Brief Description of UNHCR University Corridors For Refugees
The project University Corridors for Refugees UNICORE 5.0 is promoted by Italian universities with the support of UNHCR, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli and other partners. It aims to increase opportunities for refugees currently residing in Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe to continue their higher education in Italy.
The initiative, born in 2019 to allow refugee students in Ethiopia to arrive in Italy with a regular and safe path to continue their studies, has experienced the increasing participation of Italian universities over the years. Since 2024, with resolution no. 281 of 10 December 2020 of the Academic Senate, Sapienza has also joined the initiative by providing 2 scholarships for two refugee students in Ethiopia. In 2022, with resolution no. 53/22 of 8 March 2022, the Academic Senate allowed Sapienza to join UNICORE 4.0 in order to receive four refugee students in Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The project stands out for its inclusive dimension, thanks above all to a wide network of territorial partners who support students in entering academic life and integrating into the local social fabric. In particular, Caritas, Diaconia Valdese and Centro Astalli actively participate in the project, as well as a large number of other international and local actors.
About the NHCR University Corridors For Refugees
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The General Assembly entrusted both the High Commissioner and her Office with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. The United Nations human rights programme aims to ensure that the protection and enjoyment of human rights is a reality in the lives of all people. UN Human Rights also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the three interconnected pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and development. UN Human Rights provides assistance in the form of technical expertise and capacity-development in order to support the implementation of international human rights standards on the ground. It assists governments, which bear the primary responsibility for the protection of human rights, to fulfil their obligations and supports individuals to claim their rights. Moreover, it speaks out objectively on human rights violations. Structure UN Human Rights is part of the United Nations Secretariat, with a staff of some 1300 people and its headquarters in Geneva, as well as an office in New York. It has field presences that comprise regional and country/stand-alone offices. Furthermore, UN Human Rights supports the human rights components of UN peace missions or political offices and deploys human rights advisers to work with the United Nations Country teams. The Geneva-based headquarters has three substantive divisions: Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD), which develops policy and provides guidance, tools, advice and capacity-strengthening support on thematic human rights issues, including for human rights mainstreaming purposes; and provides support to the Human Rights Council’s special procedures. Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD), which provides substantive and technical support to the HRC and the Council’s UPR mechanism, and supports the human rights treaty bodies. Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD), which is responsible for overseeing and implementing the Office’s work in the field. Dedicated services and sections, which report directly to the Deputy High Commissioner, handle core management, planning, coordination and outreach functions. Leadership The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations. The High Commissioner heads OHCHR and spearheads the United Nations’ human rights efforts.
Scholarship Summary
- Type: Postgraduate
- Organisation: United Nations Human Rights
- Country to study: Italy
- Course to study Not specified
- Gender: Men and Women
- Application Deadline : May 19, 2024
Aim and Benefits of UNHCR University Corridors For Refugees
The benefits enjoyed by students arriving in Italy thanks to this initiative are many and range from the monthly scholarship provided by Sapienza to orientation and academic tutoring activities, to free local transport and accommodation, teaching material, computers, telephones, SIM cards, legal assistance, listening spaces, pocket money, etc.
Requirements for UNHCR University Corridors For Refugees Qualification
The requirements for applying are described in the calls that each of the participating universities publishes on the basis of an agreed format. Each university offers a certain number of study courses from its own academic offer.
Application is open exclusively to candidates who:
- Are residing in Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe and have been recognized refugee status in these countries in collaboration with UNHCR
- Hold a qualification valid for admission to the chosen Second Cycle Degree Programme;
- Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 according to the country of graduation tertiary education grading system or equivalent according to the comparable table issued by the Italian Ministry of Education;
- Hold a degree obtained in or after 2018 and no later than May 19st 2024 (please note that some universities do not apply a time limit for graduation, please refer to individual call for applications);
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the Second cycle degree programme;
- Have never before been enrolled in a degree program at any of the Partner Universities.
- Proficiency in the English language is required.
Interview date, Process and Venue for UNHCR University Corridors For Refugees
The selection process for admission will be carried out by and is the sole responsibility of the individual universities. To learn more about the selection criteria please also visit the dedicated page at this link.
Students will be selected on the basis of merit.
The evaluation will be carried out by Committees of Experts nominated by each university individually.
The participating universities will each identify a Committee of Experts to conduct the selection process, which will be divided into two steps:
Step 1: Evaluation of the documentation. The Committee of Experts will evaluate the documentation according to the following criteria:
- 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);
Candidates receiving a score of less than 25 will not be admitted to step 2 of the selection process.
Candidates admitted to Step 2 will be notified by email.
Step 2: On-line interview. Candidates admitted to step 2 will be interviewed by the Committee of Experts, who will evaluate their technical skills, knowledge of the subject and level of English. Interviews will be graded on a scale of 40 points.
Interviews will be held on-line.
Candidates will be notified by email about the date and time of the interview.
