Access to education is a basic human right, yet millions of refugees and displaced students around the world face severe barriers due to war, persecution, and instability. In response, several global initiatives and universities have introduced dedicated scholarship programs that provide fully funded education opportunities, along with housing, healthcare, and emotional support.
This guide outlines the top scholarships for refugees and displaced individuals in 2025, covering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels across the USA, Europe, UK, and other host nations.
Why These Scholarships Matter
Refugees often face legal restrictions, lack of financial resources, and limited access to national education systems. Scholarships for displaced students are designed not just to cover tuition but also to help them rebuild their lives, pursue academic goals, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Most of these programs offer:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly living stipends
Visa and travel support
Language and integration assistance
Mental health and career counseling
Top Global Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students (2025)
1. UNHCR Refugee Scholarship (DAFI Program)
Host Countries: Over 50 countries globally
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, transport, living allowance
Eligibility: Recognized refugees under UNHCR protection
This is one of the oldest and largest refugee scholarship programs, supporting thousands of students in host countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
2. University of Oxford – Refugee Academic Futures Scholarships (UK)
Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD)
Coverage: Tuition fees, full living stipend, and visa costs
Eligibility: Applicants with refugee or asylum-seeker status in the UK
The University of Oxford offers targeted support to forced migrants through generous scholarships and dedicated pastoral care.
3. Humboldt University – Berlin Scholarship Program for Refugees (Germany)
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Coverage: Tuition, German language training, housing, and living costs
Eligibility: Refugees and asylum seekers in Germany
This German government-backed initiative offers academic preparation programs and integration support.
4. Japan Initiative for Global Refugee Support (JGRS)
Host: Japanese Universities + Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Level: Graduate
Coverage: Full scholarship, airfare, accommodation, and internship opportunities
Eligibility: Recognized refugees residing in host countries with interest in international development
Japan’s new initiative for 2025 aims to make its world-class education system more accessible to displaced students from conflict regions.
5. University of Edinburgh – Humanitarian Scholarships (UK)
Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and travel support
Eligibility: Students from conflict zones with asylum or humanitarian protection
This program prioritizes those affected by armed conflict and displacement, particularly from regions like Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
6. Columbia University – Scholarship for Displaced Students (USA)
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Coverage: Full tuition and housing for up to 30 students annually
Eligibility: Refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons of any nationality
Launched in 2020, this is the first global university-wide scholarship initiative of its kind, helping displaced students pursue degrees across all Columbia schools.
7. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Partner Universities: University of Edinburgh, McGill, Sciences Po, University of Cape Town, among others
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Coverage: Full tuition, living costs, laptops, mentoring
Eligibility: Refugees and vulnerable youth from Africa
This scholarship combines education with leadership training and entrepreneurship support.
8. Jusoor – 100 Syrian Women, 10,000 Syrian Lives Program
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Coverage: Tuition and living support at partner universities
Eligibility: Female Syrian students impacted by displacement
This initiative focuses on empowering Syrian women through global education access and leadership development.
9. Global Platform for Syrian Students (Portugal)
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, living costs
Eligibility: Syrian refugees and displaced youth, particularly those in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey
This program helps Syrian students resume disrupted academic careers through partnerships with European universities.
10. IE University – IE Refugee Scholarship (Spain)
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition + housing + meals
Eligibility: Refugees and displaced individuals with academic potential
IE University in Spain has committed to fostering inclusion through tailored educational programs for conflict-affected students.
How to Apply for Refugee Scholarships
Verify Eligibility: You must hold official refugee, asylum-seeker, or humanitarian protection status.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Include academic transcripts, refugee registration or UNHCR card, ID documents, and any recommendation letters.
Language Requirements: Some programs offer exemptions from IELTS/TOEFL or provide preparatory courses.
Apply Directly or Through Partners: Many programs work with organizations like UNHCR, JRS, DAFI, and local NGOs.
Additional Tips
Apply early — deadlines range from January to June 2025.
Seek assistance from refugee aid organizations or education NGOs in your region.
Highlight your resilience, academic promise, and desire to contribute in your personal statement or scholarship essay.
Final Thoughts
Education plays a vital role in rebuilding lives and creating opportunities for those affected by conflict, persecution, or disaster. These scholarship programs for refugees and displaced students in 2025 provide not just academic access but hope, stability, and a future.
If you or someone you know is displaced due to war or political instability, explore these options, reach out to partner organizations, and take the first step toward a new beginning through education.