The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is proud to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda for the academic year 2024/2025.

This fully funded scholarship opportunity offers qualified refugee and asylum-seeking students the chance to pursue undergraduate degrees in Rwanda, fostering educational empowerment and personal growth.

Also Read :

2024 Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship for Nigerians: Apply Now
How to Win a Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Eligibility, Application Process, and Tips for Success in 2025-2026
Summit University Offers Transformative Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2024
Guinness Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship 2024/2025: Full Guide to Fully-Funded Education for Nigerian Students
Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Cambridge Scholarship 2025 Now

In this Article:

What is the DAFI Scholarship Programme?

UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship 2024/2025: Fully Funded Undergraduate Opportunity for Refugees in Rwanda | Apply by Sept 15

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) Scholarship Programme, established in 1992, is UNHCR’s flagship higher education scholarship programme. It aims to promote self-reliance among refugees by providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in their country of asylum.

Key Features of the DAFI Scholarship:

Covers undergraduate studies (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
Fully funded, including tuition, study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation
Focuses on studies in the country of asylum (Rwanda, in this case)
Encourages community engagement and skills development

Eligibility Criteria for the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship in Rwanda 2024/2025

To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Primary Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda
Demonstrated excellent academic performance (priority given)
Accepted to a university in Rwanda (proof of admission required)
Only one family member can apply/obtain the DAFI scholarship
Not currently benefiting from another Higher Education scholarship programme
Not confirmed for resettlement to a third country

Secondary Selection Criteria:

Female applicants and persons with special educational needs are strongly encouraged to apply

Application Process

The application process for the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda 2024/2025 is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

Follow these steps to submit your application:

Access the Online Application Form:
Visit the official application platform at Rwanda DAFI Application 2024

Prepare Required Documents:UNHCR Proof of Registration
Official/certified copy of high school diploma
University admission letter or proof of acceptance from a Rwandan university
Equivalence certificate from the Ministry of Education (optional)

Complete the Application Form:
Fill out all required fields in the online application form accurately and comprehensively.
Upload Documents:
Attach all required documents in the specified format.
Submit Application:
Review your application for completeness and submit before the deadline.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Application Opening Date: September 27, 2024
Application Closing Date: October 15, 2024

Note: Applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed.

Scholarship Benefits

The UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda offers a comprehensive package to support students throughout their academic journey. Benefits include:

Full tuition coverage
Stipend for study materials
Food allowance
Transportation allowance
Accommodation support
Mentorship and academic guidance
Opportunities for community engagement and skills development

Fields of Study

The DAFI Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines at the undergraduate level. While the specific fields may vary based on the offerings of Rwandan universities, common areas of study include:

Engineering and Technology
Medical and Health Sciences
Business and Economics
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Agriculture and Environmental Studies
Education
Information Technology

Applicants are encouraged to choose fields of study that align with their interests and have potential for future employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.

Partner Universities in Rwanda

The UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme collaborates with several accredited universities in Rwanda. While the list may vary from year to year, some of the potential partner institutions include:

University of Rwanda
Rwanda Polytechnic
Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA)
Kigali Independent University (ULK)
Mount Kenya University Rwanda
University of Kigali
African Leadership University (ALU)

Applicants should research these institutions and their program offerings to make informed decisions about their university and course preferences.

Application Tips for Success

To increase your chances of securing the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship, consider the following tips:

Start Early: Begin gathering required documents and information well before the deadline.
Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize your academic achievements and potential for success in higher education.
Demonstrate Motivation: Clearly articulate your goals and how the scholarship aligns with your future aspirations.
Showcase Community Involvement: Highlight any volunteer work or community service you’ve participated in.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents your best self.
Seek Guidance: If available, consult with education counselors or mentors for advice on strengthening your application.

After Submission: Next Steps

After submitting your application for the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda, here’s what you can expect:

Application Review: UNHCR and its partners will review all submitted applications.
Shortlisting: Qualified candidates will be shortlisted based on the eligibility criteria and overall strength of their applications.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews to further assess their suitability for the scholarship.
Final Selection: The final list of scholarship recipients will be determined based on the application review and interview outcomes.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the results, whether selected or not.
Orientation: Successful candidates will attend an orientation session to learn about scholarship expectations and responsibilities.

Responsibilities of DAFI Scholars

If selected for the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship, recipients are expected to:

Maintain good academic standing throughout their studies
Participate in community engagement activities
Attend DAFI scholar meetings and events
Act as ambassadors for the programme and role models in their communities
Adhere to the code of conduct set by UNHCR and partner organizations

Support Services for DAFI Scholars

The UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda provides various support services to ensure scholars’ success:

Academic Support: Tutoring, study groups, and academic counseling
Psychosocial Support: Access to counseling services and mental health resources
Career Guidance: Workshops on job search skills, CV writing, and interview preparation
Networking Opportunities: Connections with alumni and potential employers
Language Support: Additional language courses if needed

Impact of the DAFI Scholarship Programme

The DAFI Scholarship has had a significant impact on the lives of refugee students and their communities:

Over 540 DAFI scholarships awarded to eligible refugees in Rwanda since the programme’s inception
Increased access to higher education for refugee and asylum-seeking youth
Enhanced self-reliance and economic opportunities for scholarship recipients
Positive contribution to the development of both host communities and countries of origin
Empowerment of female refugees through education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply if I’m not currently living in a refugee camp? A: Yes, as long as you are a recognized refugee or asylum seeker living in Rwanda.
Q: Is the scholarship available for postgraduate studies? A: No, the DAFI Scholarship is only for undergraduate studies.
Q: What happens if I’m resettled to another country during my studies? A: If you are confirmed for resettlement, you will no longer be eligible for the DAFI Scholarship.
Q: Can I choose any university in Rwanda? A: You must choose from the list of partner universities collaborating with the DAFI programme.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants? A: While there’s no strict age limit, the programme typically targets younger refugees who have recently completed secondary education.

Additional Resources

For more information about refugee education and related topics, consider exploring these resources:

Conclusion

The UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda for 2024/2025 represents a life-changing opportunity for refugee and asylum-seeking students to pursue higher education and build a brighter future.

By providing comprehensive support and fostering academic excellence, this fully funded scholarship empowers individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about furthering your education, don’t miss this chance to apply for the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship. Remember, the application deadline is October 15, 2024.

Apply Now and Take the First Step Towards Your Educational Dreams

For any inquiries about the UNHCR-DAFI Scholarship Programme in Rwanda, please contact:

Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

Best of luck with your application!