Candidates are requested to present themselves for interview with the Ration Card Number or the Refugee Identity Card used during the on-line application. A third party must be present at the beginning of the interview to identify the candidate.
Participation in University Corridors, including the application process, is free. If you know anyone asking or offering money in connection with this project you should immediately contact UNHCR.
Documents Required for Application
Students are required to submit the following mandatory documentation:
- Proof of refugee registration issued by national authorities in collaboration with UNHCR;
- A certificate confirming the qualification required for admission to the chosen degree programme;
- Transcripts of exams passed and relative grades;
- A reference letter is required by some universities;
- Any relevant and additional document required by the specific programmes chosen.
Presenting any fraudulent school certificates or university diplomas is a crime. All the documents that you submit will be carefully checked by experts. Should you present fraudulent documents there will be serious consequences including your disqualification from this and other opportunities. UNHCR may also report the incident to the police authorities.
Application Deadline
May 19, 2024
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations Human Rights on universitycorridors.unhcr.it to apply
Please note that the call for applications of the University of Padua will remain open from 3 April to 2 May
UNHCR University Corridors for Refugees
UNHCR education programs for refugees
Some of the education programs provided by UNHCR for refugees include:
- Primary and secondary education: UNHCR works with governments and other partners to ensure that refugee children have access to primary and secondary education in refugee camps and host communities.
- Vocational training: UNHCR supports vocational training programs for refugees, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to find employment and support themselves.
- Higher education opportunities: UNHCR’s University Corridors for Refugees program provides refugees with opportunities to pursue higher education, including scholarships, language training, and academic mentoring.
- Teacher training: UNHCR supports training programs for teachers in refugee camps and host communities, ensuring that refugee children have access to quality education.
- Education in emergencies: UNHCR provides education programs in emergency situations, such as natural disasters and conflict, to ensure that refugee children have access to education even in crisis situations.
UNHCR scholarship for refugees
To be eligible for the UNHCR scholarship for refugees, applicants must have completed secondary education and demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. They must also provide proof of refugee status and meet the language requirements for the university where they plan to study.
The UNHCR scholarship for refugees provides a valuable opportunity for refugees to continue their education and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face as refugees. By providing access to higher education, the scholarship helps refugees to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.
UNHCR university partnerships
Through these partnerships, universities provide scholarships, language training, and academic mentoring to refugees who meet the program’s eligibility criteria. The universities also provide support for refugees to integrate into campus life and access academic and other resources. In return, the universities benefit from the diversity and unique perspectives that refugee students bring to their campuses.
UNHCR university partnerships also provide an opportunity for universities to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and support for marginalized communities. Through these partnerships, universities can help to address the global refugee crisis by providing education opportunities for refugees and creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community.
UNHCR education initiatives
Some of the UNHCR education initiatives for refugees include:
- Refugee Education 2030: This initiative is a global framework aimed at providing access to quality education for refugees and displaced persons. It focuses on providing education opportunities for refugees from pre-primary to tertiary levels.
- Educate a Child: This initiative aims to provide access to quality education for out-of-school children, including refugees, in developing countries. It provides funding for education programs and promotes partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to support education for marginalized children.
- The Right to Education: This initiative aims to promote the right to education for all, including refugees, through advocacy and policy development. It works to ensure that refugees have access to education that is equitable, inclusive, and of good quality.
- Accelerated Education: This initiative aims to provide education opportunities for older refugee children and youth who have missed out on formal education. It provides accelerated learning programs to help these students catch up and complete their education.
FAQS of UNHCR University Corridors For Refugees
What is the UNHCR University Corridors for Refugees program?
The UNHCR University Corridors for Refugees program is a partnership between UNHCR and universities around the world to provide higher education opportunities to refugees.
What kind of support does the program provide?
The program provides support for refugees to access higher education opportunities, including scholarships, language training, and academic mentoring.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Refugees who have completed secondary education and are interested in pursuing higher education are eligible to apply for the program.
What countries are eligible for the program?
The program is available in several countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The countries where the program is available may vary depending on the year.
What fields of study are covered by the program?
The program covers a wide range of fields of study, including engineering, medicine, business, law, and others.
How can I apply for the program?
Applications are submitted through UNHCR offices or partner organizations in the country where the applicant is located. Applicants must provide a range of documents, including academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and proof of refugee status.
How competitive is the program?
The program is highly competitive, with many applicants each year. The number of available scholarships may vary depending on the year and the country.
How will I know if I have been selected for the program?
Selected applicants will be notified by the UNHCR or its partner organizations.
What kind of support is provided after I am accepted into the program?
After being accepted into the program, refugees receive support to prepare for their studies, including language training and academic mentoring. They may also receive financial assistance for tuition, fees, and living expenses.
What kind of impact has the program had?
The program has had a positive impact on the lives of refugees, providing them with opportunities to continue their education and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face as refugees.