Scholarship Students
Scholarship Students

The UNIV’R Scholarship Programme 2026 – a fully funded opportunity for recognised refugees to pursue a Master’s degree at Sciences Po in Paris, France – is now open for applications.

This initiative, known as the University Corridors to France (UNIV’R) programme, supports refugees living in a first country of asylum (outside the European Union) to access higher education. It provides comprehensive financial, administrative, and social support for a two-year Master’s programme at one of France’s leading universities, Sciences Po Paris. Studies can be in English or French, with classes starting in August/September 2026.

The programme is led by UNHCR in partnership with institutions like Sciences Po and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). It offers 5–8 fully funded scholarships for the 2026 cohort (the 5th edition).

Key Benefits

Successful applicants receive full coverage, including:

  • Tuition fees
  • Application and pre-admission exam fees
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses (e.g., food allowance)
  • Accommodation/housing support
  • Health insurance
  • Local transportation costs
  • Books and study materials
  • Travel expenses to France
  • Visa fees
  • Settling-in allowance
  • Mentoring and psycho-social support

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be legally recognised as a refugee by UNHCR or the authorities in their first country of asylum (asylum seekers are not eligible; resettled refugees may not qualify).
  • Reside in a first country of asylum outside the European Union.
  • Be no older than 30–35 years at the time of application (age limits vary slightly by source; confirm the latest details).
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to the chosen Master’s programme.
  • Demonstrate B2 level proficiency in French (for French-taught programmes) or English (for English-taught programmes).
  • Meet Sciences Po’s general admission standards for the selected Master’s track.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

The application involves two main parallel steps: admission to Sciences Po and submission to the UNIV’R programme.

  1. Research and choose a Master’s programme at Sciences Po Paris. Explore the available two-year Master’s tracks (excluding one-year or dual-degree programmes) on the official Sciences Po website. Review admission criteria and programme details.

  2. Open an application file and apply to Sciences Po via their online admissions platform: https://admission.sciencespo.fr/applicants/login. Prepare and submit all required documents (transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, etc.). Request an application fee waiver if eligible (check deadlines for waivers).

  3. Once your Sciences Po application is complete and submitted, fill out the dedicated UNIV’R application form (Kobo/Enketo form for the programme). Submit it before the deadline.

    • The specific form link may vary; recent announcements point to forms like https://enketo.unhcr.org/x/Ss7fgBgz or similar UNHCR-hosted links. Search for “UNIV’R Candidature Master Sciences Po 2026” on UNHCR sites or official channels for the current link.

  4. Meet the application deadline: 1 February 2026 (11:59 p.m. Paris time). Applications opened around late November 2025.

  5. Await results. If admitted to Sciences Po and selected for UNIV’R support, you will receive confirmation and further guidance on visa, travel, and arrival.

For the most up-to-date information, visit official sources:

  • UNHCR help pages (e.g., help.unhcr.org in relevant countries)
  • Sciences Po website (sciencespo.fr)
  • Opportunities For Africans or similar scholarship portals for announcements