Are you a refugee looking for a chance to pursue a Master’s degree in France without worrying about tuition or living costs? The UNIV’R Scholarship Program offers exactly that — a fully funded channel to study a two-year master’s at Sciences Po Paris.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, this could be your gateway to a world-class education and a fresh start in Europe.
At a Glance — UNIV’R Scholarship Program 2026 Summary
| Item | Details |
| Host Country | France |
| Host Institution | Sciences Po, Paris |
| Degree Level | Master’s (2-year, full-time) |
| Eligible Applicants | Recognized refugees residing in a first country of asylum (outside the EU) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities |
| Languages of Instruction | English or French |
| Age Limit | Typically, 19–40 years (some announcements mention up to 35) |
| Deadline | 1 February 2026 |
| What’s Covered | Tuition, application fees, books & materials, monthly stipend, housing, local transport, health insurance, visa & travel costs, settling-in support, and more |
What is UNIV’R — And Who Is It For
The UNIV’R — short for University for Refugees Academic Corridor Program — is a fully funded scholarship initiative by UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) in partnership with Sciences Po. It is designed to offer refugees the opportunity to obtain a two-year master’s degree at Sciences Po Paris under a full scholarship scheme.
Key Points
- Refugee-specific: The scholarship is reserved exclusively for refugees recognized by UNHCR or a state authority, currently residing in their first country of asylum — outside the European Union.
- Academic qualification required: Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and meet academic requirements, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and a good GPA.
- Language competency: Courses are offered in English or French. Applicants need proficiency (often B2) in at least one of these languages.
- Age/Asylum status: Most calls mention an age limit (e.g. 19–40 years old) and require applicants to be residing outside the EU in their first asylum country.
What UNIV’R Covers — Full Support for Refugee Scholars
If selected under UNIV’R, you benefit from comprehensive support, including:
- Tuition fees and any academic fees
- Application fees and pre-admission exam fees (if applicable)
- Books and study materials
- Monthly stipend/living allowance (covering meals and general living costs)
- Housing or accommodation support
- Local transportation costs
- Health insurance / social security coverage
- Travel costs (to France), visa fees, and support with relocation/settling in
In short, UNIV’R aims to remove all major financial and administrative obstacles, allowing refugees to focus fully on their master’s studies at Sciences Po.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Eligibility — Ensure you are a recognized refugee, residing in a first country of asylum outside the EU, and that you hold a bachelor’s degree. Confirm you meet the language requirements (English or French).
- Choose a Master’s Programme at Sciences Po — Explore the list of eligible master’s degree programmes offered at Sciences Po that you could apply for via UNIV’R.
- Prepare Application Documents — Gather academic transcripts, recommendation letters, refugee certificate/documentation, proof of language proficiency, CV, personal statement, etc.
- Submit Your Application — Fill out the admission application on the Sciences Po admissions portal. Then complete the UNIV’R scholarship form (or include scholarship application as specified) before the 1 February 2026 deadline.
- Wait for Selection Outcome — If selected, you will receive full scholarship offer: funding, visa assistance, housing support, and other benefits.
Important: You must be admitted to a valid two-year Master’s programme at Sciences Po (not a short or double-degree) to qualify for UNIV’R funding.
Why UNIV’R Matters — More Than Just a Scholarship
- Access to elite education: Sciences Po is one of Europe’s top institutions in political science, social sciences, and humanities — UNIV’R opens this world to refugees who otherwise wouldn’t have access.
- Holistic support: Beyond tuition, UNIV’R addresses living costs, housing, health, transport — ensuring recipients can study without financial stress.
- Integration and opportunity: The scholarship includes visa support, relocation aid, and social integration via mentoring — offering refugees a fresh start and international exposure.
- Equal opportunity: UNIV’R is open to all nationalities, provided refugee status and asylum-country residence conditions are met — promoting diversity and inclusion.
FAQ
Who exactly is eligible for UNIV’R?
Refugees recognized by UNHCR or a state authority, currently residing in a first country of asylum outside the European Union, with a bachelor’s degree; age typically between 19–40; and meeting language requirements in English or French.
Does UNIV’R only cover tuition?
No — the scholarship is comprehensive. It covers tuition, application fees, books, living expenses (stipend), housing, transport, health insurance, visa/travel costs, and support for settling in.
Can I apply if I’m already a refugee residing in an EU country?
No — UNIV’R requires that applicants reside in a first country of asylum outside the European Union at the time of application.
What languages are accepted for instruction?
The master’s programmes under UNIV’R at Sciences Po are offered in English and/or French. You must have adequate language proficiency (often B2 level or equivalent).
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