DAFI Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 in Rwanda: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="123" data-end="167"><strong data-start="123" data-end="149">Applications Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="150" data-end="167">7 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="169" data-end="416">Are you a refugee or asylum seeker in Rwanda looking to pursue a university education? Applications are now open for the <strong data-start="290" data-end="379">UNHCR Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) Scholarship Programme</strong> for the <strong data-start="388" data-end="415">2026/2027 academic year</strong>.</p> <p data-start="418" data-end="803">The DAFI Scholarship is a fully funded higher education programme that enables qualified refugee and returnee students to earn an undergraduate degree or accredited technical qualification in their country of asylum or home country. Since its inception, the programme has transformed the lives of thousands of refugee students worldwide, including <strong data-start="766" data-end="802">more than 600 scholars in Rwanda</strong>.</p> <p data-start="805" data-end="982">If you meet the eligibility requirements, this is your opportunity to access quality higher education while developing leadership, professional, and community engagement skills.</p> <h2 data-section-id="sbblyn" data-start="984" data-end="1029">About the UNHCR DAFI Scholarship Programme</h2> <p data-start="1031" data-end="1303">The <strong data-start="1035" data-end="1118">DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) Scholarship Programme</strong> is managed by UNHCR and supports refugee students in pursuing <strong data-start="1181" data-end="1219">undergraduate (Bachelor&#8217;s) degrees</strong> and selected <strong data-start="1233" data-end="1291">Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)</strong> programmes.</p> <p data-start="1305" data-end="1358">The scholarship supports programmes classified under:</p> <ul data-start="1360" data-end="1541"> <li data-section-id="9bspzq" data-start="1360" data-end="1428"><strong data-start="1362" data-end="1380">ISCED Level 6:</strong> Bachelor&#8217;s degrees or equivalent qualifications</li> <li data-section-id="t4dd1g" data-start="1429" data-end="1541"><strong data-start="1431" data-end="1449">ISCED Level 5:</strong> Accredited TVET programmes lasting two years or more, leading to a diploma or certification</li> </ul> <p data-start="1543" data-end="1764">Beyond financial assistance, DAFI scholars receive continuous academic support, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in leadership, skills development, and community engagement activities throughout their studies.</p> <blockquote data-start="1766" data-end="1851"> <p data-start="1768" data-end="1851"><strong data-start="1768" data-end="1784">Please note:</strong> The DAFI Scholarship does <strong data-start="1811" data-end="1818">not</strong> fund Master&#8217;s degree programmes.</p> </blockquote> <h2 data-section-id="1wtyewx" data-start="1853" data-end="1881">DAFI Scholarship Benefits</h2> <p data-start="1883" data-end="1960">The scholarship package varies depending on the country but generally covers:</p> <ul data-start="1962" data-end="2180"> <li data-section-id="1g6viuy" data-start="1962" data-end="1981">Full tuition fees</li> <li data-section-id="olm0l5" data-start="1982" data-end="2022">Study materials and learning resources</li> <li data-section-id="qe54wq" data-start="2023" data-end="2039">Food allowance</li> <li data-section-id="1rtbxbi" data-start="2040" data-end="2062">Transportation costs</li> <li data-section-id="1ofdo0v" data-start="2063" data-end="2086">Accommodation support</li> <li data-section-id="1rays7g" data-start="2087" data-end="2128">Academic monitoring and student support</li> <li data-section-id="18coix7" data-start="2129" data-end="2180">Leadership and community engagement opportunities</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1i7eidx" data-start="2182" data-end="2231">DAFI Scholarship Eligibility Criteria (Rwanda)</h2> <p data-start="2233" data-end="2265">To be eligible, applicants must:</p> <ul data-start="2267" data-end="2711"> <li data-section-id="9ycbsr" data-start="2267" data-end="2330">Be a <strong data-start="2274" data-end="2330">recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1hl8kpj" data-start="2331" data-end="2416">Demonstrate strong academic performance (priority is given to outstanding students)</li> <li data-section-id="3s0q8k" data-start="2417" data-end="2498">Have been <strong data-start="2429" data-end="2467">admitted to a university in Rwanda</strong> and provide proof of admission</li> <li data-section-id="1167awq" data-start="2499" data-end="2564">Not currently be receiving another higher education scholarship</li> <li data-section-id="1n755c" data-start="2565" data-end="2625">Not have been approved for resettlement to a third country</li> <li data-section-id="1x7ssp0" data-start="2626" data-end="2711">Ensure that only <strong data-start="2645" data-end="2670">one member per family</strong> applies or receives the DAFI Scholarship</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="5oil09" data-start="2713" data-end="2751">Additional