Deadline: 31-May-2026
The UNHCR grant initiative supports academic inclusion of refugees in higher education institutions in the Philippines, focusing on access to university education, scholarships, and complementary pathways for refugee students, including Rohingya learners. It funds tuition, living expenses, and advocacy efforts to promote inclusive education, social cohesion, and refugee self-reliance from 2026 to 2030.
What is this UNHCR Higher Education Inclusion Initiative?
The initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees aims to improve access to higher education for refugees in the Philippines through structured academic pathways, scholarships, and institutional partnerships.
It focuses on enabling refugees to study in accredited universities while strengthening long-term inclusion systems in higher education.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Expand access to higher education for refugees
- Strengthen complementary academic pathways
- Promote refugee self-reliance and protection
- Improve inclusion in scholarship systems
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Strengthen partnerships between universities, government, and stakeholders
- Support long-term social cohesion
Key Focus Areas
Higher education access
- University enrolment support for refugee students
- Inclusion of Rohingya refugee learners
- Recognition of prior learning
- Academic pathway development
Financial and academic support
- Tuition and education-related cost coverage
- Subsistence scholarships for enrolled students
- Support for learning materials and academic tools
- Assistance for retention and academic success
System strengthening and inclusion
- Institutional collaboration with universities
- Policy engagement for refugee inclusion
- Improved scholarship accessibility systems
- Stakeholder coordination and governance support
Advocacy and awareness
- Refugee rights awareness campaigns
- Community dialogues and stakeholder forums
- Anti-discrimination and inclusion initiatives
- Social cohesion strengthening activities
Geographic Scope
- Philippines
- Focus region: Central Luzon (Region III)
- Target: Refugee students enrolled or enrolling in higher education institutions
Funding Details
- Indicative budget: 120,000 (currency not specified in source text)
- Duration: 2026–2030 (academic enrolment support)
- Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Learning materials and supplies
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Academic and technology support
- Examination fees (where applicable)
Beneficiary Support Structure
New student enrolment support
- 6 Rohingya refugee students supported
- Full university programme coverage (2026–2030)
- Academic and institutional integration support
Existing student scholarships
- 10 refugee students already enrolled
- Subsistence scholarships for 2026–2027
- Living and academic expense support
Types of Activities Funded
- University enrolment facilitation
- Scholarship and financial aid distribution
- Academic retention and mentoring support
- Refugee education advocacy campaigns
- Policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement
- Social inclusion and anti-discrimination programmes
- Partnership development with universities and donors
How the Programme Works
- Refugee students are identified and selected for eligibility
- Partnerships with accredited Philippine universities are established
- Scholarships and enrolment support are allocated
- Students receive academic and subsistence funding
- Monitoring supports retention and academic success
- Advocacy and awareness activities are implemented alongside education support
Expected Outcomes
- Increased refugee participation in higher education
- Improved academic success and retention rates
- Stronger institutional inclusion frameworks
- Reduced discrimination and stigma against refugees
- Enhanced policy and stakeholder support for refugee education
- Sustainable complementary education pathways
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the programme as general education funding (it is refugee-specific)
- Missing focus on complementary pathways and inclusion systems
- Weak alignment with refugee protection and self-reliance goals
- Ignoring geographic eligibility (Philippines, especially Region III)
- Lack of structured academic support planning
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Clearly demonstrate refugee inclusion strategy in higher education
- Build strong university and government partnerships
- Include detailed student support and retention mechanisms
- Integrate advocacy and awareness components
- Show sustainability beyond initial funding cycle
- Emphasize social cohesion and anti-discrimination outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this UNHCR initiative about?
- It supports refugee access to higher education in the Philippines
- Focuses on scholarships, enrolment, and inclusion systems
- Who is implementing it?
- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Who benefits from the programme?
- Refugee students, including Rohingya learners
- Both new and currently enrolled students in universities
- What expenses are covered?
- Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, transport, materials, and insurance
- Academic support and subsistence scholarships
- Where is it implemented?
- Philippines, especially Central Luzon (Region III)
- What is the programme duration?
- 2026 to 2030 for enrolment support and continuation
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees higher education inclusion initiative in the Philippines strengthens refugee access to universities through structured scholarships, institutional partnerships, and advocacy efforts. By combining financial support with system-level inclusion, it promotes long-term academic success, self-reliance, and social integration for refugee students.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.