The United Nations’ UNICORE (University Corridors for Refugees) 7.0 Scholarship 2025 provides a life-changing opportunity for African refugees to pursue higher education in Italy.
This fully funded initiative, supported by the UNHCR, Italian universities, and other partners, aims to foster inclusivity and bridge the educational gap for refugees.
Below, we provide an in-depth guide to this scholarship, covering its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Opportunity Summary
- Host Country: Italy
- Participating Universities: 37 Italian universities
- Level of Study: Master’s degree programs
- Target Group: Refugees residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Application Period: March 3, 2025 – April 18, 2025 (noon UTC+2)
- Start Date: September 2025
About the Scholarship
The UNICORE 7.0 initiative is a collaborative effort by Italian universities and key organizations like the UNHCR and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since its inception in 2019, over 250 scholarships have been awarded to refugee students from conflict-affected regions in Africa.
The program aims to provide financial and academic support to ensure refugees can thrive in a supportive educational environment.
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Courses Available
Participating universities offer a wide range of master’s degree programs across disciplines such as:
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Communication Technologies and Multimedia
- Management (International Business or Green Economy and Sustainability)
- Transnational Governance
- Other fields depending on each university’s offerings
For specific courses available at each university, visit the official UNICORE portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UNICORE 7.0 Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must reside in one of the eligible countries (Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe).
- Refugee Status: Must hold recognized refugee status in collaboration with UNHCR.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Hold a valid bachelor’s degree obtained in or after 2020.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency as required by the chosen program.
- Application Limit: Candidates can apply to a maximum of two universities.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is ideal for refugee students who:
- Aspire to further their education in Italy.
- Meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Are committed to academic excellence and personal development.
Benefits
The UNICORE 7.0 Scholarship offers comprehensive support to selected students:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from all tuition fees at participating universities.
- Financial Support:
- Coverage for travel expenses (visa fees and airfare).
- Annual study grant of €3,314.76 (paid in two installments).
- €500 bonus for books and educational materials.
- Accommodation & Meals:
- Free housing at university residences.
- Two free meals daily at university canteens.
- Health & Integration Support:
- Enrollment in Italy’s national health service.
- Psychological and social integration assistance.
- Academic Resources:
- Provision of a personal computer.
- Free Italian language courses.
- Mentorship & Guidance: Local student mentors will assist with academic and cultural integration.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Valid Proof of Registration (PoR) card issued by national authorities in collaboration with UNHCR.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter detailing your academic goals and aspirations.
- English language proficiency certificate.
- Submit Your Application:
- Applications must be submitted via the official UNICORE portal between March 3 and April 18, 2025 (noon UTC+2).
- Some universities may require additional submissions through their platforms; check individual university calls for details.
- Selection Process:
- Phase 1: Evaluation of academic background (GPA), CV, and motivation letter.
- Phase 2: Online interview assessing technical skills and English proficiency.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin gathering documents and drafting your motivation letter well before the deadline.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application guidelines provided by each university.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement:
- Highlight your achievements and aspirations.
- Align your goals with the scholarship’s mission of inclusivity and education.
- Double-Check Your Documents: Ensure all submissions are accurate and complete to avoid disqualification.
- Apply Strategically: Choose programs that align with your academic background and career goals.
Deadline
The application deadline is April 18, 2025 (noon UTC+2). Late submissions will not be considered.
Conclusion
The UNICORE 7.0 Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is an opportunity to transform lives through education while fostering inclusivity and global understanding.
For additional information or assistance with your application process, visit the official UNICORE website.
Disclaimer
Participation in the UNICORE program is entirely free of charge. Beware of fraudulent individuals or organizations requesting payment for application assistance or related services.
