Applications for the 2024 IGAD regional Scholarship Programme (2nd round) for refugees, returnees, and IDPs, are now Open. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Regional Scholarship Programme is a remarkable opportunity for refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to access higher education within the IGAD region.
In 2021, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated a staggering 14 million displaced individuals within the IGAD region. This figure encompasses refugees, returnees, stateless persons, IDPs, and asylum-seekers. Recognizing the pressing need for educational support, the IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme was born.
Overview of the IGAD Regional Scholarship
The IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme is rooted in the Djibouti Declaration on Education for Refugees, Returnees, and Host Communities, ratified by IGAD Ministers of Education in December 2017.
Aligned with the Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Compact on Refugees, the scholarship embodies a holistic approach to education in crisis settings.
Goal and Objectives
The primary objective of the IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme is to enhance economic inclusion and livelihood opportunities for displaced populations and their host communities.
The program aims to nurture a cadre of skilled young leaders capable of driving regional integration and promoting self-reliance.
The scholarship program endeavours to provide financial assistance to post-secondary students, promoting self-reliance, regional integration, and academic collaboration within the IGAD region.
Benefits of the IGAD Scholarship Programme
The IGAD Scholarship Programme covers the costs of tuition, accommodation, subsistence, and medical expenses, with each student eligible for up to €3,189 per year.
The program prioritizes marginalized groups, with special consideration for women, persons with disabilities, and those from Somalia and South Sudan.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must belong to a displacement-affected community, hold formal documentation, and be citizens of an IGAD member state.
The program actively encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other disadvantaged populations, fostering diversity and inclusivity.
How to Apply for IGAD Scholarship Programme
Qualified Candidates should follow the below Step-by-Step Guide, to apply for IGAD Scholarship Programme:
- Visit the application page at https://igad.int/form-view-30/
- The Application Form for IGAD Scholarship Programme requires applicants to provide the following details: Name, Surname, Date of birth, Email, Phone, Street Address, City, Country, Are you living with any disability? Are you a refugee, asylum seeker, IDP, or Returnee?
- Once the details are provided, Tap on the ‘Next’ button below the application page to submit your entries
For More Information, Visit the Official page of the IGAD Regional Scholarship Program at https://igad.int/regional-scholarship-program/
Selection Process and Evaluation
Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, relevance of chosen field of study, and demonstrated potential for success in the proposed academic environment.
The selection process also considers extracurricular achievements, career goals, and the likelihood of achieving academic success.
Application Deadline and Duration
The application deadline for the IGAD Scholarship Programme is June 2, 2024.
Successful applicants can anticipate a scholarship duration ranging from 3 to 4 years, allowing for academic support.
FAQs
How many scholarships are available under the IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme?
The program aims to provide financial assistance to 35 students annually.
What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, subsistence, and medical expenses, up to a maximum of €3,189 per student per year.
Can applicants from Somalia and South Sudan receive special consideration?
Yes, applicants from Somalia and South Sudan, representing significant displaced populations, receive special consideration during the selection process.
Are there any application fees for the scholarship?
No, the scholarship does not require applicants to pay any application fees.
How are scholarship recipients evaluated during their studies?
Recipients are required to submit mid and end-of-year narrative reports tracking their academic progress, which are then reviewed by the IGAD Council of Higher Education (ICHE).
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