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Grants for Refugee Higher/Tertiary Education in Ethiopia

Deadline: 02-Feb-2026

UNHCR Ethiopia is seeking partners to support refugee students pursuing tertiary and higher education, aiming to improve access, inclusion, and opportunities for this vulnerable population. The initiative provides financial support, promotes female participation, and facilitates integration into Ethiopian society while strengthening pathways to employment. Partners will also help build government capacity to ensure accountability, protection, and effective management of resources for refugee higher education.

Program Overview

UNHCR Ethiopia invites expressions of interest from qualified partners to enhance access to higher education for refugee students in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The program addresses financial, social, and systemic barriers to learning, while promoting inclusion, equity, and long-term empowerment.

Key Focus Areas

  • Financial Support: Cash-based interventions to address tuition, living costs, and other financial barriers.

  • Inclusive Participation: Promote access for female students and vulnerable groups among refugees.

  • Integration: Facilitate social and academic integration into Ethiopian society and higher education institutions.

  • Pathways to Employment: Support career readiness, internships, and professional development opportunities.

  • Government Capacity Building: Assist authorities in managing refugee inclusion in higher education effectively and transparently.

  • Protection and Accountability: Ensure adherence to refugee protection principles and responsible resource management.

Objectives

  • Increase access to tertiary and higher education for forcibly displaced persons.

  • Foster inclusive participation within the national education system.

  • Provide structured support to overcome financial, social, and academic barriers.

  • Enhance long-term social and economic empowerment for refugee learners.

Partner Roles and Responsibilities

  • Deliver cash-based support programs to reduce financial barriers.

  • Promote female participation and inclusive engagement in tertiary education.

  • Facilitate integration and support services for refugee students at universities and TVET colleges.

  • Collaborate with government institutions to strengthen systems and ensure proper oversight.

  • Monitor student progress, provide feedback, and report on outcomes and impact.

  • Ensure all activities adhere to refugee protection standards.

Expected Outcomes

  • Improved enrollment and retention of refugee students in higher education.

  • Increased female participation and representation in tertiary programs.

  • Strengthened pathways to employment and career readiness for refugee learners.

  • Enhanced government capacity and institutional mechanisms for refugee inclusion in higher education.

  • Greater equity, dignity, and opportunity for refugee students across Ethiopia.

How to Express Interest

  1. Demonstrate experience in higher education support for vulnerable populations.

  2. Show capacity to manage cash-based interventions and monitoring systems.

  3. Highlight experience in inclusive programming and female-focused initiatives.

  4. Provide evidence of collaboration with government, universities, or TVET institutions.

  5. Submit required documentation via UNHCR Ethiopia application process.

Why This Initiative Matters

  • Supports equitable access to education for refugees, a critical factor in social and economic empowerment.

  • Addresses gender gaps and promotes female participation in higher education.

  • Strengthens government and institutional capacity to manage refugee inclusion effectively.

  • Ensures that educational opportunities for refugee students are delivered with protection, accountability, and dignity.

Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasize experience in higher education programs, refugee support, or cash-based interventions.

  • Highlight gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches.

  • Include a monitoring and evaluation plan demonstrating accountability and measurable impact.

  • Demonstrate capacity for collaboration with government, universities, and other stakeholders.

Conclusion

This UNHCR Ethiopia call for partners provides a structured opportunity to enhance higher education access and inclusion for refugee students, supporting academic success, social integration, and long-term empowerment. Selected partners will play a key role in ensuring equitable educational opportunities, improved pathways to employment, and strengthened institutional capacity for refugee inclusion.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.