ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES, UNHCR AND PARTNERS (UNICORE)
University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) Scholarship
full · masters
- 37 universities, 411 coursesWhere you can study
- ~EUR 500 / month grant (est.)Monthly study grant
- 13 eligible countriesRefugee-hosting countries
- No application feesCost to apply
- Master's (2 years)Degree level
- ItalyWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€12k
Max amount
Apr 18, 2027
Deadline
Ethiopia
Country
Italian universities, UNHCR and partners (UNICORE)
Provider
University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) 7.0 is a fully funded programme that enables refugee students to pursue a 2-year Master's degree in Italy. It is delivered by a network of 37 Italian universities offering 411 courses, working with UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli and other partners. The programme is open to recognised refugees from 13 eligible countries: Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Benefits include a full tuition fee waiver, coverage of plane tickets and visa-related expenses, and a monthly study grant for living costs in Italy estimated at around EUR 500 per month. There are no application fees, and any request for money should be reported to UNHCR. Applicants must hold valid refugee status and a Bachelor's degree that meets the entry requirements of their chosen Master's programme. Because the list of universities, courses and dates is updated each round, confirm the exact current-cycle figures, participating universities and closing dates on the official UNICORE website before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fee waiver — Full exemption from university tuition fees at the chosen participating Italian university for the Master's programme.
- Travel costs — Coverage of plane tickets to travel from the country of asylum to Italy.
- Visa-related expenses — Coverage of costs connected to obtaining the entry visa and study permit for Italy.
- Monthly study grant — A monthly study grant toward living expenses in Italy, estimated at around EUR 500 (est.) per month.
- Reception and integration support — Accommodation and integration support provided by the host university and partner organisations during the programme.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official UNICORE website during the open application window.
- Check eligibility — Confirm you are a recognised refugee in one of the 13 eligible countries with a Bachelor's degree meeting Master's entry requirements.
- Choose a university and course — Review the participating universities and eligible Master's courses and select one that matches your background and language ability.
- Prepare your documents — Gather proof of refugee status, your Bachelor's degree and transcripts, identity documents and any required language certificates.
- Submit your application online — Complete and submit your application through the official UNICORE website before the deadline.
- Complete selection and pre-departure steps — Selected candidates complete admission, visa and travel arrangements with the host university and partners ahead of the autumn start.
Eligibility
Refugee statusMust be a recognised refugee holding valid refugee status at the time of application.
Country of residenceMust reside in one of the 13 eligible countries listed for the round.
QualificationsMust hold a Bachelor's degree that meets the requirements of the chosen Italian Master's programme.
LanguageMust meet the language requirements (English or Italian) specified by the chosen university and course.
CommitmentMust commit to relocating to and studying in Italy from the autumn intake.
The entire process is free; any request for payment should be reported to UNHCR. The programme is an equal-opportunity initiative with no discrimination based on race, gender, religion or nationality, and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Fraudulent academic documents result in disqualification and possible legal action.
Eligible countries
Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Deadlines
2026/2027 (UNICORE 7.0)~18 April 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection is carried out by the participating Italian universities together with UNHCR and partner organisations. Candidates are assessed on academic qualifications, fit with the chosen Master's programme, language readiness and refugee status verification. A strict verification process applies, and fraudulent documents lead to disqualification and possible legal action. Selected candidates are supported through admission, visa and travel arrangements before the autumn intake.
Verified sources
- University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) - UNHCR Italyuniversitycorridors.unhcr.itofficial
About the provider
University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) is a programme led by a network of Italian universities together with UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli and other partners. It creates safe, legal pathways for refugees to continue higher education through Master's study in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
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.
What is UNICORE 7.0?
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University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) 7.0 is a fully funded programme that enables recognised refugees to pursue a Master's degree at participating universities in Italy.
Who can apply?
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Recognised refugees holding valid refugee status who reside in one of the 13 eligible countries and hold a Bachelor's degree meeting Master's entry requirements.
Which countries are eligible?
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Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Which degree level does it fund?
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It funds Master's degrees, typically 2-year programmes, at participating Italian universities.
How many universities and courses take part?
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The programme involves 37 Italian universities offering 411 courses across many disciplines.
Is it fully funded?
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Yes. It covers tuition fees, plane tickets, visa-related expenses and a monthly study grant for living costs.
How much is the study grant?
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The monthly study grant is estimated at around EUR 500 (est.) per month. Confirm the exact current-cycle amount on the official UNICORE website.
Are there any application fees?
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No. The entire process is free, and any request for money should be reported to UNHCR.
Do I need to know Italian or English?
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You must meet the language requirements set by your chosen university and course, which may be in English or Italian.
How do I apply?
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Applications are submitted online through the official UNICORE website during the open application window.
What happens if documents are found to be fraudulent?
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A strict verification process applies; fraudulent academic documents result in disqualification and possible legal action.
When is the deadline?
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The portal opens around 3 March 2026 and closes around 18 April 2026 (est.), with programmes starting around September 2026. Confirm exact dates on the official UNICORE website.