Deadline: 10-Jun-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to support the expansion and sustainability of the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways (CPath) programme. The initiative aims to increase access to higher education for refugees, particularly Rohingya youth, while promoting inclusion, self-reliance, and long-term educational opportunities through partnerships with universities, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
The project has an indicative budget of USD 120,000 and will support refugee enrolment, scholarship assistance, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement activities that strengthen refugee access to higher education in the Philippines.
About the Complementary Pathways Programme
The Complementary Pathways (CPath) programme was launched in 2022 to create higher education opportunities for refugees in the Philippines.
As a State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Philippines has demonstrated its commitment to refugee protection by developing innovative education pathways that support refugee inclusion and long-term self-reliance.
Through partnerships with academic institutions and other stakeholders, the programme enables refugee students to pursue university education and build pathways toward a more secure future.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Expand access to quality higher education for refugees
- Support refugee enrolment and academic success
- Strengthen complementary education pathways
- Promote refugee inclusion and self-reliance
- Facilitate scholarship and university opportunities
- Provide financial and subsistence support to refugee students
- Strengthen partnerships among key stakeholders
- Promote awareness of refugee rights
- Foster social cohesion and community acceptance
- Support the long-term sustainability of refugee education initiatives
The programme seeks to remove barriers that prevent refugees from accessing and completing higher education.
Key Focus Areas
The project focuses on several interconnected priorities:
- Higher education access for refugees
- University enrolment support
- Scholarship and financial assistance
- Academic retention and success
- Refugee self-reliance
- Inclusive education
- Public awareness and advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Social cohesion and community integration
- Long-term sustainability of refugee education pathways
These activities contribute to broader efforts to strengthen refugee protection and inclusion.
Support for New Refugee Scholars
A major component of the project involves facilitating higher education opportunities for six Rohingya refugee students.
The selected partner will support:
- University admissions and enrolment
- Access to accredited higher education institutions
- Tuition fee payments
- Educational resource provision
- Academic support throughout the study period
The initiative aims to help refugee students pursue recognized academic qualifications that improve future opportunities.
Education-Related Support
Funding may cover a range of education-related expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- School supplies
- Learning materials
- Textbooks
- Uniforms where required
- Academic equipment
- Other education-related costs subject to available resources
This support is intended to reduce financial barriers to participation and success in higher education.
Subsistence Scholarships for Current Students
The programme will also support ten refugee students already enrolled through the Complementary Pathways initiative.
Subsistence scholarships may cover:
- Accommodation costs
- Meals and living expenses
- Local transportation
- Learning materials
- Examination fees
- Health insurance
- Technology and connectivity needs
The goal is to ensure students can continue their studies without financial hardship affecting their academic performance.
Information Sharing and Education Opportunities
The initiative seeks to improve access to information about higher education opportunities available to refugees.
Activities may include:
- Dissemination of scholarship information
- Promotion of university opportunities
- Sharing educational resources
- Strengthening youth and education networks
- Increasing awareness of available support mechanisms
Improved information access can help more refugees pursue educational pathways in the future.
Awareness and Advocacy Activities
The project includes public engagement initiatives designed to promote understanding and acceptance of refugees.
Activities may involve:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Community dialogues
- Stakeholder consultations
- Educational forums
- Advocacy events
- Outreach initiatives
These efforts aim to strengthen support for refugee rights and inclusive education.
Promoting Social Cohesion
The programme seeks to foster stronger relationships between refugees and host communities.
Expected outcomes include:
- Reduced stigma and discrimination
- Increased public understanding of refugee issues
- Greater community acceptance
- Improved social inclusion
- Stronger support for refugee education initiatives
Social cohesion is an important component of sustainable refugee integration.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
The initiative emphasizes collaboration among a wide range of partners.
Potential stakeholders include:
- Government institutions
- Universities and academic institutions
- Civil society organizations
- International organizations
- Philanthropic foundations
- Corporate partners
- Refugee-led organizations
- Community groups
Partnerships are essential for expanding and sustaining complementary education pathways.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
The project aims to build long-term support for refugee education in the Philippines.
Key sustainability measures include:
- Strengthening institutional partnerships
- Expanding scholarship opportunities
- Engaging private-sector supporters
- Increasing philanthropic involvement
- Building awareness of refugee education needs
- Supporting policy development and advocacy
These efforts help create lasting educational opportunities for future refugee students.
Funding Available
The initiative has:
- Indicative project budget of USD 120,000
The selected partner will implement activities aligned with programme objectives and manage resources to support refugee education and inclusion.
Why This Initiative Matters
Access to higher education can transform the lives of refugees by providing knowledge, skills, qualifications, and opportunities for long-term self-reliance.
The programme contributes to:
- Improved educational access
- Greater refugee inclusion
- Enhanced self-reliance
- Better employment prospects
- Reduced educational barriers
- Stronger community integration
- Expanded opportunities for refugee youth
- Sustainable refugee support systems
By investing in education, the initiative helps refugees build brighter futures while contributing positively to society.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Complementary Pathways (CPath) programme?
It is a refugee education initiative that provides access to higher education opportunities for refugees in the Philippines. - Who are the primary beneficiaries of this project?
Refugees, particularly Rohingya youth, seeking access to higher education opportunities. - How many new refugee students will be supported?
The project will facilitate university enrolment for six Rohingya refugee students. - Will current refugee scholars receive support?
Yes. Ten refugee students already enrolled through the programme will receive subsistence scholarship support. - What expenses can be covered under the project?
Funding may cover tuition fees, school supplies, learning materials, accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, examination fees, and technology needs. - What awareness activities are planned?
Public campaigns, stakeholder forums, community dialogues, and advocacy initiatives promoting refugee rights and inclusive education. - What is the indicative budget for the project?
The project has an indicative budget of USD 120,000.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Complementary Pathways Programme in the Philippines represents an important effort to expand higher education opportunities for refugees while strengthening inclusion, self-reliance, and social cohesion. Through support for university enrolment, scholarships, advocacy, and partnership development, the initiative helps refugee students overcome barriers to education and creates sustainable pathways toward long-term success and integration.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
