DAFI Scholarship 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

If you are a refugee student seeking help to study at the undergraduate level, the DAFI Scholarship offers full financial support for tuition, living, materials, and more. 

If you meet the criteria in your country of asylum or home country, apply quickly before the window closes.

About the Organisation

DAFI stands for the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative. 

It is a scholarship programme run by UNHCR with support from the German Government, partnering with local institutions in many countries.

It aims to enable refugee and returnee students to obtain undergraduate degrees in their country of asylum or origin, and to foster self-reliance, leadership, and future contributions to their communities.

Fields of Study Funded

DAFI supports studies that lead to an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification (Bachelor’s level or TVET, where it is acceptable) in many academic or technical fields. 

It does not support postgraduate degrees (Master’s / PhD) under normal circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria 

You must meet all of these to be eligible:

1. Have a valid Refugee permit or Section 24 permit in South Africa.
2. Have completed secondary school (matric) with above-average grades.
3. Be under 35 years of age if applying as an undergraduate student.
4. Be accepted or provisionally accepted for full-time study at a public or government tertiary institution in South Africa. Proof of admission must be uploaded.
5. Have no other means of support for your tertiary education (financial need).
6. Studies in medicine, engineering, or similar fields may be considered but are granted on a case-by-case basis and usually require outstanding academic performance.

Benefits / What the Scholarship Covers

If awarded, the scholarship in South Africa will typically provide:

1. Annual registration/tuition fees (capped) for the eligible study programme.
2. Book allowance for prescribed textbooks and study materials.
3. Monthly subsistence allowance to help with basic expenses like food, local travel, and rent during the semester.
4. Monthly data allowance.
5. Medical Aid assistance.

Other Selection Criteria

1. Academic potential, performance, and background conditions are considered.
2. Only a limited number of scholarships are offered due to budget constraints. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
3. The scholarship is for undergraduates. Master’s level support is not provided.

How to Apply 

1. The application is done online via the StudyTrust website when the DAFI call is open.
2. Use the DAFI Online Platform (when active) for submitting your application and uploading required documents.
3. You need to provide proof of admission or provisional admission to a public tertiary institution.

Required Documents

You will need to prepare and upload:

1. Valid refugee permit / Section 24 permit.
2. Matric certificate (or proof of completion of secondary school).
3. Academic transcripts with recent results.
4. Proof of admission to a tertiary institution (letter of acceptance or provisional admission). 

Closing Date

The DAFI Scholarship administered in South Africa via StudyTrust is currently closed for applications.

There is no confirmed 2026 deadline yet published. 

You should monitor the StudyTrust website and UNHCR announcements for when the call opens.

Contact Details

• Global DAFI / UNHCR website: UNHCR Tertiary Scholarship Programme page.
• UNHCR South Africa office (for refugee status/permit verification).
• StudyTrust (in South Africa) is the implementing partner for managing DAFI applications in many places.