UNHCR - DAFI Scholarship 2024-2025

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has opened applications for the 2024-2025 DAFI (Tertiary Refugee Scholarship) Programme. This initiative supports qualified refugees and returnees in selected countries, including Rwanda, to pursue undergraduate degrees in their country of asylum or home country.

The DAFI Scholarship aims to empower refugee and asylum-seeker students by offering access to higher education. It provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation. The programme supports ISCED level 6 bachelor’s degrees and ISCED level 5 short-cycle tertiary education, such as accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes leading to certifications or diplomas.

Available Degree and Subjects

The DAFI Scholarship is available for Bachelor’s degree programmes at Rwandan universities and supports all academic subjects.

Benefits

The DAFI Scholarship offers full financial support to students, covering:

Tuition fees
Study materials
Food
Transportation
Accommodation

This holistic support allows students to focus on their academic and professional growth without financial concerns. In addition, the programme encourages scholars to engage in community service and skills development activities, further enhancing their educational experience.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

Be recognized refugees or asylum-seekers residing in Rwanda
Show outstanding academic performance
Have secured admission to a university in Rwanda with proof of acceptance
Only one family member per household is eligible
Applicants benefiting from other scholarships or confirmed for resettlement to third countries are not eligible

Priority is given to female applicants and individuals with special needs.

Application Procedure

Applications are open from August 27, 2024, to September 15, 2024. Students must apply online through the DAFI Programme Management Platform and provide:

UNHCR Proof of Registration
A certified copy of the high school diploma
University admission letter or proof of acceptance
Optional: Equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education

Applicants facing internet issues or technical difficulties can seek help from Digital Career Counsellors or visit a Community Center for support.

Conclusion

The DAFI Scholarship for 2024-2025 presents a life-changing opportunity for refugees and asylum-seekers in Rwanda, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and contribute to society. UNHCR encourages all eligible candidates to apply and take this important step toward a brighter future.

FAQs: DAFI Scholarship Programme 2024-2025

1. What is the DAFI Scholarship Programme?
The DAFI Scholarship Programme, offered by UNHCR, provides scholarships to refugees and returnees to pursue undergraduate education. It supports ISCED level 6 bachelor’s degrees and ISCED level 5 accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:

Be recognized refugees or asylum-seekers residing in Rwanda.
Have secured admission to a university in Rwanda.
Have strong academic achievements.
Not be benefiting from another scholarship or confirmed for resettlement.
Only one family member per household can apply.

3. What does the scholarship cover?
The DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees, study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation.

4. What types of programmes does the DAFI Scholarship support?
The scholarship supports bachelor’s degrees (ISCED level 6) and accredited short-cycle tertiary education programmes (ISCED level 5), including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) leading to certifications or diplomas.

5. How do I apply for the DAFI Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online through the DAFI Programme Management Platform between August 27, 2024, and September 15, 2024. Required documents include:

UNHCR Proof of Registration.
Certified copy of high school diploma.
University admission letter or proof of acceptance.

6. What documents are needed for the application?
You will need:

UNHCR Proof of Registration.
Official or certified copy of your high school diploma.
University admission letter or proof of acceptance.
An equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education (optional).

7. What if I have trouble with internet connectivity or submitting documents online?
If you face internet or technical difficulties, you can get assistance from Digital Career Counsellors at the camp level or visit a Community Center for help.

8. Can female students and persons with special needs apply?
Yes, female applicants and persons with special needs are strongly encouraged to apply.

9. Can I apply if I have another scholarship?
No, applicants currently benefiting from other higher education scholarships are not eligible for the DAFI Scholarship.

10. Who can I contact for more information?
For any inquiries, you can contact UNHCR at [email protected] or [email protected].

11. What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is September 15, 2024. Ensure you submit all required documents before this date.

12. Can I apply if I am confirmed for resettlement in a third country?
No, individuals confirmed for resettlement are not eligible for the DAFI Scholarship.

13. How does the scholarship support community engagement?
DAFI scholars are encouraged to participate in community engagement and skills development activities, enriching their educational experience and fostering a connection to their community.

14. What is the selection process like?
Priority is given to candidates with strong academic performance, female applicants, and persons with special needs. Only one family member per household can apply.

15. How will I know if my application is successful?
If your application is successful, you will be contacted by UNHCR or the relevant education partners.

UNHCR – DAFI Scholarship 2024-2025