Fully Funded Master’s Degrees in Italy Open for Refugee Students in Kenya
Kakuma, 24 June 2026
Refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps can now apply for a life-changing opportunity: fully funded Master’s degrees in Italy, covering tuition, living costs, and more. Just 50 days remain to seize this rare chance for higher education and a brighter future.
Who Can Apply for the UNICORE Scholarship?
The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) programme is open to refugee students registered in Kenya, specifically those residing in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps. To qualify, applicants must meet three key criteria: [1]
Refugee Status: Applicants must hold recognised refugee status in Kenya. Proof of registration with UNHCR Kenya is required. [1]
Academic Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree obtained in or after 2021, with the degree awarded no later than 17 April 2026. The minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required is 3.0 or its equivalent, depending on the grading system used by the awarding institution. [1]
Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen Italian university. Most Master’s programmes in Italy are taught in English or Italian, so proficiency in one of these languages is typically mandatory. Some universities may require standardised test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL for English, or CELI/CILS for Italian. [1][alert! ‘Specific language requirements vary by university; applicants should verify details on the individual university calls published on 2 March 2026.’]
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The UNICORE scholarship is fully funded, providing comprehensive financial support to successful applicants throughout their Master’s programme in Italy. The scholarship includes: [1]
Full Tuition Waiver: All tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s degree are covered. This removes a significant financial barrier for refugee students, who often lack access to traditional funding sources. [1]
Living Expenses: A monthly stipend is provided to cover accommodation, food, and other day-to-day costs. The exact amount varies by university and city, but it is designed to ensure students can focus on their studies without financial stress. [1]
Additional Study Grant: Some universities offer supplementary grants for books, travel, or research materials. These are typically awarded based on merit or specific project requirements. [1]
Visa and Travel Support: UNHCR and partner organisations assist with visa applications and travel arrangements, including flights to Italy. This support is critical for refugees, who may face bureaucratic hurdles when travelling internationally. [1]
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications for the UNICORE 2026 programme open on 2 March 2026 and close on 17 April 2026. With just 50 days remaining from today (24 June 2026), eligible candidates should begin preparing their documents immediately. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process: [1]
Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the refugee status, academic, and language requirements outlined above. [1]
Choose a University and Programme: On 2 March 2026, participating Italian universities will publish their individual calls for applications on the UNICORE portal. These calls will list the available Master’s programmes, language requirements, and any additional criteria specific to each institution. [1] Applicants can explore options at universities such as Luiss University in Rome, which offers scholarships for Master’s degrees in fields like economics, law, and political science. [3]
Prepare Documents: Gather the following documents:
- Academic transcripts and Bachelor’s degree certificate (with certified translations if not in English or Italian). [1]
- Proof of refugee status, such as a UNHCR registration document. [1]
- Language proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, CELI, or CILS). [1]
- Motivation letter outlining your academic goals, career aspirations, and reasons for applying to the programme. [1]
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional experience. [1]
Submit the Application: Applications must be submitted online via the UNICORE portal: https://universitycorridors.unhcr.it/. The portal will open on 2 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so applicants are advised to submit well before the 17 April 2026 deadline. [1]
Await Results: Successful candidates will be notified via email by June 2026. Selected students will receive further instructions on visa applications, travel arrangements, and enrolment procedures. [1]
Why This Opportunity Matters
For refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, access to higher education is often limited by financial constraints, legal barriers, and lack of opportunities. The UNICORE programme addresses these challenges by providing a pathway to academic and professional advancement. [1]
Breaking Barriers: Refugees face significant obstacles in accessing education, with only 5% of refugees globally enrolled in higher education, compared to 38% of the general population. [GPT] The UNICORE programme directly tackles this disparity by offering fully funded scholarships to deserving candidates. [1]
Building Skills for the Future: A Master’s degree equips refugees with specialised skills and knowledge, enhancing their employability in their home countries or resettlement destinations. This is particularly valuable for refugees from conflict-affected regions, where rebuilding economies and institutions requires skilled professionals. [1]
Promoting Inclusion: Italian universities participating in the UNICORE programme, such as Luiss University, emphasise diversity and inclusion. These institutions provide a multicultural environment where refugee students can thrive academically and socially. [3] The programme also fosters social mobility by enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access world-class education. [3]
Long-Term Impact: Higher education has a multiplier effect on refugee communities. Graduates often return to their communities as leaders, educators, or entrepreneurs, driving positive change. For example, a refugee with a Master’s degree in public health could contribute to improving healthcare systems in their home country or camp. [GPT]
Key Deadlines and Next Steps
Applicants must adhere to the following timeline to ensure their submissions are considered: [1]
2 March 2026: Applications open. Participating universities publish their individual calls on the UNICORE portal. [1]
17 April 2026: Application deadline. All materials must be submitted by 23:59 (East Africa Time) on this date. [1]
June 2026: Successful candidates are notified via email. [1]
September 2026: Master’s programmes begin in Italy. Selected students must complete visa and travel arrangements before this date. [1]
Next Steps for Applicants:
Start Preparing Documents: Begin gathering academic transcripts, proof of refugee status, and language certificates. If translations are needed, arrange for certified translations well in advance. [1]
Monitor the UNICORE Portal: Bookmark the UNICORE portal (https://universitycorridors.unhcr.it/) and check it regularly from 2 March 2026 for updates on participating universities and programmes. [1]
Seek Support: UNHCR Kenya and partner organisations, such as the Windle Trust, offer guidance to refugee students applying for scholarships. Applicants in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps can visit UNHCR offices or community centres for assistance. [1][alert! ‘Contact details for UNHCR Kenya and Windle Trust are available on the UNHCR Kenya website.’]
Prepare for Interviews: Some universities may require an interview as part of the selection process. Applicants should practice articulating their academic goals and motivation for pursuing a Master’s degree. [1]