In today’s world, millions of people are displaced due to war, conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. According to the UNHCR, more than 110 million people worldwide are currently displaced, and a significant percentage of them are young people seeking access to higher education. For many refugees and displaced students, the dream of pursuing a university degree is overshadowed by financial difficulties, documentation challenges, and disrupted schooling.
Fortunately, a growing number of organizations, universities, and governments are stepping forward to create scholarship opportunities designed specifically for refugees and displaced students. These programs not only provide financial assistance but also restore hope, stability, and opportunities for students who have endured unimaginable hardships.
This article explores the importance of scholarships for refugees, the top opportunities available in 2025, and practical advice on how to apply.
1. Why Scholarships for Refugees Matter
Education is more than just a pathway to a degree—it is a lifeline for displaced students. Scholarships for refugees:
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Break financial barriers: Refugees often lack the resources to pay tuition fees or living expenses.
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Promote inclusion: Access to education helps refugees integrate into host countries and rebuild their lives.
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Provide stability: Education gives displaced students a sense of purpose and long-term opportunities.
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Empower communities: Refugee students who succeed often return to support their communities or advocate for global change.
These scholarships are not just about education; they are about dignity, empowerment, and creating brighter futures.
2. Key Challenges Refugee Students Face
While scholarships are essential, it is important to understand the hurdles that refugees encounter:
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Lack of official documents: Many refugees lose passports or transcripts while fleeing.
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Language barriers: Students may need to learn new languages before attending university.
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Interrupted education: Displacement often causes years of lost schooling.
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Legal restrictions: Refugee status can limit access to local universities in some countries.
Scholarship providers increasingly recognize these obstacles and design programs with flexible requirements to accommodate displaced students.
3. Top Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students in 2025
Here are some of the most impactful scholarships available worldwide:
1. UNHCR Refugee Scholarships (DAFI Program)
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Overview: The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) is one of the largest global scholarship programs for refugees.
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Eligibility: Refugee and displaced students worldwide.
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Benefits: Covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
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Overview: Provides scholarships for talented but economically disadvantaged students, including refugees.
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Eligibility: Students from Africa, including displaced and refugee students.
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Benefits: Full funding for tuition, housing, and living costs.
3. World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program
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Overview: Offers resettlement and education opportunities for refugees in Canada.
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Eligibility: Refugee students living in camps or urban areas.
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Benefits: Full support including tuition, living expenses, and resettlement assistance.
4. The Oxford Refugee Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)
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Overview: A dedicated scholarship for refugees and asylum seekers.
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Eligibility: Students with refugee or humanitarian protection status.
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Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, and support services.
5. The Refugee Education Trust (RET) Scholarships
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Overview: Supports displaced students through higher education opportunities in multiple regions.
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Eligibility: Refugees in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
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Benefits: Tuition and financial assistance.
6. Education for Humanity (Arizona State University, USA)
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Overview: Offers online and blended learning opportunities for refugees worldwide.
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Eligibility: Refugee and displaced learners globally.
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Benefits: Affordable or fully funded education through digital platforms.
7. The Windle Trust International Scholarships (UK & Africa)
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Overview: Supports refugees and conflict-affected students from Africa.
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Eligibility: Refugees from East and Central Africa.
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Benefits: Full scholarships for university study in the UK and Africa.
8. European Union and Erasmus+ Refugee Support
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Overview: Erasmus+ partners with institutions to include scholarships for refugees.
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Eligibility: Refugees in Europe or those able to travel.
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Benefits: Tuition support, mobility funding, and integration programs.
9. DAAD “Hilde Domin Program” (Germany)
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Overview: Provides full scholarships to students and doctoral candidates at risk of persecution.
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Eligibility: Refugees and students facing threats in their home countries.
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Benefits: Tuition, living allowance, and health insurance.
10. Local University Programs
Many universities worldwide now offer refugee scholarships, including institutions in the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia. Students should check directly with universities for refugee-specific awards.
4. How Refugee Students Can Improve Their Chances
Applying for scholarships as a refugee or displaced student requires planning and persistence. Here are some practical steps:
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Search widely: Use scholarship databases and platforms like UNHCR, Scholarships.com, and StudyPortals.
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Gather documents early: Even partial transcripts or recommendation letters can help.
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Tell your story: Many scholarships value personal resilience—share your journey authentically in essays.
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Seek support: NGOs, refugee organizations, and education advisors can help with applications.
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Learn the language: Improving English, French, or the host country’s language strengthens applications.
5. Beyond Scholarships: Other Support Options
In addition to scholarships, refugees may access:
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Grants and stipends from humanitarian organizations.
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Work-study programs offered by universities.
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Online learning platforms that provide free or low-cost courses.
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Community support networks that assist with housing, mentorship, and career advice.
These resources complement scholarships and provide a holistic approach to supporting displaced learners.
Conclusion
Scholarships for refugees and displaced students are more than financial aid—they are lifelines that restore hope, dignity, and opportunity. In 2025, initiatives from governments, universities, and nonprofits are expanding, ensuring that more refugee students gain access to education.
For students facing the challenges of displacement, these scholarships represent a chance to rebuild their futures, empower their communities, and contribute positively to the world. Education is a powerful tool of transformation, and through these opportunities, refugees and displaced students can continue their journey toward stability, success, and global impact.