Call for Applications for the academic year 2023/2024.

What is the DAFI scholarship progamme?
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative, known as the DAFI scholarship programme, offers
qualified refugee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
in their first country of asylum. Through the support of the German Government, UNHCR and private
donors, the DAFI programme has supported over 24,300 young refugees to undertake tertiary studies since
1992.

Main objectives of the DAFI programme:

➢ promote self-reliance among young refugee women and men by providing opportunities to earn a
higher education qualification, paving the way for future employment, entrepreneurship, other
livelihoods or postgraduate studies;
➢ develop the civic, social and leadership skills of DAFI students to promote human rights, gender
equality, peace and non-violence and community development in the societies and economies
where they live and work;
➢ contribute to sustainable development, peace and stability in regions affected by conflict and
displacement and to enable refugees to access solutions.
Scholarships awarded under the DAFI programme contribute to a wide range of costs, depending on the
local cost of living and the needs of the specific country programme. Covered costs include accommodation,
food, local transportation and study materials, and, in some cases, registration, tuition and study fees.

Studies at Master’s level are not supported under the DAFI programme.

What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?

The DAFI scholarship may be renewed each year for up to four years based on regular class attendance,
successful completion of each semester and academic year, progress towards the degree within the regular
study time foreseen by the higher education institution, and participation in DAFI programme activities such
as the DAFI club and community engagement.
At the beginning of each academic year, DAFI scholars sign a Scholarship Agreement form. DAFI scholars
are expected to work diligently towards the successful completion of the programme of study and to inform UNHCR if they are experiencing challenges. In cases of fraud or misconduct, the scholarship will be discontinued immediately. In case of repeated absenteeism, underperformance or academic failure, continuation or discontinuation of the scholarship will be determined taking into account specific circumstances and reasons provided.

DAFI scholars in Slovakia receive a subsistence allowance to cover costs such as accommodation, food, local
transportation and study materials. In some cases, registration, tuition or study fees can also be covered
under the DAFI programme.
Participation in the DAFI programme also includes a variety of student activities, training and educational
events, networking, volunteering and community engagement activities. DAFI students are encouraged to
participate in developing their communities through community-focused and youth-led activities.

What are the criteria to be eligible for a DAFI scholarship?

To be eligible for a DAFI scholarship in Slovakia, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have been granted refugee status (or have applied for asylum) or have been granted Temporary
  Protection (TP) in Slovakia;
• You are under 28 years old at the start of your studies;
• You have completed high/secondary school and are able to present the original documents attesting your achievements;
• You achieved at least 60% marks in end of high/secondary school examinations;
• You have been admitted to an undergraduate study programme in an accredited university or higher education institution in Slovakia (either you have just been admitted, or you are currently studying in an undergraduate study programme and have more than two years of study left);
• You are proficient in the language of instruction of the degree programme in which you enrolled;
• You are in need of financial assistance to pursue your studies;
• You have a strong motivation to contribute to your community through leadership, volunteering, community service, mentoring, community development or similar;
• You are not currently receiving a scholarship from another source (e.g. private scholarship, scholarship from the Slovak government, Erasmus scholarship, etc.);
• None of your siblings is currently receiving a DAFI scholarship.

Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to apply for a DAFI scholarship for the academic year 2023/2024?

Applications for a DAFI scholarship for the academic year 2023/2024 have to be submitted online, through
UNHCR’s new global tertiary programme platform.

You will need to first register an account, before being able to start your online application. All the
information requested in the different online tabs needs to be provided (unless indicated as optional). You
will be able to save your information in-progress.

You will be asked to upload the following documents as part of your online application:

• Proof of refugee status (or asylum application) or Temporary Protection (TP) status in Slovakia [tab
  “Eligibility criteria”];
• Copy of your high/secondary school transcripts and diploma or certification of completion (if
  issued in another country, transcripts should be validated by the Ministry of Education certifying
  recognition of the diploma) [tab “Academic background”];
• Proof of enrolment in an accredited university or higher education institution in Slovakia
  (admission/acceptance letter, Bonafide letter) [tab “Your study plan for this scholarship”];
• If you are currently studying in an undergraduate study programme (with more than two years left of study), copy of transcript of prior learning or credits completed [tab “Your study plan for this scholarship”].

Your application has to be submitted through the online portal latest on 13 August 2023. Applications
submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

What are the different steps of the selection process?

Following submission of your online application:

➢ Suitable candidates will be shortlisted and invited to an interview.
➢ Interviews will be conducted in-person or online by a Selection Committee. Interviews will be
conducted in Slovak or English, depending on the language of instruction of the degree programme in
which you enrolled.
➢ Based on the interview performance and application, the Selection Committee will identify
scholarship recipients according to the number of DAFI scholarships available in Slovakia.
➢ Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will receive a notification from UNHCR about the
outcome of their application.

UNHCR does not charge any fee at any stage of the selection process.

Application deadline: 13 August 2023