Selection Considerations</h2> <p data-start="2753" data-end="2801">UNHCR particularly encourages applications from:</p> <ul data-start="2803" data-end="2879"> <li data-section-id="1rjjwv5" data-start="2803" data-end="2822">Female applicants</li> <li data-section-id="r1q21g" data-start="2823" data-end="2879">Persons with disabilities or special educational needs</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="xv1awg" data-start="2881" data-end="2902">Required Documents</h2> <p data-start="2904" data-end="2951">Applicants must upload the following documents:</p> <ul data-start="2953" data-end="3202"> <li data-section-id="1hv5afq" data-start="2953" data-end="2982">UNHCR Proof of Registration</li> <li data-section-id="8fxw5z" data-start="2983" data-end="3034">Official or certified copy of high school diploma</li> <li data-section-id="uikcbd" data-start="3035" data-end="3115">University admission letter or proof of acceptance from a university in Rwanda</li> <li data-section-id="1u0tbby" data-start="3116" data-end="3202">Equivalence certificate issued by the Ministry of Education of the country of asylum</li> </ul> <p data-start="3204" data-end="3278">Ensure that all documents are complete before submitting your application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4odec6" data-start="3280" data-end="3330">How to Apply for the DAFI Scholarship 2026/2027</h2> <p data-start="3332" data-end="3480">Eligible applicants must complete the <strong data-start="3370" data-end="3402">online DAFI application form</strong> and upload all required supporting documents before the application deadline. All application should be submitted through DAFI online application form, available at the following link: <a href="https://unhcr-dafi-tertiary.scholarshipsplatform.com/round/QowoqZxZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rwanda 2026 DAFI Call for applications</a></p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="3482" data-end="3505">Application Deadline</h2> <ul data-start="3507" data-end="3577"> <li data-section-id="i29rqy" data-start="3507" data-end="3539"><strong data-start="3509" data-end="3526">Opening Date:</strong> 15 July 2026</li> <li data-section-id="k23qbp" data-start="3540" data-end="3577"><strong data-start="3542" data-end="3559">Closing Date:</strong> <strong data-start="3560" data-end="3577">7 August 2026</strong></li> </ul> <p data-start="3579" data-end="3638">Late or incomplete applications will <strong data-start="3616" data-end="3623">not</strong> be considered.</p> <h2 data-section-id="actqed" data-start="3640" data-end="3668">Need Application Support?</h2> <p data-start="3670" data-end="3788">Applicants experiencing internet connectivity challenges or difficulties uploading documents can seek assistance from:</p> <ul data-start="3790" data-end="3887"> <li data-section-id="11osnti" data-start="3790" data-end="3855">The nearest <strong data-start="3804" data-end="3833">Digital Career Counsellor</strong> in their refugee camp</li> <li data-section-id="w611pu" data-start="3856" data-end="3887">A nearby <strong data-start="3867" data-end="3887">Community Centre</strong></li> <li data-section-id="w611pu" data-start="3856" data-end="3887">For any inquiries, please contact us via <a href="https://help.unhcr.org/rwanda/services/education/dafi-scholarship/rwakibarizahano@unhcr.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rwakibarizahano@unhcr.org </a>and <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&amp;fs=1&amp;tf=1&amp;to=aurea_kagwesage@wvi.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aurea_kagwesage@wvi.org</a></li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="114wazr" data-start="4000" data-end="4017">Final Thoughts</h2> <p data-start="4019" data-end="4396">The <strong data-start="4023" data-end="4069">UNHCR DAFI Scholarship Programme 2026/2027</strong> provides refugee and asylum-seeking students in Rwanda with an invaluable opportunity to obtain a fully funded undergraduate education while building the knowledge, leadership, and professional skills needed for future success. If you meet the eligibility criteria, be sure to submit your application before <strong data-start="4378" data-end="4395">7 August 2026</strong>.</p> <p data-start="4019" data-end="4396">All application should be submitted through DAFI online application form, available at the following link: <a href="https://unhcr-dafi-tertiary.scholarshipsplatform.com/round/QowoqZxZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rwanda 2026 DAFI Call for applications</a></p> <p data-start="4398" data-end="4493" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=scholarship" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="4398" data-end="4493" data-is-last-node="">For more scholarships and educational opportunities, keep visiting Opportunities For Youth.</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/01/dafi-scholarship-programme-2026-2027-in-rwanda-fully-funded-undergraduate-scholarships-for-refugees-and-asylum-seekers/">DAFI Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 in Rwanda: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for Refugees and Asylum Seekers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>