Since 1992, the German Albert Einstein Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) has been supported by the German government and private donors to help young refugees around the world start or continue their higher or secondary vocational education.
The DAFI Scholarship Program empowers refugee students to pursue higher education, providing financial support and offering a pathway for young refugees to achieve their academic and professional dreams.
DAFI Scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years of undergraduate or equivalent degree studies at accredited higher education institutions. The DAFI program does not provide education at the master’s level.
DAFI Scholarship covers tuition fees, education fees, study materials, and other education-related expenses such as research or internships. The scholarship also covers a monthly student stipend.
DAFI scholars participate in social, peer and community engagement, and skills development activities. UNHCR and education partners maintain close contact with each student, and the higher education institutions they attend, to support their academic success and well-being.
Selection Criteria
To apply for the DAFI Scholarship, you must:
- Be a person who has been granted refugee status in Kazakhstan or is considered by UNHCR to be in need of international protection.
- Not be over 28 years old when you begin your studies. (There may be exceptions to the age limit if you started your undergraduate studies in your home country but were forced to leave your studies due to seeking asylum in another country, or if you encountered special difficulties in accessing higher education programs due to certain circumstances, such as childcare responsibilities, raising children, disability, etc.).
- Have a certificate of secondary / secondary vocational education, and you can provide original documents confirming your education background. If you do not have the relevant documents, please contact UNHCR or the Red Crescent Society and explain your situation before applying. Specify the reason why you cannot provide the original certificate when applying.
- Have graduated from high school with above average grades.
- Have a good command of the language of instruction for the undergraduate / secondary vocational education program you wish to enter in Kazakhstan.
- Not be currently receiving a scholarship from another source.
- Be in need of financial assistance to continue your studies.
- Be strongly motivated to participate in your community and Kazakhstan, including through your leadership, volunteering, community service, mentorship, and community development efforts.
Scholarship Terms and Conditions
DAFI Scholarships may be renewed each year for up to four years, subject to regular attendance, successful completion of each semester, good academic performance throughout the academic year, and participation in DAFI programme activities such as DAFI club activities and volunteering.
At the beginning of each academic year, DAFI scholars sign a Scholarship Agreement.
DAFI scholars are expected to study hard to successfully complete their programme of study and to inform UNHCR and the Red Crescent Society in a timely manner of any personal or study-related problems. In the event of fraud or other forms of academic fraud or misconduct, the scholarship will be terminated immediately. In case of frequent absenteeism, unpreparedness in classes or academic failure, the continuation or termination of the scholarship will be determined by UNHCR, considering the circumstances, reasons or explanations provided.
Tuition fees and other tuition-related expenses are paid directly to the university, subject to the good academic performance of the scholarship holder. The monthly stipend is paid directly to the scholar.
Application Procedure
The application must contain all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application process:
- Fill out the online application form through the platform https://unhcr-dafi-tertiary.scholarshipsplatform.com/ in English BEFORE JULY 31, 2024 (until 23:59 Astana time).
! If you need help completing the online form in English, please contact a UNHCR staff member with any questions: kazas@unhcr.org . We will be glad to help!
- Obtain information about which higher or secondary vocational education institutions offer the course of study you want to pursue, and explore the application requirements.
- Wait for more information from UNHCR or the Red Crescent Society regarding your application. If your application meets the selection criteria, you will be invited to an interview. If your application is considered after the interview, you will be contacted by a UNHCR or Red Crescent representative. The scholarship becomes effective upon signing the scholarship agreement and your acceptance of the scholarship.
15 by 30
UNHCR aims to achieve the “15 by 30” education goal, ensuring that 15% of young refugee women and men can access higher education by the year 2030.
Through higher education, young refugees are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to their communities and economies, fostering a generation of leaders who can drive positive change both locally and globally. For refugees, education is a crucial tool for integration and self-reliance, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling them to meaningfully contribute to their communities.
For more information about building better futures, visit Higher education and skills on the UNHCR global website.
Website:
https://www.unhcr.org/centralasia/en/59453-applications-now-open-dafi-scholarship-program-2024.html
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