other Scholarships: Applicants currently receiving benefits from other higher education scholarship programs are not eligible to apply.
- Resettlement Status: Applicants who have been confirmed for resettlement to third countries are not eligible for this scholarship.
Programs Covered
The DAFI Scholarship supports programs classified under the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 6, which includes bachelor’s degrees or equivalent level qualifications. Additionally, the scholarship can cover short-cycle tertiary education (ISCED level 5) courses, such as accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs that lead to certification or a diploma.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply for the DAFI Scholarship by completing the online application form available at the https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/2024/08/30/call-for-application-for-dafi-scholarship-programme-for-academic-year-2024-2025/.
Required Documents: Applicants must attach or upload the following documents as part of their application:
- UNHCR Proof of Registration: To confirm their status as a refugee or asylum seeker.
- High School Diploma: An official or certified copy of the high school diploma.
- University Admission Letter: Proof of acceptance into a university in Rwanda.
- Equivalence Certificate (Optional): From the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum, if applicable.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for DAFI-UNHCR scholarship is September 15, 2024.