Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context
By mid-2024, the number of forcibly displaced people crossed a staggering 120 million, with 71% hosted in low- and middle-income countries. With aid funding falling short, enabling refugee self-reliance through education and integration into national systems is more urgent than ever. Forced displacement often leads to protracted displacement, significantly impacting the education journey of refugee children and youth. While the data is incomplete, as of 2023, enrolment of refugees in higher education around the world is estimated to be at just 7 per cent. Refugees face multiple barriers to higher education and employment, including a lack of financial support, work restrictions, and post-graduation discrimination, even when official policies seem to be promising. Access to post-secondary education and skills development is crucial for transforming dependence into self-reliance by reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The 15by30 Roadmap, developed to expand refugee access to higher education, builds on long-standing efforts like the DAFI scholarship program, which plays a crucial role in addressing this issue.
Solution
The DAFI program, established in 1992, is UNHCR’s tertiary scholarship program, primarily supported by the German government along with other partners and one of the longest-running higher education initiatives for refugees. It offers qualified refugee and returnee (in selected countries) students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The scholarship package varies from country to country and covers a range of costs including tuition and study materials, food, transportation, and accommodation. In addition to financial support, DAFI strengthens the inclusion of refugees in national education systems and enhances their employability through skills training, internships, and entrepreneurship support. To address gender inequality, DAFI implements specific strategies to support women, including revised admission processes, awareness sessions, and mentorship activities. Female scholars and alumni play an active role in encouraging younger women to pursue higher education. Furthermore, UNHCR and its partners engage with governments and employers to improve policies that enable refugee access to education and the labor market. DAFI is thus a key contributor to refugee self-reliance and long-term stability.
Impact
The DAFI program has supported over 26,300 students in 59 countries since its inception, with graduation rates continuously increasing over the years. South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, and Afghanistan were the top three countries of origin of DAFI Scholars in 2023. The programme helps graduates earn qualifications and skills, enabling them to progressively participate in the host economy and become contributing members of their communities. DAFI scholars and alumni take on leadership roles, enhancing programming, supporting peers, and engaging with policymakers. By enabling integration into national higher education systems it leads to tangible economic benefits for both the refugees and the societies hosting them.
Progress has been made towards gender parity in the programme, with women making up 42% of scholars in 2023. Women in DAFI are becoming role models for their communities, motivating other women to pursue higher education and livelihoods.
The DAFI scholarship had a significant role to play in increasing the refugee enrolment to 7 per cent in 2023, up from only 1 per cent in 2019. This programme therefore makes a vital contribution to UNHCR's 15by30 target to achieve 15 per cent enrolment of refugees in higher education by 2030.