Sciences Po Paris master's scholarships open to refugees in first asylum countries

Refugees living in their first country of asylum can now apply for a fully funded master's degree at Sciences Po Paris in France for the 2027-2028 academic year. The UNIV'R scholarship covers tuition, travel, visa costs and living expenses, and applications close on 31 January 2027.

Key facts

• Academic year: 2027-2028
• Application deadline: 31 January 2027, 23:59 Paris time
• Who can apply: recognised refugees in a first country of asylum outside the European Union
• What is covered: tuition, visa, airfare, housing, food, health insurance and transport
• Passport requirement: valid national passport valid until at least 31 December 2029
• Where to apply: application form and details are published with the call for applications and on the Sciences Po Paris admissions page

What is on offer?

The UNIV'R project is run by UNHCR France in partnership with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, with the support of the MEnS network. It gives refugees the chance to take a two-year master's degree in France.

Students selected for the programme at Sciences Po Paris receive a support package that includes travel, accommodation, tuition fees and living expenses. The scholarship covers tuition, visa and airfare to France, and includes an exemption from visa fees. A living grant is designed to cover the costs of life in France, including housing, food, health insurance and transport.

The project involves several ministries, local NGOs, civil society, the private sector, universities and French embassies and consulates in the first countries of asylum. UNHCR France also works with local associations and NGOs to help students with administrative formalities and to provide psycho-social support where needed.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be legally recognised as a refugee either by their first country of asylum or by UNHCR. Asylum seekers are not eligible, and the refugee status recognition process must be completed before applying.

Applicants must also reside in a first country of asylum outside the European Union, hold a Bachelor of Art, and hold a valid national passport that remains valid until at least 31 December 2029.

How do I apply?

The application deadline is 31 January 2027 at 23:59 Paris time. Further details and the application link are published alongside the call for applications, together with information on the Sciences Po Paris admissions page.

What this means for travellers

Refugees in a first country of asylum who meet the criteria should check their refugee status, passport validity and degree qualification before submitting an application by the deadline. The programme covers visa costs and airfare to France for those selected.

The call is for the 2027-2028 academic year. No further selection dates or number of available places are stated in the announcement.