UNHCR opened a 24-day application window on 15 July 2026 for the DAFI Tertiary Scholarship in Rwanda, with submissions accepted through 7 August 2026.

The DAFI programme, run by the UN Refugee Agency, pays tuition, study materials, food, transport, and accommodation for refugees and returnees pursuing recognised tertiary study in their country of asylum or home country. Over 600 refugee students in Rwanda have received a DAFI scholarship since the programme began there.

What does the scholarship cover?

DAFI funds programmes at two levels:

• ISCED 6 — bachelor's degrees and equivalent qualifications that lead to a first degree or equivalent
• ISCED 5 — accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes lasting two years or more, leading to a certification or diploma

Master's degrees sit outside the package. UNHCR and partner institutions track academic progress and well-being through regular contact with scholars and their host universities. Scholars also take part in community engagement and skills-development activities. The exact package differs from country to country.

Who can apply?

Applicants must satisfy each of the following:

• Hold recognised refugee status, or be an asylum seeker, in Rwanda
• Hold an offer from a university in Rwanda (proof of admission required)
• Have a record of strong academic performance
• Not hold another active higher-education scholarship
• Not be confirmed for resettlement to a third country
• Limit one DAFI scholar per family

Female candidates and persons with special needs education are encouraged to apply under a secondary selection criterion.

What documents are required?

Applicants must upload four documents:

• UNHCR proof of registration
• Certified copy of a high-school diploma
• University admission letter or proof of acceptance from a Rwandan institution
• Equivalence certificate from Rwanda's Ministry of Education

How and when do candidates apply?

Applications open 15 July 2026 and close 7 August 2026. All submissions go through the DAFI online application portal. UNHCR will not consider late applications.

Applicants who cannot upload their files should contact a Digital Career Counsellor at their camp or visit a nearby Community Centre. General questions go to [email protected] or to the World Vision focal point at [email protected].

How is the Rwanda call administered?

UNHCR runs the Rwanda call in partnership with World Vision. The 2026-2027 cycle supports students at universities in Rwanda, with benefits calibrated to local costs. The call listing does not publish a Rwanda-specific quota, and the application window will not reopen.

Candidates who already hold a resettlement travel confirmation cannot apply, and master's-level applicants remain excluded under the programme rules. DAFI stands as UNHCR's flagship higher-education programme for refugees. Scholars accepted under this call will begin the 2026-2027 academic year at their admitted Rwandan institution.