Top Humanitarian and Refugee Scholarships for Syrian Students Globally
By Muntasir • Published Jun 30, 2025 • Updated May 29, 2026 • Study Abroad
Fully funded global scholarships provide Syrian refugees and displaced students with complete tuition, living stipends, and travel costs. Programs like DAFI, Saïd Foundation, and Jusoor accept applications annually with selection rates around 3% to 5%.
Saïd Foundation Scholarships
The Saïd Foundation awards fully funded scholarships for one-year master's degrees in the United Kingdom. Applicants must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, or Palestinian nationality. The foundation accepts Syrian citizens living outside Syria due to displacement.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Level | One-year postgraduate Master's degrees at partner UK universities |
| GPA Requirement | Equivalent to a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree or higher |
| Language Expectation | IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each component |
| Annual Awards | Approximately 20 to 30 awards granted annually |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 3% of total applicants receive funding |
| Timeline | Portal opens August 1, closes October 31 |
| Benefits Package | Full tuition, monthly living allowance, arrival grant, visa fees, economy return flight |
Eligibility and Coverage
You must demonstrate leadership potential in your chosen field or sector. Candidates with relevant work or voluntary experience receive priority during selection. You must commit to returning to your home region on completion of your course.
DAFI UNHCR Refugee Scholarship Programme
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative supports refugee students pursuing undergraduate higher education in their country of asylum. This programme is managed by local UNHCR offices at the country level. Your eligibility depends entirely on your current country of asylum.
| Criteria | Program Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Level | Bachelor's degrees and technical/vocational training only |
| Age Limit | Generally 28 years old or younger at application time |
| Refugee Status | Must be a registered refugee or asylum seeker in the host country |
| Benefits Package | Tuition fees, study materials, monthly food, transport, housing allowance |
| Ineligible Groups | Master's degree students and those receiving other scholarships |
| Applications | Submitted directly to your local UNHCR country office |
Regional Administration
UNHCR offices set independent application timelines based on local university schedules. You must contact your local UNHCR representative to get the specific deadlines for your host country. The selection process evaluates your academic achievements alongside your financial needs.
Jusoor Syrian Scholarship Tracks
The non-profit organization Jusoor manages targeted scholarship opportunities for Syrian and Palestinian-Syrian students. Their international open-call track helps students secure visa fees and travel costs. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early submissions receive priority.
| Program Track | Requirements | Included Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| International Open-Call | Syrian passport/ID, current residency in Syria/Middle East, GPA 3.0+ | Visa fees, one-way flight, mandatory health insurance |
| Built from Within | Pursuing undergraduate higher education inside Syrian universities | Local tuition support, academic mentorship |
University Ranking Requirements
To receive the international open-call scholarship, you must gain admission to a top-ranked global institution. The university must rank in the top 200 in the United States or the top 50 in the United Kingdom. European institutions must rank in the top 100 to meet eligibility criteria.
Required Application Documents
Preparing your documents early ensures a stress-free application process. Most humanitarian scholarship selectors require official proof of your academic and personal history. You must compile these documents in English or provide certified translations.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete records of your secondary school or undergraduate grades.
- Language Certificates: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores meeting the host institution requirements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two academic or professional references validating your character and potential.
- SOP or Motivation Letter: A written statement explaining your academic goals and community commitment.
- Proof of Status: UNHCR refugee registration certificate or asylum-seeker documents.
Winning Application Strategies
Successful applicants align their personal narratives with the core mission of the funding organization. Selection committees prioritize candidates with clear plans for community rebuilding and leadership. Your application must emphasize your resilience and future goals.
- Define Your Vision: Explain how your chosen degree program helps you serve your home community.
- Showcase Leadership: Provide concrete examples of past voluntary initiatives or student group coordination.
- Avoid AI Applications: Draft original personal statements because selectors penalize automated content.
- Submit Ahead of Deadlines: Upload your materials weeks early to avoid system crashes on closing dates.