2024 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships at Italian Universities for Refugees

Applications are currently being accepted for the University Corridors for Refugees Programme, known as UNICORE 2024, which offers refugee students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree program at an Italian university. This effort, UNICORE 6.0, is led by Italian universities in conjunction with UNHCR, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Caritas Italiana, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli, and others. Its goal is to enhance educational opportunities for refugees residing in Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, enabling them to pursue higher education in Italy.

Admission Criteria:

1. Eligible candidates must live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe and have been formally recognized as refugees in partnership with UNHCR in their respective countries.
2. Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the requirements for admission to their chosen Second Cycle Degree Programme.
3. Candidates should have achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0, as per the grading system of their country of tertiary education, or an equivalent score based on the comparable table issued by the Italian Ministry of Education.

4. Possess a degree earned in or after 2019, and no later than the application deadline (note that certain universities may not impose a time limit for graduation; please refer to the specific call for applications).
5. Fulfill the particular admission criteria of the Second Cycle Degree Programme.
6. Have never previously participated in a degree program at any of the Partner Universities.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Applicants are limited to applying to two universities at a time.

*Please be aware that the call for applications from some universities will be released at a later date:

• La Sapienza University of Rome, on March 5th
• Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria (publication date to be confirmed)
• Polytechnic University of Bari, on March 8th
• Roma Tre University (publication date to be confirmed)
• University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti – Pescara, on March 4th
• University of Bergamo, on March 15th
• University of Bologna Alma Mater Studiorum (publication date to be confirmed)
• University of Brescia, on March 15th
• University of Campania, on March 8th
• University of Messina, on March 27th
• University of Salento (publication date to be confirmed)

Benefits

• Selected students will commence their degree programs in September 2024, enjoying exemption from tuition fees at participating universities. Additionally, they will receive financial assistance covering airfare and visa-related expenses, along with a study stipend to support their stay in Italy.

Application Requirements

Students must submit the following mandatory documents:

1. Refugee ID card or Proof of refugee registration;
2. A certificate validating the qualification necessary for admission to the selected degree program;
3. Academic transcripts detailing completed exams and corresponding grades;
4. Documentation of GPA;
5. Curriculum vitae;
6. Motivation letter;
7. Any other relevant and required documents specified by the chosen programs.

For Further Details:

Application Deadline: April 15th, 2024 (12:00 PM, UTC+2)