UNICORE Scholarships for Refugees

• The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) scholarship program is promoted by Italian Universities in conjunction with UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli and other partners.

Scholarship Overview

• The UNICORE project provides refugee students with the opportunity to attend a master’s degree program at an Italian university.
• This scholarship program aims to increase opportunities for refugees who reside in selected African countries to pursue higher education in Italy, thus helping them to build their own future independently.

Host School(s)

• 37 participating universities in Italy

Field(s) of Study

• Any of the 411 postgraduate courses offered at the participating universities.

What does the scholarship cover?

• Tuition fees
• Travel costs
• Study grant
• Visa-related expenses

How many scholarships are given?

• 67 scholarships.

Which countries are targeted?

• Refugees from Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

You can apply for this scholarship if you:

• are a resident in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and have been recognized as a refugee in these countries in collaboration with UNHCR;
• hold a qualification valid for admission to the chosen Second Cycle Degree Program;
• have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 according to tertiary education grading system in the country of graduation 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; 
• meet the specific admission requirements of the Second Cycle Degree Program;
• have never been enrolled in a degree program at any of the Partner Universities;
• be proficient in English.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

• Each university publishes its own call for applications on its website. Look at the various calls for applications and select the one that interests you.
• Submit your application and required documents before the application deadline by creating an individual account and applying on the platform on the website. Note that some universities may require you to submit your application through their admission platforms.
• You can apply to a maximum of two universities.

NOTE:

• Participation in this scholarship program, including the application process, is free.

Selection Process

• Evaluation of your documents by the Committee of Experts based on:
• Academic background and GPA (score: 0-20);
• Evaluation of CV: professional experience and personal skills (score: 0-10);
• Coherence between previous studies and selected Second Cycle Degree programme (score: 0-10);
• An online interview where the candidates will be interviewed by the Committee of Experts to evaluate their technical skills, knowledge of the subject and level of English. Interviews will be graded on a scale of 40 points.

NOTE:

• All correspondence on the date and time of the interview will be received through email.
• Candidates are requested to present themselves for an interview with the Ration Card Number or the Refugee Identity Card used during the online application. 

Required Documents

• Refugee ID card or Proof of refugee registration
• Transcripts of exams passed and relative grades
• GPA documentation
• A certificate confirming the qualification required for admission to the chosen degree program
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Any relevant and additional document required by the specific programs chosen

Closing Date:

• 18 April 2025

How do I get more information?

• Website: UNICORE Scholarship for Refugees