Education & Access

The Refugee Scholarship

Overview

The Refugee Scholarship Initiative provides beneficiaries of international protection with access to higher education.

Coordinated by UNHCR Romania, the programme covers financial costs (such as enrolment, tuition fees and accommodation) that prevent most refugees from continuing their studies. Currently, only 3% of refugees worldwide access higher education; this scholarship scheme is part of a global commitment to reach 15% by 2030.

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Who can apply

The scholarship is available to beneficiaries of international protection (holders of either refugee status or subsidiary protection) who intend to enrol in an undergraduate programme or are already studying and wish to continue at master’s level. Each partner university supports between one and three scholarship students per academic cycle.

Eligibility requirements:

A valid residence permit in Romania, explicitly stating the form of protection held (refugee status or subsidiary protection). If the permit expires during the course of studies or the admission process, it can be renewed by submitting a request to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), at least 30 days before expiry.
Meeting the specific selection criteria set by the faculty you are applying to (academic performance, ECTS credits, enrollment status, etc.)

Eligibility as a beneficiary of international protection is confirmed through a valid residence permit issued by the Romanian authorities.

What the scholarship covers

Partner universities offer eligible students:

Waiver of enrollment fee
Waiver of tuition fee
University dormitory accommodation
Social scholarship (Bursă socială)

Support continues throughout the entire duration of studies, up to graduation. Students also have the opportunity to take part in networking and integration activities alongside other students in the program.

!Nomination and selection of candidates are managed exclusively by the universities, based on each faculty’s internal rules and merit-based criteria. UNHCR is not involved in the selection process and cannot nominate candidates.

Partner Universities

For specific eligibility conditions, available faculties, required documents, and application deadlines, visit the page of the university you wish to apply to:

TIMIȘOARA

West University of Timișoara (UVT)

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CLUJ-NAPOCA

Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)

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Need support?

If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, you can contact the UNHCR Representation in Romania at rombu@unhcr.org or visit help.unhcr.org/romania.

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?

Refugees are people forced to flee their country due to conflict, violence, or persecution; returning home would put their life or freedom at risk, and international law recognizes their fundamental right to seek asylum. Migrants choose to move, often for reasons such as work or study, and continue to benefit from the protection of their country of origin. However, both refugees and migrants can face risks during their journey and are entitled to human rights protections under international law.

What documents prove beneficiary of international protection status?

A valid residence permit issued by the Romanian authorities, explicitly stating the form of protection held: refugee status or subsidiary protection.

Can I apply if my residence permit is about to expire?

Yes. If it expires during the admission process or your studies, you can submit a renewal request to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) at least 30 days before expiry.

Does UNHCR select scholarship candidates?

No. Selection is carried out exclusively by the university, based on its own merit-based criteria. UNHCR supports the process through information, guidance, and advocacy, not through direct nomination.

What is temporary protection?

An exceptional measure by the European Union that provides immediate protection to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including access to a residence permit, the labor market, healthcare, and education.