UN Launches New Programme to Help Displaced Students Access Master's Degrees
Nairobi, 14 March 2026
The UN Refugee Agency has created Graduate Horizons, a groundbreaking support programme helping refugees and displaced individuals apply for master’s degrees in 2026-2027. Run through Oxford’s Refugee-Led Research Hub, this initiative specifically targets refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals who face significant barriers accessing higher education. Applications close on 24 August 2025 at 5pm BST, offering displaced students in camps like Kakuma and Kalobeyei unprecedented opportunities to transform their futures through advanced education.
Who Can Apply and What Support Is Available
The Graduate Horizons programme specifically targets refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals who wish to pursue master’s degree studies [1]. The Refugee-Led Research Hub operates this global application support programme, designed to help prospective graduate students affected by displacement navigate the complex university application process [1]. The initiative provides comprehensive guidance throughout the application journey, addressing the unique challenges that displaced students face when seeking higher education opportunities.
Application Process and Critical Deadline
Students interested in participating must submit their applications before Sunday, 24 August 2025, at 5pm BST (UK time) [1]. The application process requires visiting the Refugee-Led Research Hub’s official announcement page to review eligibility criteria and complete the application form [1]. Prospective applicants can access detailed information about the programme through the Oxford Refugee Studies Centre website, where the full requirements and application procedures are outlined [1].
Getting Help and Additional Information
Students who have questions about the programme or need assistance with their applications can contact the organising team directly at the provided email address [1]. The programme represents a significant opportunity for displaced individuals to access higher education pathways that could fundamentally transform their career prospects and enable meaningful contributions to their communities [GPT]. This initiative comes at a time when access to higher education remains a critical challenge for displaced populations worldwide [GPT].
Long-term Impact and Future Opportunities
The Graduate Horizons programme addresses a crucial gap in educational support for displaced students, particularly those in refugee camps who face additional barriers to accessing international higher education [GPT]. By providing structured application support for the 2026-2027 academic year, the programme offers displaced students the chance to pursue advanced degrees that could lead to leadership roles in their fields and communities [GPT]. The initiative’s focus on master’s degrees reflects the growing recognition that displaced populations include highly skilled individuals who, with proper support, can contribute significantly to global knowledge and development efforts [GPT].