Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships for Refugees

What Are Refugee Scholarships?

Refugee scholarships are special education programs designed for people forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution, or natural disasters.

Unlike traditional scholarships, these programs are tailored for students who may have limited documents, interrupted education, or no financial means.

Many scholarships for refugees are supported by:

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
NGOs and universities
Government aid agencies (such as Canada, the UK, and the EU)

Their goal is simple — to give displaced students access to education and the opportunity to rebuild their futures.

Why Scholarships for Refugees Matter

Education gives refugees more than knowledge; it gives hope, independence, and opportunity.

Here’s why these scholarships are vital:

They restore dignity: Refugees can continue learning despite their circumstances.
They rebuild skills: Many refugee students have lost years of schooling. Scholarships help them catch up.
They promote peace: Educated individuals are more likely to rebuild their communities when they return home.
They create leaders: Many past refugee scholars have gone on to become doctors, teachers, and policymakers making real change.

So if you’ve been forced to pause your education, this is your chance to start again.

Top Scholarships for Refugees from Nigeria

Here are the most trusted and well-funded scholarships available for refugees who want to continue their education abroad or online.

1. UNHCR Refugee Scholarships (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative – DAFI)

The DAFI Scholarship Program, managed by the UNHCR and the German government, is one of the most recognized global education programs for refugees.

Coverage:

Full tuition fees
Living expenses
Study materials and equipment
Health insurance
Mentorship and academic support

Eligibility:

Must be a recognized refugee under the UNHCR mandate
Completed secondary education with good grades
Strong motivation to study and contribute to your community

Level: Undergraduate

How to Apply:
Applications are usually made through the UNHCR office in your host country. Visit the local UNHCR or partner NGO office for guidance.

Tip: DAFI prefers students who show leadership and commitment to rebuilding their communities.

2. World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program

This program helps refugees resettle and study in Canada permanently. It’s one of the most successful refugee student sponsorship programs in the world.

Coverage:

Full tuition
Accommodation
Living allowance
Immigration sponsorship and settlement support

Eligibility:

Must be a recognized refugee by UNHCR or a host government
Must have completed secondary school
Must show strong academic ability

Application:
Work through UNHCR or WUSC partner organizations in your host country (for Nigerian refugees, this is often through offices in Chad, Niger, or Cameroon).

Pro Tip: WUSC helps not just with education but also with resettlement in Canada, making it a life-changing opportunity.

3. Refugee & Humanitarian Scholarship Program – University of Sydney (Australia)

This program offers full scholarships to refugees or people on humanitarian visas who want to study at the University of Sydney.

Coverage:

Full tuition
Living allowance
Health insurance
Academic and emotional support

Eligibility:

Refugee or asylum seeker status
Academic qualifications for entry into a university program
English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90)

Application:
Apply through the University of Sydney’s website under the Refugee and Humanitarian Scholarship section.

Deadline:
Usually April to June each year.

4. Oxford Refugee Scholarship (UK)

The University of Oxford provides support for refugees and asylum seekers across different colleges and faculties.

Coverage:

Full tuition fees
Living costs
Accommodation
Mentorship and career guidance

Eligibility:

Refugee or asylum-seeker status
Admission to an undergraduate or graduate program at Oxford
Strong academic record

How to Apply:
Apply for admission to Oxford first, then indicate your refugee status for scholarship consideration.

Deadline:
Applications close around January for September entry.

5. Columbia University Scholarships for Displaced Students (USA)

The Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students (CUSDS) is one of the most comprehensive global refugee scholarships.

Coverage:

Full tuition
Housing and living expenses
Student support and career mentorship

Eligibility:

Must have refugee or asylum-seeker status
Strong academic background
Can apply for undergraduate or graduate degrees

Deadline:
Usually between February and March each year.

How to Apply:
Apply online through Columbia University’s official website, selecting “Scholarship for Displaced Students.”

6. Windle Trust International (WTI) Scholarships

WTI, in partnership with UNHCR, offers scholarships to African refugees to study in the UK, Canada, or African universities.

Coverage:

Full or partial tuition
Travel expenses
Living stipend
Academic mentoring

Eligibility:

Must be a recognized refugee
Completed secondary or tertiary education
Strong leadership potential

Application:
Apply through WTI partner offices or the UNHCR Education Unit in your host country.

7. Refugee Education Trust (RET) Scholarships

RET supports refugee students pursuing vocational or university education.

Coverage:

Tuition
Living allowance
Mentorship and career guidance

Eligibility:

Refugees aged 18–35
Demonstrated commitment to community service

Apply via:
Local RET partners or through ret-international.org.

8. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for Refugees

The UK government now includes refugees and asylum seekers in its Commonwealth Shared Scholarship program.

Coverage:

Full tuition
Travel to and from the UK
Monthly living allowance
Health coverage

Eligibility:

Refugee or asylum seeker in a Commonwealth country
Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
Admission into an eligible UK master’s program

Deadline:
Typically December to February.

Eligibility Requirements for Refugee Scholarships

While each program has unique criteria, most refugee scholarships share these common requirements:

Refugee or Asylum-Seeker Status: Must be recognized by the UNHCR, your host country, or have documentation proving displacement.
Academic Qualifications: Proof of completed secondary or tertiary education.
English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. Some programs waive this for students educated in English.
Proof of Financial Need: These scholarships are designed for those with no financial means.
Personal Statement: Explain your story — how conflict affected your education and why you want to study.
Recommendation Letters: From teachers, mentors, or NGO supervisors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Refugee Scholarships

Step 1: Identify Your Refugee Status

Before applying, ensure your refugee status is registered with the UNHCR or local authorities. This is usually required for eligibility.

Step 2: Choose Your Scholarship Program

Pick scholarships that match your level — undergraduate, master’s, or vocational training.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather what you can. If you lost documents during displacement, contact the UNHCR for support or documentation alternatives.

Commonly needed:

UNHCR refugee certificate or ID
Academic transcripts (if available)
Passport or temporary travel permit (if available)
Personal statement
Recommendation letters

Step 4: Apply Online or Through Partner NGOs

Most applications are done online. For UNHCR-managed programs, apply through your local UNHCR office.

Step 5: Prepare for an Interview

If shortlisted, you may be invited to a virtual or in-person interview. Be ready to share your academic goals and how you plan to help your community.

Application Tips for Refugees

Tell Your Story Honestly: Scholarship committees value resilience and motivation more than perfect grades.
Seek Help from NGOs: Organizations like UNHCR, WUSC, and Jesuit Refugee Services can help with applications.
Apply Early: Deadlines vary, but most close between January and May.
Don’t Worry About Missing Documents: Most refugee scholarships have flexible requirements.
Highlight Leadership and Community Service: Show how you’ve helped others despite your situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing application deadlines
Not providing proof of refugee status
Submitting incomplete forms
Writing short, unclear personal statements
Ignoring free assistance from UNHCR or local partners

Where to Get Help

If you’re a refugee from Nigeria, reach out to:

UNHCR Nigeria Office: www.unhcr.org/ng
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS): Offers education and counseling support
WUSC (World University Service of Canada): www.wusc.ca
Refugee Education Trust (RET): ret-international.org

They can guide you through registration, documentation, and scholarship applications.

Final Thoughts: Education is Your New Beginning

Being a refugee doesn’t mean your story ends — it means a new chapter is waiting to be written.

Scholarships for refugees are not just about education; they’re about second chances. They’re about young men and women who lost everything but never gave up on learning.

Whether you’re in Nigeria, a refugee camp, or a host country, your future is still yours to shape. Start researching, applying, and believing — because your education can rebuild your life and inspire others to do the same.