UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees to Study in Italy

Applications are currently being received for the UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees. Project University Corridors for Refugees UNICORE 7.0 is promoted by more than 30 Italian universities with the support of UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli, and other partners. It aims to increase the opportunities for refugees currently residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to continue their higher education in Italy.

This Europe scholarship will be awarded to 69 students to begin their degree courses in September 2025. The selected students will be exempt from tuition fees at the universities participating in the program and will receive financial support for plane tickets and visa-related expenses, as well as a study grant to help them during their stay in Italy. The selection process for admission will be carried out by and is the sole responsibility of the individual universities.

Program details

• Host institution: Partner universities in Italy (Please find full list below).
• Eligible program: Select from More than 400 Courses.
• Number of scholarships: Not specified.
• Duration: Up to two years.
• Target group: Open for refugees currently residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees Benefits

The scholarship may include some or all of the following items. Please note that the benefits coverage varies per university.

1. Full coverage of the expenses to be faced before the arrival in Italy: flight tickets, Visa, and preparation of supporting documents;
2. Free accommodation;
3. Meal card;
4. Enrollment NHC and any other health costs;
5. A personal Pc;
6. Mobile phone, SIM card and subscription;
7. Annual Public transportation subscription;
8. Pocket money;
9. Psychological support offered;
10. Assistance for the first claim and further renewal of the residence permit;
11. Purchase of didactic material;
12. Full coverage of the costs for the first claim and further renewals of the residence permit;
13. Legal advising offered;
14. cultural and linguistic facilitators;
15. An additional limited budget will be made available by one partner for the coverage of unforeseen and urgent expenses;
16. Italian Course;
17. Mentoring service for the duration of the studies.

Universities participating in UNICORE

Eligibility Criteria for the UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees

Application to this scholarship to study in Italy is open exclusively to candidates who:

• Are residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and have been granted refugee status in these countries in collaboration with UNHCR;
• Hold a qualification valid for admission to the chosen Second Cycle Degree Programme;
• Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 according to the country of graduation tertiary education grading system or equivalent according to the comparable table issued by the Italian Ministry of Education;
• Hold a degree obtained in or after 2020 and no later than the call deadline (some universities do not apply a time limit for graduation, please refer to individual call for applications);
• Meet the specific admission requirements of the Second cycle degree program;
• Have never before been enrolled in a degree program at any of the Partner Universities.
• Proficiency in the English language is required.

Interested candidates are strongly advised to consult the individual call for applications issued by the chosen university, as requirements may vary.

Similar opportunities

1. Australia Awards Scholarships for Development;
2. Japan and World Bank Scholarship for Developing Countries;
3. Skoltech Scholarship in Russia for Local and International Students.

How to apply for the UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees

Interested applicants who would like to apply for this Europe scholarship program need to follow the steps below:

1. Choose your course : Select from more than 400 options
2. Apply : Send the application directly to the chosen universities
3. Begin your journey: Get ready and begin your study!

Application documents

Students are required to submit the following mandatory documentation:

1. Refugee ID card or Proof of refugee registration;
2. A certificate confirming the qualification required for admission to the chosen degree programme;
3. Transcripts of exams passed and relative grades;
4. GPA documentation;
5. Curriculum vitae
6. Motivation letter;
7. Any relevant and additional documents required by the specific programmes chosen.

Some documents that are listed here as optional may be mandatory for some Universities. Please always check and make reference to the individual university’s call for applications. Presenting any fraudulent school certificates or university diplomas is a crime. All the documents that you submit will be carefully checked by experts.

Should you present fraudulent documents there will be serious consequences including your disqualification from this and other opportunities. UNHCR may also report the incident to the police authorities. For any inquiries, please contact your chosen university through their contact page or program managers.

Please click here to read each university call to know more about benefits and application requirements.

The deadline to submit applications for this Scholarship is April 18, 2025. For more details on the UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.