Entries open for the UNIV’R University Corridor scholarships for refugees
Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the UNIV’R University Corridor, a life-changing initiative that provides 12 fully funded two-year master’s scholarships for refugees living in first-asylum countries outside Europe to study at Sciences Po Paris—one of the world’s leading universities in social sciences, international relations, public policy, law, and human rights.
Starting in August/September 2026, selected scholars will join vibrant English- or French-taught master’s programmes on the iconic Paris campus, benefit from tailored academic and integration support, and become part of a growing global community of refugee graduates who are rebuilding their lives and careers through higher education in France.
This humanitarian corridor is coordinated by a consortium of French universities, UNHCR, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Higher Education, and civil-society partners. It covers tuition fees, monthly living stipends, health insurance, visa and travel costs, pre-departure orientation, and ongoing mentorship throughout the degree.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold official refugee status individually recognized by UNHCR or by the host-country government (collective or temporary protection does not qualify).
- Currently reside in a first country of asylum outside the European Union (refugees already resettled in Europe or North America are not eligible).
- Possess at least a recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to one of Sciences Po’s master’s programmes.
- Demonstrate language proficiency of at least B2 level in English and/or French (CEFR). Accepted proofs include IELTS/TOEFL/DALF/DELF certificates or university transcripts confirming prior study in the language.
- Be 35 years old or younger on 1 February 2026.
In addition, Sciences Po’s rigorous academic selection requires:
- Strong undergraduate transcripts showing consistent high performance
- Two academic letters of recommendation
- A clear and compelling personal statement linking past experience, refugee journey, and future goals with the chosen master’s programme
About UNIV’R University Corridor
Launched in 2019 as France’s first dedicated university corridor for refugees, UNIV’R (Universités pour Réfugiés) has welcomed more than 100 scholars from conflict-affected regions including Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Yemen. The programme is built on the belief that access to higher education is both a fundamental right and one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding lives disrupted by forced displacement.
Beyond Sciences Po Paris, the broader UNIV’R network now includes partner universities across France (Lille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Aix-Marseille, etc.) and has inspired similar corridors in Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Germany. Graduates have gone on to work with UN agencies, international NGOs, European institutions, and national governments, while many have pursued PhDs or launched social enterprises addressing the very crises that forced them to flee. By combining academic excellence with comprehensive resettlement support, UNIV’R demonstrates that inclusive higher-education pathways are not only possible but transformative for individuals, host communities, and societies of origin.
