United Nations UNICORE Scholarship 2026. The United Nations UNICORE Scholarship Programme has opened applications for its 2026 edition, offering a fully funded opportunity for African refugees to pursue a Master’s degree in Italy.
The scholarship covers full tuition, visa costs, travel expenses, and a living stipend, allowing selected students to begin their postgraduate studies in September 2026 at participating universities across Italy.
Below is everything you need to know about the scholarship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
United Nations UNICORE Scholarship 2026 Summary
Host Country: Italy
Study Destination: Europe
Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
Eligible Applicants: Refugees residing in selected countries
Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, visa support, living stipend, mentorship
English Requirement: IELTS not required
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
About the UNICORE Scholarship Programme
The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) project is an initiative designed to expand access to higher education for refugees by creating legal education pathways into Europe.
The programme is promoted by a network of Italian universities with support from organizations including:
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- Caritas Italiana
- Diaconia Valdese
- Centro Astalli
The 2026 edition of the programme, known as UNICORE 8.0, will place successful applicants in 37 Italian universities.
The aim is to enable qualified refugees to continue their education safely and legally while gaining international academic exposure.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must currently reside in one of the following countries and hold recognized refugee status:
- Ethiopia
- India
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
UNICORE Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet several conditions.
First, candidates must have recognized refugee status in one of the eligible countries listed above in collaboration with UNHCR.
Applicants must also possess a qualification that allows admission into a Master’s degree programme at one of the participating Italian universities.
Academically, candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent under their country’s grading system.
In addition, applicants must have completed their previous degree in 2020 or later, although some universities may have slightly different graduation requirements depending on their programmes.
Candidates must also satisfy the specific admission requirements of the selected Master’s programme.
Another important condition is that applicants must not have previously enrolled in a degree programme at any of the partner universities participating in the UNICORE initiative.
While proficiency in English is required, IELTS may not be necessary in many cases.
Benefits of the UNICORE Scholarship
Students selected for the programme will receive a comprehensive funding package designed to support their studies in Italy.
The scholarship provides full tuition fee exemption at participating universities.
It also covers visa-related expenses and international travel costs, including plane tickets to Italy.
Selected students will receive a study grant to support living expenses, helping to cover accommodation, food, and other daily needs during their studies.
Beyond financial support, participants benefit from academic mentorship and guidance from partner organizations, helping them adjust to university life and succeed in their programmes.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to prepare and submit several documents during the application process.
These include:
- Refugee ID card or proof of refugee registration
- Degree certificate required for admission into the chosen programme
- Academic transcripts showing courses taken and grades obtained
- Official documentation confirming GPA
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Any additional documents requested by the specific university programme
Because universities conduct their own admissions processes, document requirements may vary depending on the programme selected.
How to Apply for the UNICORE Scholarship 2026
Applications for the UNICORE Scholarship are submitted through the individual universities participating in the programme.
Interested candidates should review the specific calls for applications issued by each university, as admission criteria and procedures may differ slightly.
After identifying a suitable programme, applicants can submit their application along with all required documents through the university’s designated application portal.
The final selection of candidates is conducted by the universities themselves, while partner organizations provide support throughout the process.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the United Nations UNICORE Scholarship 2026 is April 17, 2026.
