Key Facts
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- Field of Study
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Eligibility Requirements
- Recognised refugee status, or registration as a refugee with UNHCR or the government in your country of asylum
- Secondary school completed to a standard good enough for tertiary study
- No other financial means to pay for university
- A course of no more than four years that is likely to lead to employment
- Aged 28 or younger when your studies begin
- No other family member on a DAFI scholarship
Documents Needed
- The country-specific DAFI application form from the UNHCR office
- Proof of your refugee status or registration
- Your secondary school results
- Proof of admission to, or an application for, an eligible course
The UNHCR country office will confirm the exact documents for its call.
About DAFI Scholarship for Refugees
The DAFI Scholarship is a programme of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that helps refugees study for an undergraduate qualification in their country of asylum. Since it was founded in 1992, DAFI has supported more than 27,200 refugee students in 59 countries, and South Africa is one of the countries where it is offered.
The programme is part of UNHCR's education strategy, which aims to have 15 per cent of young refugee women and men enrolled in higher education by 2030. DAFI scholars receive funding for their studies, and they also join a network of students and alumni who support each other and their communities.
Places are very limited, and competition is high. UNHCR reported that in 2024 only 879 new scholarships were confirmed worldwide, and that fewer than 20 per cent of applicants were accepted. There is no fixed national closing date on this page, because UNHCR country offices run their own calls.
Funding Details
DAFI is a scholarship for undergraduate study, and it covers up to four academic years. The programme supports scholars with the costs of their studies, and the exact package is set by each country programme.
DAFI also offers more than money. Scholars take part in activities and networks in their countries, and many go on to work in their communities. In 2024, women made up 45 per cent of DAFI scholars, the highest share in the programme's history.
One DAFI alumna in South Africa studied Development Studies and Anthropology at the University of Johannesburg, and went on to work at the Mandela Institute for Development Studies.
Where You Can Study
DAFI funds study at recognised universities and colleges in your country of asylum. In South Africa, that means a public university or another accredited higher education institution in South Africa.
Courses must last no more than four years. Postgraduate study is not covered: DAFI does not fund master's degrees, doctorates or some postgraduate diplomas.
About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
About UNHCR UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is the United Nations organisation that protects refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. It works in more than 100 countries, including South Africa, where…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
DAFI is only for refugees. To apply, you must have recognised refugee status, or be registered as a refugee with UNHCR or with the government of your country of asylum. In South Africa, this means that you must be a recognised refugee living in South Africa.
You must have completed secondary school with results good enough for tertiary study, and you must have no other way to pay for university. Your chosen course should be likely to lead to employment. You must be 28 years old or younger when your studies begin.
Only one person per family can hold a DAFI scholarship, so you cannot apply if a family member already has one.
Application Procedure
If you are eligible and DAFI runs in your country, ask your UNHCR country office for a DAFI application form. In South Africa, contact the UNHCR office in South Africa and check its help site for scholarship announcements. Applications must go to the country office. You cannot apply to UNHCR's head offices in Geneva or Copenhagen.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, usually in person, with a committee that often includes UNHCR staff and university or government representatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can South African citizens apply for DAFI?
No. DAFI is only for refugees in their country of asylum.
Does DAFI fund master's degrees?
No. It funds undergraduate courses of up to four years.
What is the age limit for DAFI?
You must be 28 or younger when your studies begin.
How do I apply for DAFI in South Africa?
Ask the UNHCR office in South Africa for the country-specific application form.
