“The experience [DAFI] also taught me that I want to go into a world where education should be free, and it should be available for all.”
– Nigara, DAFI alumna
Nigara is a DAFI alumna from Afghanistan and the founder of the Ariana Learning Center in Tajikistan (an education centre for Afghan refugees, with a focus on providing courses and resources for women). She studied economics at the National University of Tajikistan.
Higher education is a priority for UNHCR, as outlined in Education 2030: A Strategy for Refugee Protection, forming an integral part of UNHCR’s protection and solutions mandate.
Higher education makes it possible for thousands of refugee youth to develop skills and earn qualifications to allow them to become change-makers who can take the lead in identifying solutions to the challenges that affect them and their communities.
The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme offers qualified refugee and returnee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country.
Through the dedicated support of the Government of Germany, along with the support of the Government of Denmark, as well as UNHCR and private donors, the programme has supported over 26,300 young refugees to undertake tertiary studies since 1992 – including 83 in Central Asia.
The DAFI programme is so much more than a scholarship, strengthening the critical link between higher education and sustainable livelihoods, as well as self-reliance.
In Central Asia, the DAFI programme operates in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, aiming to:
Promote refugee self-reliance
through increased access to opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Strengthen the protective impact of education
by encouraging lifelong learning
Empower students to contribute knowledge, skills and leadership
and to facilitate peaceful coexistence with host communities during displacement and upon return
Provide role models for refugee children and youth
to demonstrate the impact of education on individuals, communities and societies
The scholarship covers a range of costs, including tuition, fees, study materials, food, transportation, accommodation and other expenses.
To amplify academic achievement and skills development, DAFI scholars receive additional support through close monitoring, academic preparatory and language classes based on students’ needs, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. DAFI student clubs and alumni groups are active in many countries and make valuable contributions in the communities that host them.
The DAFI scholarship programme constitutes one of the five core pillars of the UNHCR strategy to achieve 15 percent enrolment of young refugee women and men in higher education by the year 2030 – the 15by30 Roadmap.
Are you a refugee looking for a scholarship?
If you are an eligible candidate in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic or Tajikistan, you can request a DAFI Application form from your local UNHCR office (See contacts).