The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program has relaunched its call for applications in Burundi, offering educational opportunities to eligible refugees. The UNHCR (Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés), in collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), issued the new call for applications. This initiative aims to provide academic support for refugees pursuing higher education within the country. To be considered for the scholarship, prospective applicants must have arrived in Burundi no later than 2023. The program's resumption signifies a renewed effort to empower refugee students through access to tertiary education, particularly after a period of suspension.
The call for applications, jointly launched by the UNHCR and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), underlines the collaborative effort to restore these vital educational pathways. The UNHCR, as the lead agency for refugee protection and assistance, plays a key role in administering the DAFI program globally, overseeing its implementation and ensuring its objectives are met in various countries, including Burundi. The partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) further strengthens the program's reach and support network on the ground, leveraging their extensive experience in assisting vulnerable populations. This joint effort ensures a full approach to identifying and supporting deserving refugee students.
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
The DAFI scholarship program is designed to provide financial support specifically for first-cycle university studies. This assistance is set to cover three years of academic engagement within national public institutions in Burundi. Eligible beneficiary institutions include the Université du Burundi (UB) and the École normale supérieure (ENS), where recipients can pursue their higher education. These institutions represent key pillars of higher education in Burundi, offering a range of academic disciplines that can equip students with valuable skills for their future. The program's focus remains on supporting refugee students through their initial years of university, ensuring they can complete their undergraduate degrees at these established national institutions, thereby laying a strong foundation for their professional and personal development.
For more than a decade, the DAFI program in Burundi has facilitated access to higher education for hundreds of refugees, particularly those from the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as repatriated Burundians. This long-standing commitment shows the program's significant impact on the lives of countless individuals who might otherwise lack the means to pursue higher education. The program's sustained presence and its history of successful student placements highlight its effectiveness in breaking down barriers to education for displaced populations. The support provided extends beyond tuition fees, often encompassing stipends for living expenses, study materials, and academic counseling, creating a conducive environment for academic success.
The current call for applications concerns long-term refugees living in camps and urban areas, specifically including Bujumbura and Rumonge. This targeted approach ensures that the scholarship reaches those who have been displaced for extended periods and are often in dire need of such opportunities. By focusing on both camp and urban settings, the program acknowledges the diverse living situations of refugees and aims to provide equitable access to educational resources across different communities within Burundi. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including academic merit and financial need, to be considered for this highly competitive scholarship.
Background and Funding
The DAFI program, which was established in 1992, had experienced a two-year interruption in Burundi. This suspension was directly attributed to funding difficulties that affected the program's operations. The interruption, which lasted for two years, created a significant void in educational opportunities for aspiring refugee students. This period of uncertainty caused considerable distress among refugee communities, who rely heavily on such programs for their academic advancement. The German government provides the financing for the DAFI program, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting refugee education globally. This key funding enables the UNHCR to administer the program effectively across various countries.
The program's global administration by the UNHCR ensures a standardized approach to scholarship provision, while also allowing for adaptation to local contexts and needs. The UNHCR's role involves not only managing the funds but also coordinating with national governments, educational institutions, and partner organizations like the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to implement the program efficiently. The re-establishment of funding by the German government is a testament to the recognized importance of the DAFI initiative in fostering self-reliance and durable solutions for refugees through education. This renewed financial commitment ensures the continuity of a program that has proven its value over decades.
Refugee Perspectives and Hopes
For the 2026-2027 academic year, twenty young refugees will receive financial support through the DAFI scholarship program. The current call for applications targets long-term refugees residing in camps and urban areas, specifically including Bujumbura and Rumonge. Only 20 young people will be selected for the scholarship this year, showing the competitive nature of the program and the high demand for such educational opportunities. This limited number of places notes the immense value placed on each scholarship and the life-changing impact it can have on the recipients.
A young refugee, who obtained his State diploma in 2024, expressed his initial disappointment regarding the program's suspension. "J’avais obtenu mon diplôme en 2024 et je pensais pouvoir commencer directement l’université. Mais lorsque j’ai appris que la bourse DAFI ne recrutait plus, j’ai perdu beaucoup d’espoir," he stated. His aspirations for immediate university enrollment were dashed by the unexpected halt in the program. He further elaborated on the profound financial constraints facing his family, stating, "Ma famille n’avait pas les moyens de payer mes études universitaires et je ne savais pas comment poursuivre mon parcours. Pour moi, la seule possibilité était d’attendre une nouvelle opportunité et de tenter ma chance." This personal account vividly illustrates the critical role the DAFI scholarship plays for refugees who lack alternative funding sources for higher education.
The refugee recounted his reaction to the program's reopening, a moment of profound relief and renewed determination. "Quand j’ai appris que le programme était de nouveau ouvert cette année, j’ai ressenti une grande joie," he said. This joy was quickly followed by a resolve to act. "J’ai décidé de postuler comme les autres et de tenter ma chance. Je sais qu’il y a beaucoup de candidats pour seulement 20 places, mais je préfère essayer plutôt que d’abandonner mon rêve de poursuivre mes études." His words reflect a common sentiment among aspiring refugee students: despite the odds, the pursuit of education remains a powerful driving force. He also noted the potential impact of the scholarship on his future and community, adding, "Si je suis sélectionné, cette bourse changera beaucoup de choses dans ma vie et me donnera aussi la possibilité de contribuer un jour au développement de ma communauté." This statement encapsulates the broader aspirations of DAFI scholars, who often view their education as a means to uplift not only themselves but also their communities.
The young refugee had also been involved in the resettlement process to the United States. The suspension of the US refugee admission program, which began at the start of Donald Trump's second term, affected his plans. "J’étais aussi dans le processus de réinstallation vers les États-Unis," he explained, indicating a dual path he had been considering for his future. "Mais avec la situation actuelle et l’arrêt du programme de réinstallation, je ne sais plus quand cette possibilité pourra se concrétiser. Aujourd’hui, je dois penser à mon avenir ici. La seule chance qui me reste pour ne pas rester sans rien faire, c’est d’étudier. C’est pourquoi cette bourse représente énormément pour moi." This personal narrative shows the complex challenges faced by refugees, often navigating multiple uncertainties regarding their future. For many, like this young man, education becomes the most immediate and tangible pathway to stability and self-sufficiency when other avenues, such as resettlement, become unpredictable or inaccessible. The DAFI scholarship thus offers a key lifeline, transforming aspirations into concrete opportunities within their current host country.