For refugees and stateless individuals, access to quality education often remains a distant dream due to displacement, lack of documentation, or economic hardship. However, the world is waking up to the urgent need for inclusive education, and numerous scholarship opportunities have emerged that specifically support displaced learners.
In 2025, many institutions, governments, and international organizations have developed fully funded scholarships designed to empower refugees and stateless students. These scholarships not only cover tuition and living expenses but often include visa support, language training, and academic counseling.
This article explores some of the top scholarships for refugees and stateless students, highlighting their benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Why Scholarships for Refugees Matter
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), fewer than 6% of refugees have access to higher education. The barriers they face include:
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Lack of financial resources
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Missing or destroyed academic documents
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Language barriers
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Restricted legal status
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Gaps in academic history due to conflict
Scholarships specifically designed for this group aim to overcome these challenges by being flexible, inclusive, and fully funded.
1. UNHCR DAFI Scholarship Program (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative)
Region: Global (primarily in developing host countries)
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, books, and sometimes accommodation
About:
Launched in 1992, the DAFI program supports young refugees to pursue undergraduate degrees in their host countries. It encourages leadership, community engagement, and self-reliance among refugee youth. UNHCR and partner NGOs manage the application and selection process.
Eligibility:
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Must be a recognized refugee
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Have completed secondary education with strong academic results
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Demonstrate financial need
How to Apply:
Applications are typically processed through UNHCR country offices or local NGOs. The process varies by country.
2. University of Edinburgh – Refugee Scholarship
Region: United Kingdom
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, maintenance stipend, and housing support
About:
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships for asylum seekers and students with refugee status. These scholarships are available across various fields of study and aim to promote equal access to education for displaced learners.
Eligibility:
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Must have asylum seeker, refugee, or humanitarian protection status in the UK
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Meet academic requirements for admission
How to Apply:
Applicants must first apply for a degree program and then complete a separate scholarship application provided by the university.
3. DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship (Germany)
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa → Germany
Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel support
About:
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this program is tailored for highly qualified refugees and nationals from select African countries residing in the region. It promotes future leaders with a focus on public policy, education, and social development.
Eligibility:
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Must have refugee status in a DAAD-eligible African country OR be a national of one
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree with good academic performance
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Demonstrate leadership potential
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted via the DAAD online portal. Strong motivation letters and recommendation letters are key to selection.
4. Oxford University – Refugee Academic Futures Scholarship
Region: United Kingdom
Level: Graduate (Master’s and DPhil)
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and visa support
About:
Oxford University offers dedicated scholarships for students with refugee status, stateless individuals, or asylum seekers. The program is flexible and inclusive, removing common application barriers.
Eligibility:
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Must have forced migration background
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Academic excellence and potential to contribute to society
How to Apply:
Apply for your chosen graduate program and indicate your status during the scholarship section. Supporting documentation may be required to prove your background.
5. World University Service of Canada (WUSC) – Student Refugee Program
Region: Canada
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, and full resettlement support
About:
The WUSC Student Refugee Program is unique because it combines education with permanent resettlement in Canada. Students are sponsored by Canadian university communities that offer full support during their studies.
Eligibility:
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Recognized refugee by UNHCR
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Currently living in a host country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Lebanon)
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Completed high school or equivalent
How to Apply:
Applications are made through WUSC partner organizations in the student’s current country of residence. Selection is highly competitive.
6. Bard College Berlin – Refugee Scholarships
Region: Germany
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, living allowance
About:
Bard College Berlin offers several scholarships for refugee students interested in liberal arts and humanities. It fosters small, interactive classrooms and critical thinking.
Eligibility:
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Refugee or asylum seeker status in Europe
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Academic transcripts and English proficiency
How to Apply:
Students can apply directly to Bard College Berlin and then indicate their eligibility for the refugee scholarship.
7. Columbia University – Scholarship for Displaced Students
Region: United States
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Coverage: Full tuition, housing, and living stipend
About:
The Columbia Scholarship for Displaced Students is the largest program of its kind in the U.S., offering full financial support for refugees and stateless students across various degree programs.
Eligibility:
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Refugee, asylum-seeker, or stateless status
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Accepted into a Columbia degree program
How to Apply:
First apply to the university, then submit scholarship documentation proving your displacement status.
8. The Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Level: Undergraduate (Abroad)
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, and mentoring
About:
Though not exclusively for refugees, the Ashinaga Initiative targets orphaned or disadvantaged students, including refugees. It prepares students to study abroad and supports them throughout the process.
Eligibility:
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Orphaned or disadvantaged background
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Strong academic performance and leadership skills
How to Apply:
Applications open yearly on the Ashinaga website. Finalists undergo interviews and assessments.
Tips for Applying as a Refugee or Stateless Student
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Highlight Your Story
Personal statements that explain your journey, struggles, and motivation carry great weight. -
Gather Available Documents
Even if you lack formal diplomas, try to provide transcripts, letters, or anything that shows your educational background. -
Seek Help from NGOs
Organizations like UNHCR, Jesuit Refugee Service, and WUSC can assist with scholarship applications and documentation. -
Choose Flexible Programs
Look for institutions that understand the unique barriers faced by displaced students—many have adapted their requirements.
Conclusion
Education is a right, not a privilege, and refugees and stateless individuals deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams. In 2025, many universities and organizations around the world have opened their doors wider than ever before, offering fully funded scholarships tailored to the needs of displaced learners.