The United States of America has always been a land of opportunities for people from different parts of the world.
However, for refugees who have fled their home countries due to war, persecution, or other forms of violence, accessing education in the US can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, there are several scholarships available to help refugee students pursue their academic dreams in USA. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also offer support and guidance to help refugees integrate into their new communities and build a better future for themselves and their families.
In this article, we will explore a few of the scholarships available for refugee students in USA.
1. Albert Einstein Academic Refugee Initiative (UNHCR – DAFI)
The DAFI program, also known as the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative, provides scholarships for higher education to refugees.
This Program has been in existence since 1992. The program is sponsored by the German Embassies, UNHCR, and partners, and is financially supported by the German government.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, study materials, food, transportation, accommodation,Tuition, Books,Monthly stipend (e.g. food allowance), Housing, Local, Health insurance, Mentoring or psycho-social support and other expenses.
To be eligible, candidates must be recognized refugees who have completed secondary schooling to a high standard, have no other means of support for university studies, and select a course of study that is likely to lead to employment in their country of origin, Not be older than 28 years at the beginning of studies and Has no other family member receiving a DAFI scholarship.
The program is available in various countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Interested candidates can check the eligibility criteria and contact the respective office for more information.
2. University of Dundee Humanitarian Scholarship (Scotland Based)
To qualify for the Humanitarian Scholarship, you must fulfill the following requirements:
First, you must have received an offer of admission for a full 180 credit postgraduate taught program on campus, starting in September 2023, from any of the university’s academic schools.
Second, you must have Refugee or Asylum Status, or Humanitarian Protection recognized by the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees.
If you are selected for the scholarship, you will receive a full tuition fee waiver, a monthly living stipend to cover living expenses while in the UK, and a monthly allowance for accommodation in accordance with the University Accommodation amount.
Successful applicants can choose to stay on campus or in private residences, and the accommodation allowance will be paid directly to them, who will be responsible for the accommodation costs.
To apply for it or get further information, you can click the link.
3. Columbia University Scholarships for Displaced Students
The Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students aims to address the loss of education opportunities for displaced individuals by providing them with the chance to pursue higher education at one of the world’s top universities.
The scholarship offers full tuition, housing, and living assistance for up to 30 students per year from anywhere in the world who are unable to complete their education due to displacement.
Mentoring and support will also be provided. The scholarship is open to individuals with refugee status, US asylum or asylum application, Temporary Protected Status, or who are Internally Displaced Persons, including displaced Afghan students on Humanitarian Parole or with Special Immigrant Visas.
US permanent residents are not eligible. There are no age restrictions on the scholarship. The scholarship is competitive and acceptance to an academic program does not guarantee funding through the scholarship. Currently, applications are Closed.
4. Windle Trust Undergraduate Scholarships in South Sudan
Windle Trust International, in partnership with NRRDO and KODI, offers undergraduate scholarships for refugee women from the Nuba Mountains to study at the Catholic University of South Sudan.
The scholarship covers academic tuition fees and a modest maintenance stipend for the duration of the course. The selection process is based on various factors, including the applicant’s commitment to giving back to their community, their refugee or marginalized status, financial need, gender (with a focus on empowering women), and origin (restricted to specific regions of Africa).
Preference is given to female candidates who are the first in their family to attend university or who have overcome family opposition to pursue higher education. The application process for the Nuba Mountains Undergraduate Scholarship is currently closed.
5. Macquarie University Asylum Seeker Fee Sponsorship
The Asylum Seeker Fee Sponsorship is aimed at assisting individuals who are seeking asylum in Australia and hold temporary or bridging visas.
It provides financial support for Foundation, Diploma, or Undergraduate studies, which would otherwise be inaccessible through Commonwealth Supported Places or government loan schemes.
The scholarship was established in 2016 to cover the full tuition fees for eligible students at Macquarie University. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.
To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria: To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must hold a temporary or bridging visa and be seeking asylum in Australia.
They must also have received a full offer of admission to study a foundation or diploma course, or an undergraduate degree at Macquarie University, and intend to take up the scholarship in the year it is offered.
Additionally, they must demonstrate financial need, submit a personal statement outlining their commitment to study and how the scholarship will benefit them, provide a reference letter from someone they have known for at least a year, and be willing to attend an interview. Applications are currently closed for 2023.
6. The Monash Humanitarian scholarship
Monash Humanitarian scholarship program is aimed at international students seeking asylum in Australia who have achieved high academic success.
To be eligible, applicants must be on certain types of visas and enrolled or intending to enrol in an undergraduate degree at a Monash campus in Australia. The scholarship covers full international student course fees paid for the duration of the degree, An allowance of $6000 per year (48 credit points of study) until the minimum points for your degree are completed.
The number of scholarships offered varies depending on funding, and selection is based on academic achievement and personal circumstances.
To apply, applicants must complete the relevant application form and provide a copy of their current visa. The scholarship cannot be deferred, and recipients must maintain a pass average each semester.
To keep this scholarship, you need to achieve a minimum pass average of 50% each semester.
If your residency changes, you can still receive the scholarship, but you won’t receive tuition payments if you become eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place and can defer your fees. However, you can still receive the allowance. Donors may ask for an annual progress report, which allows you to share your experiences and advantages.
A final thought about Scholarships for refugee students in USA
Scholarships for refugee students in the USA are a testament to the nation’s commitment to inclusivity, opportunity, and the recognition of the potential within each individual, regardless of their background.
By investing in their education, we not only empower refugee students to shape their own futures but also contribute to a more diverse, tolerant, and prosperous society.
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