Let’s next look at actual programs and grants you can target in these regions.

Major Grants & Programs for Refugee Education & Integration

Below are noteworthy programs and funding sources currently active or evolving:

1. DAFI Scholarship Program (UNHCR)

The DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) program offers tertiary scholarships to refugees, especially in host countries, enabling them to enroll in university. It is one of UNHCR’s key higher education tools.

DAFI has supported thousands of refugee students, especially in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, etc.). It typically covers tuition, living allowance, and sometimes travel. It is implemented through partners (e.g. Windle Trust in East Africa).

2. Education Cannot Wait’s Acceleration Facility Grant to UNHCR

In December 2024, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) awarded a US$2.6 million grant to UNHCR to accelerate inclusion of refugee children in national education systems in both emergency and protracted settings.

This kind of grant often funds programs that help host country systems adapt to include refugee populations—teacher training, curriculum adaptation, bridging classes, infrastructure expansion.

3. IOM Development Fund

The IOM Development Fund runs grant lines for member states to develop projects in migration, displacement and integration, which include education or skills/training components. Projects typically range from USD 50,000 to USD 300,000.

These funds can be leveraged by governments/NGOs in host countries to support refugee integration through schooling, vocational training or adult education.

4. PRM / U.S. State Department NGO Grants in South Asia

The U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) supports NGOs in South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh) with education and vocational training for refugees and asylum seekers. One notice invites proposals for education, protection, livelihoods in South Asia.

These grants allow local NGOs to propose education/integration programs in refugee-hosting areas.

5. Local NGOs / Community Programs

Some highly localized initiatives arise in border areas or camps, such as the Minmahaw Higher Education Program (MHEP) in Thailand/Burma border, which provides academic preparation to refugee youth before they enter tertiary study.

Also, community-run centers (e.g. New Educational Center for Hope in Tanzania’s Nyarugusu refugee camp) offer free classes, vocational training, and bridging for refugees.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Seek Grants for Refugee Education & Integration

Here’s a roadmap you or your NGO / organization can use to pursue grants in this space.

Step 1: Understand Target Region & Policy Context

• Map out which refugee groups are present (nationality, camps, host communities).

• Understand legal status and policy for refugees in host country (e.g. right to schooling, access to universities, work rights).

• Know which donors are active in your region or country (UN agencies, bilateral donors, local foundations).

Step 2: Conduct Needs Assessment & Baseline Data

• Collect data: how many refugee youth out of school, drop-out rates, skill gaps, language barriers.

• Identify integration challenges (credential recognition, language, social inclusion) that your grant can address.

Step 3: Design Program / Project Outline

Focus on one or more components:

• Scholarships for tertiary education

• Bridging / remedial / catch-up classes

• Vocational training / skills integration

• Language courses

• Psycho-social & integration support

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credential bridging

Step 4: Define Metrics & Outcomes

• Number of students enrolled/completed

• Graduation / certification rate

• Employment / further education after program

• Integration indicators: language proficiency, community participation

• Retention, drop-out rates, satisfaction, social cohesion

Step 5: Draft Proposal & Budget

• Clear narrative: context → problem → objectives → methodology → sustainability

• Budget with line items: personnel, materials, student support, monitoring, admin

• Risk mitigation (documentation issues, displacement, funding continuity)

• Letters of support from local education authorities, refugee community leadership, host government

Step 6: Submit and Follow Up

• Ensure eligibility, compliance with donor rules, complete documentation

• After submission, maintain communication, be ready for clarifications

• Offer site visits or partner checks if funder desires

Step 7: Implement, Monitor & Report

• Keep strong monitoring and reporting systems

• Be transparent with outcomes and challenges

• Collect stories, evidence and quantitative data

• Use results to advocate for further funding or scale

Step 8: Plan for Sustainability & Scale

• Integrate with host national systems (public school enrollment, government funding)

• Use donor funding as catalyzer, not sole driver

• Build local capacity in refugee communities (peer tutoring, community teachers)

• Advocate for policy changes (recognition of refugee credentials, subsidies for host countries)

Key Insights & Lessons from Field Experience

1. Complementary pathways matter — UNHCR’s “education pathways” model seeks to provide options like scholarships, vocational training, or admission to third-country universities. UNHCR

2. Digital & hybrid learning helps — Programs like UNHCR’s Instant Network Schools use digital infrastructure in camps to allow remote learning.

3. Donor flexibility is essential — grants that allow flexibility for shifting populations or emergencies are more resilient.

4. Partnership with host governments is critical — inclusion into national systems helps sustainability.

5. Bridging & remedial courses increase success — many refugee students lack preparatory schooling, so bridging / catch-up classes are essential.

6. Community & refugee voices strengthen proposals — involving refugees in design boosts ownership and legitimacy.

Suggested Proposal Narrative / Structure

Here is a simple structure for a grant proposal or funding narrative for refugee education / integration:

1. Introduction & Context

   • Situation of refugee youth (numbers, gaps in schooling or integration)

   • Host country / camp context, policy environment

2. Problem Statement & Needs

   • Specific barriers: language, lost documentation, lack of bridging classes, financial barriers

   • Consequences if unaddressed

3. Objectives & Target Group

   • What exactly you want to achieve (e.g. enroll 200 refugee youth in bridging + tertiary scholarship)

   • Beneficiary profile

4. Project Design / Methodology

   • Activities: mapping, selection, bridging courses, scholarships, mentorship, integration support

   • Pedagogical, vocational, language, psycho-social components

   • Partnerships with schools, NGOs, host government

5. Implementation Plan & Timeline

   • Phases: needs assessment, pilot, full scale

   • Milestones, quarterly targets

6. Budget & Resource Plan

   • Detailed line items

   • Contingencies

   • Co-funding or sustainability plan

7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting (M&E)

   • KPIs, data collection, feedback loops, reporting schedule

8. Risk Mitigation & Sustainability

   • Risks: forced movements, funding gaps, policy shifts

   • Mitigation strategies

   • How to sustain post-grant (link with host systems, diversify funding)

9. Conclusion & Vision

   • Restate transformational potential

   • Invitation to partner with refugee communities

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them