Applications for the 2026 UNICORE Scholarship Program, a fully funded chance for African refugees to study in Italy, are now being accepted by the UN. For certain students, the scholarship pays for all living expenses, flights, visa fees, and tuition.
With assistance from UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, and Centro Astalli, Italian universities are spearheading the University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE 8.0) project.
Through partner universities, the program seeks to increase higher education options for refugees residing in several African nations, allowing them to pursue university studies in Italy.
Eligibility Criteria :
- Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe are the countries in which applicants must reside, and they must have official UNHCR-recognized refugee status.
- must be eligible for admission to the chosen Second Cycle (Master’s) Degree Program.
- The Italian Ministry of Education stipulates that a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or an equivalent based on the national grading system) is necessary.
- A degree completed in 2020 or later is required of applicants (certain universities may not apply this deadline).
- must fulfill the particular requirements for admission to the degree program of choice.
- No prior enrollment in any program at the partner universities is required.
- Proficiency with the English language is necessary.
Italy is the host nation.
Europe is the study destination.
Scholarships for Master’s and Postgraduate Studies
Countries that qualify: African countries
Benefits include travel expenses, living allowance, full scholarship, and mentorship support.
IELTS is not necessary for the English test.
Benefits :
- Participating Italian universities will waive all tuition fees.
- financial support for round-trip flight and visa costs.
- A living stipend or study grant might help with daily living expenses while you’re a student.
- Partners of the University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) provide mentorship and academic support during the study time.
Deadline: April 17, 2026
