The DAFI programme — the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative — provides scholarships for refugee students to pursue undergraduate study in their countries of asylum. It is coordinated by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and funded primarily by the German Federal Foreign Office, alongside other donors and private supporters. Since 1992, DAFI has supported tens of thousands of refugee students across more than 50 countries, mostly for bachelor's degrees at universities and colleges in the host country where they have sought asylum. The scholarship covers tuition, study materials, and living costs, and includes support such as mentoring and preparatory courses, helping refugees rebuild their futures through higher education. DAFI is administered locally: applications are made through UNHCR offices and implementing partners in each host country, which set their own annual selection process and deadline. Because places are limited relative to demand, selection is competitive and prioritises academic merit and need.
Apply locally through UNHCR or its implementing partner in your country of asylum during their annual selection window.
There is no single global application — apply through UNHCR or its implementing partner in your country of asylum, which runs the local selection and sets the deadline.
Host (asylum) countries where DAFI operates (50+ countries)
DAFI selection is run locally by UNHCR and partners, prioritising academic merit, financial need, and factors such as gender balance and inclusion. Because demand far exceeds the available places, the process is competitive and tailored to each host country's context.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, coordinates the DAFI programme to expand higher education access for refugees worldwide. Funded primarily by the German Federal Foreign Office and other donors since 1992, DAFI reflects the belief that tertiary education empowers refugees, strengthens their communities, and supports durable solutions.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) provides scholarships for refugee students to pursue undergraduate study in their countries of asylum, coordinated by UNHCR and funded mainly by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Refugees (and in some places returnees or other persons of concern to UNHCR) who have completed secondary school with strong results, meet the age range, and can be admitted to a host-country university.
Tuition and academic fees, a monthly living allowance, study materials, and additional support such as transport, mentoring, and preparatory or language courses where available.
There is no single global application. Apply through the UNHCR office or DAFI implementing partner in your country of asylum, which runs the local selection and sets the deadline.
Deadlines vary by host country and are set locally by UNHCR/partners each year. Contact the UNHCR office or partner in your country for its timeline.
Mostly undergraduate (bachelor's) study at universities and colleges in the host country where the refugee has sought asylum.
In more than 50 host countries where UNHCR works. Availability and the number of places depend on funding and local capacity in each country.
Competitive — demand far exceeds the limited places. Selection prioritises academic merit and need, with attention to gender balance and inclusion.
Generally no — DAFI supports study in the host country where you have refugee status, not relocation to a third country for study.
Yes — typically applicants should be under around 28, though there is some flexibility recognising the disrupted education paths many refugees experience.
DAFI often includes mentoring, preparatory or language courses, and community support to help refugee students succeed academically and transition after graduation.
Primarily the German Federal Foreign Office, alongside other governments, private donors, and supporters, with UNHCR coordinating the programme globally.