DAFI Scholarship in Pakistan for Afghan Refugees 2026

DAFI Scholarship – Fully Funded Pakistan Scholarship for Afghan Refugees 2026

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Overview of DAFI Scholarship Programme

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship is funded by the Government of Germany and administered by UNHCR. Founded in 1992, the programme has enrolled over 9,300 refugees in higher education scholarships worldwide  In Pakistan,

UNHCR has been implementing DAFI scholarships since 1992 and has supported more than 1,700 students . The programme aims to equip refugees with skills and knowledge for future employment while contributing to the reconstruction of their country of origin 

◆ Fully funded scholarship for Afghan refugee students in Pakistan.
◆ Covers tuition fees, study materials, transport, accommodation, and allowances.
◆ Supports Bachelor's degrees, technical education, and higher secondary for girls.
◆ Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis with regard to merit, excellence, and financial need .
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar opportunities.

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Available Fields of Study – DAFI Scholarship

The programme supports undergraduate studies and technical education in HEC-recognized institutions.

◆ All Bachelor's degree programmes (4 years or less) at HEC-recognized universities .
◆ Technical and vocational education (2–3 years) at registered institutes .
◆ Higher secondary education (for female Afghan refugees only) .
◆ Study programmes longer than 4 years are not supported .
◆ Explore latest scholarships in Pakistan for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria for DAFI Scholarship

◉ Must be a registered Afghan refugee holding a valid Proof of Registration (PoR) Card .
◉ Age: 17 to 30 years at the start of studies .
◉ Females: 17 to 25 years; Males: 19 to 30 years .
◉ Must have minimum 60% marks in the last examination (Bachelor's) .
◉ Must be the only DAFI beneficiary from the family .
◉ Must not be receiving any other academic scholarship .
◉ Must demonstrate financial need and strong motivation to contribute to the community .
◉ Must be enrolled or have admission proof from a HEC-recognized institution .
◉ Beneficiaries are primarily from KP, Baluchistan, Punjab, and Islamabad .

◆ For Technical Education:
◉ Refugees of all nationalities are eligible .
◉ Age: 16 to 30 years .
◉ Enrolled in a registered Technical/Vocational institute .
◉ Minimum 50% marks in the previous examination .

◆ For Girls (Bridge Programme):
◉ Valid POR card holder .
◉ Enrolled in 11th grade .
◉ Minimum 65% marks in the last examination .
◆ See financial aids for students in Asia for more funding options.

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Scholarship Benefits – DAFI Scholarship

★ Tuition and academic fees are paid directly to the institution .
★ Study materials including books and notes .
★ Transport, accommodation, and other allowances .
★ Monthly subsistence stipend .
★ Preparatory and language classes based on students' needs .
★ Activities encouraging peer support and community engagement .
★ Scholarship renewable annually for up to 4 years based on academic performance .
★ Explore Pakistan's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Required Documents for DAFI Scholarship

✓ DAFI Online Application Form acknowledgment .
✓ 2 passport-size photographs .
✓ Copy of valid POR Card/UNHCR refugee card .
✓ Copy of 12th grade certificate (Pakistani school) or Shahadatnama (Afghan school) .
✓ Copy of Matric and Intermediate certificates with DMC .
✓ Proof of enrollment/admission letter from HEC-recognized institution .
✓ Equivalence certificate for students who studied in Afghan schools .
✓ list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional funding sources.

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Important Dates for DAFI Scholarship

Application Period: Mid-July to 31 July 2026 .

◆ Applications must be submitted through the DAFI Scholarship Platform .
◆ Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews .
◆ Interviews held in Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta .
◆ Scholarships awarded for the upcoming academic year .
◆ Check the official UNHCR Pakistan website for updates .

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Application Process for DAFI Scholarship

1. Visit the DAFI Scholarship Platform at https://unhcr-dafi-tertiary.scholarshipsplatform.com/ .

2. Create an account and complete the online application form .

3. Fill out the application in English .

4. Research your preferred field of study and HEC-recognized institution .

5. Upload all required documents .

6. Ensure you meet the admission requirements of your chosen programme .

7. Submit the application before the deadline .

8. If shortlisted, attend an interview at one of the designated centres .

9. Successful candidates will sign a Scholarship Agreement .

10. Receive scholarship benefits upon formal acceptance .

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Why Choose DAFI Scholarship

◆ Prestigious programme funded by the German Government and UNHCR .
◆ Over 1,700 Afghan refugee students supported in Pakistan since 1992 .
◆ Comprehensive coverage of tuition, living expenses, and study materials .
◆ Opportunity to gain professional qualifications for future employment .
◆ Contribute to the reconstruction and redevelopment of your country of origin .
◆ Access to preparatory classes, language support, and peer networks .
◆ Scholarships are competitive and merit-based .
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – DAFI Scholarship

◆ This is a life-changing opportunity for Afghan refugee students in Pakistan .
◆ Prepare your application early and ensure all documents are complete .
◆ Strong academic performance and community contribution are key selection criteria .
◆ The scholarship supports your educational goals from higher secondary to Bachelor's degrees .
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Pakistan for all nationalities.

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