Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context
Globally in 2022, only 6% of refugees had access to tertiary education, compared to over 42% of the non-refugee population. The program aims to increase opportunities for refugees residing in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to continue their higher education in Italy. By providing safe and legal routes for refugee students to pursue university studies in Italy, UNICORE promotes inclusive education and supports refugees in rebuilding their futures.
Solution
The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) is a higher education initiative launched in 2019, enabling refugees to pursue master’s degrees in Italy through safe, legal pathways. UNICORE is based on a broad partnership between the Italian government, religious and civil society organizations, individual universities, and the UNHCR-led coordination. Its goal is to enable qualified refugee students to pursue postgraduate degrees while receiving legal protection, academic support, and integration opportunities.
UNICORE offers fully funded master's degree scholarships at more than 30 Italian universities. The selection is merit-based and includes academic qualifications, GPA, motivation, and language skills, assessed through application review and online interviews. Candidates may apply to up to two universities. The program covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, legal support, and other essentials like meals and study materials. Each university partners with local civil society organizations to provide support services. Dissemination is done through a unified digital platform and community outreach, reducing accessibility barriers. UNHCR coordinates with national ministries, local NGOs, and university administrations, ensuring stakeholder involvement and operational alignment.
Impact
UNICORE has granted over 200 scholarships across its first five editions. The program has helped create more inclusive academic spaces in Italy and fostered social cohesion. Alumni surveys and evaluations indicate high satisfaction with the academic experience and support services. An appreciable number of UNICORE graduates have secured employment aligned with their field of study, indicating positive post-graduation outcomes. However, due to the absence of a formal monitoring system and limited survey responses, the full scope of these results remains unclear. UNICORE has promoted institutional awareness around refugee issues and improved services for international students more broadly. However, issues remain, including legal document delays, gender equity gaps, and high dropout rates in some cohorts.