Italian Universities Open 78 Scholarships for Refugee Students Across Africa
Kakuma, 3 March 2026
UNHCR launched applications for its eighth UNICORE programme, offering fully-funded Master’s degrees at 41 Italian universities for refugees from 13 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The scholarships cover complete financial support including tuition, living expenses, and integration services, with over 300 refugees already graduating since 2019.
Application Timeline and Process
The application window for UNICORE 2026 opened on 2 March 2026 and will close on 17 April 2026, providing eligible refugees with a six-week period to submit their applications [1][2]. Participating Italian universities published their individual calls for applications on 2 March 2026, with each institution outlining specific programme requirements and admission criteria [1]. Results from the participating universities will be published between June and July 2026, with successful candidates beginning their studies in September or October 2026 [6]. The application process requires submission through the official UNICORE portal at https://universitycorridors.unhcr.it/ [1].
Eligibility Requirements and Geographic Scope
To qualify for the UNICORE scholarship, applicants must hold recognised refugee status and possess a university degree earned in or after 2021, with no degree accepted beyond the 17 April 2026 deadline [1]. Academic requirements include maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.0 or equivalent [1]. The programme specifically targets refugees residing in 13 eligible countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [2][6]. Students from Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee settlements are particularly encouraged to apply, representing a significant opportunity for educational advancement in these communities [1].
Comprehensive Financial Support Package
The UNICORE scholarship provides complete financial coverage for refugee students, including full tuition fee waivers, comprehensive living expense support, and additional study grants whilst in Italy [1]. The programme extends beyond basic academic funding to include visa processing costs, international flight tickets, accommodation arrangements, meal provisions, health insurance coverage, and integration services [6]. Recipients also receive complimentary Italian language courses from the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia and Siena, alongside assistance in obtaining residence permits and provision of essential study materials [6]. Partner universities provide living allowances specifically designed to cover accommodation, food, local transport, and academic expenses throughout the study period [6].
Programme Scale and Historical Impact
The eighth edition of UNICORE involves 41 Italian universities offering 78 scholarship places across approximately 400 Master’s degree programmes [2][6]. Since its inception in 2019, the programme has successfully enabled over 300 refugee students to access university education in Italy [2]. The University of Pisa exemplifies the programme’s success, having participated in all seven previous editions and graduated several students, including one Ethiopian student who completed a Master’s degree in Exploration and Applied Geophysics in October 2023, and another who graduated in Computer Science and Networking on 23 February 2024 [2]. The programme represents a collaborative effort coordinated by UNHCR with partners including the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli, Fondazione Finanza Etica, Gandhi Charity, Consorzio Communitas, and Campus X [2][5].