Want to study abroad as a refugee or displaced student in 2025/26—but worried about cost, documents, or eligibility? You’re not alone. From Syria to South Sudan and Afghanistan to Venezuela, millions of displaced learners face barriers to higher education. The good news? Top universities and humanitarian organizations are stepping up with fully funded scholarships for refugees and displaced students, covering tuition, living costs, travel, and more—even if you lack formal documents.
This expanded guide explores the best global opportunities available now and in 2026, plus eligibility details, country programs, no-document application tips, and real-life success stories to help you apply with confidence.
Why Refugee Scholarships Matter
Scholarships for refugees aren’t just educational aid—they are instruments of peacebuilding and social justice. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Restore access to higher education disrupted by war, persecution, or disaster
- Build new generations of changemakers from displaced and underserved communities
- Support trauma recovery through academic pathways
- Break the cycle of poverty and dependence
- Advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
According to UNHCR, only 6% of refugees have access to higher education. These scholarships aim to change that.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students (2025–2026)
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Region | Coverage Details | Deadline | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAFI (UNHCR) | Undergraduate | Global | Tuition, stipend, support, and local university placement | Jan–May | Apply |
| Columbia CUSDS | UG & PG | USA | Tuition, living, advising, and academic mentoring | February | Apply |
| Oxford Refugee Academic Futures | Master’s, DP hil | UK | Tuition, living, visa, and support | January | Apply |
| WUSC SRP (Canada) | Undergraduate | Canada | Full tuition, resettlement, housing, support | November | Apply |
| Edinburgh Sanctuary Scholarships | UG & PG | UK | Tuition + support grants | March | Apply |
| Article 26 (multiple UK unis) | Undergraduate | UK | Tuition + basic living funds | Varies | Apply |
| University of Geneva InZone | Online/Hybrid | Global | Tuition + tech/learning aid | Rolling | Apply |
| IIE PEER (Platform for Education) | UG & PG | USA/global | Portal to verified refugee-friendly scholarships | Rolling | Explore |
| Jusoor (for Syrians) | UG & PG | USA, UK, EU | Tuition, living, mentorship | Varies | Apply |
| University of Sanctuary (UK-wide) | UG & PG | UK | Tuition waivers + holistic support | Varies | Explore |
Countries with Strong Refugee Scholarship Support
United Kingdom
- Chevening Scholarships (Refugee Track)
- Oxford Refugee Futures
- Sanctuary Scholarships at over 30 universities
- Article 26 institutions
Canada
- WUSC SRP (Student Refugee Program)
- Canadian Sanctuary Fund
United States
- Columbia University (CUSDS)
- IIE PEER, Jusoor
- Bard College and other refugee-friendly colleges
Germany
- DAAD HOPES & DAFI (UNHCR)
- Numerous local scholarships for asylum seekers
Global/Online
- University of the People (100% tuition-free online degree)
- Kiron Open Higher Education (MOOCs for displaced learners)
- InZone Geneva hybrid and distance programs
How to Apply Without Standard Documents
Many refugees and asylum seekers lack
- Passports or national IDs
- Academic transcripts or diplomas
- Proof of income or residence
What You Can Use Instead:
- UNHCR registration card or asylum application
- Letters from NGOs, IOM, or the Red Cross confirming status
- Self-attested transcripts with NGO validation
- Reference letters from teachers, religious leaders, or aid workers
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters instead of IELTS/TOEFL
Always include a personal statement clearly explaining why you lack documents—and what alternatives you’re providing.
Required Documents (Typical)
- Proof of refugee/asylum/displaced status (UNHCR, IOM, national body)
- Academic transcripts or equivalent
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (personal story + future goals)
- Language proficiency (or waiver/MOI letter)
- Passport or protection documents (if available)
Application Timeline & Key Deadlines
| Month | Action |
| August | Research scholarship options |
| Sept–Nov | Reach out to NGOs/UNHCR for support |
| Nov–Feb | Apply for the UK, Canada, and Columbia programs |
| March | Finalize applications for InZone, Edinburgh |
| April–June | Interviews and decisions |
Start your prep 8–12 months ahead of your intended intake.
How to Win Refugee Scholarships—Expert Tips
- Tell your story boldly: Emphasize hardship, survival, and your vision
- Use networks: NGOs, faith groups, and refugee alumni can help you prepare
- Apply early: Many programs have limited spots and strict deadlines
- Be honest: If you’re missing docs, explain why and offer alternatives
- Target multiple programs: Apply to at least 3–5 scholarships for the best odds
Real-Life Stories—Proof It’s Possible
“Sara, a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon, applied to Oxford’s Refugee Futures using only self-attested records and a UNHCR card. She now studies International Development fully funded.”
“Mohammed from Sudan applied to the University of Toronto via WUSC with NGO assistance. Today, he’s a mechanical engineer and mentors other refugee scholars.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study abroad as a refugee or asylum seeker?
A: Yes. Many top universities offer fully funded programs specifically for displaced learners.
Q: What if I don’t have transcripts or ID?
A: Many programs accept alternative documents or statements supported by UNHCR or NGOs.
Q: Do I need IELTS/TOEFL to apply?
A: Not always. Some programs accept Medium of Instruction letters or offer language waivers.
Q: Are there scholarships for graduate students?
A: Yes—Columbia, Oxford, DAAD, and Jusoor all fund master’s or PhD-level study.
Q: Do I need to return to my country afterward?
A: Some scholarships require a return for development purposes. Others allow open-ended migration pathways.
Q: Can I bring family with me?
A: Some programs (like WUSC) support resettlement; others may require separate applications.
Related Guides
- Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Study Abroad Without IELTS or TOEFL—2025
- Chevening Refugee Program Guide
- Online Universities for Refugees (Tuition-Free)
Final Thoughts
If you’ve survived displacement, persecution, or conflict, know this: Your story is your strength. These fully funded refugee scholarships aren’t just academic opportunities—they are lifelines to a future where you lead, rebuild, and rise.
Whether you’re applying from a camp, a conflict zone, or your host country, there’s a place for you in global education.
Start today. Ask for help. Apply boldly.
Your education is not just possible—it’s powerful.