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Introduction to the IGAD Regional Scholarship Program 2024
The IGAD Regional Scholarship Program is a remarkable initiative that aims to provide access to higher education for young refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in the IGAD region. The program is designed to promote self-reliance and regional integration by providing financial support to 35 students who are either admitted or enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in their host community or place of origin.
This flagship program is an integral part of the Djibouti Declaration on Education for Refugees, Returnees and Host Communities, which the IGAD Ministers of Education adopted in December 2017. The Scholarship is anchored on a decision of the IGAD Heads of State and Government Summit of March 2017, the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Compact on Refugees.
By nurturing future leaders equipped with quality education and training, the program endeavours to promote self-reliance and regional integration. It is a remarkable opportunity for young refugees, returnees, and IDPs to pursue their academic dreams and become productive members of society. The program is a testament to IGAD’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and promoting their well-being through education.
Eligibility Criteria for the IGAD Regional Scholarship Program
In order to qualify for the Scholarship, candidates need to:
- be officially documented members of a community affected by displacement (refugees, returnees, or internally displaced people).
- be nationals of any country that is a member of IGAD, including those who are displaced or refugees.
- Obtain admission or enroll in a recognized school within the IGAD area.
- Justify your need for money.
- women, people with disabilities, and other underprivileged groups should be given priority, and at least 30% of scholarships should be allocated to female students. Candidates from South Sudan and Somalia, which comprise the largest populations of internally displaced people in the region, will receive special consideration.
Selection Criteria
To ensure fairness for every student and transparency regarding the selection procedure, IGAD will comply with the subsequent selection standards:
- exhibited outstanding academic achievement during their time in elementary and secondary school.
- acceptance or enrollment in a public or private educational institution in IGAD that has received accreditation.
- The study area ought to be pertinent to the demands of the domestic market in the student’s nation of origin.
Furthermore, the following issues will be determined during interviews with potential / shortlisted candidates:
- Demonstrating thoughtful and coherent educational and career goals.
- Extra-curricular interests and achievements.
- Potential to achieve goals and likelihood to succeed in the proposed academic environment.
- For post-graduate studies, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in relevant fields, either institutional or self-employment.
Benefits Of the IGAD Regional Scholarship Program
- The Program will cover the financial costs of training (tuition, accommodation, subsistence, and medical cover) up to a maximum of Euros 3,189 per student per year.
- The exact amount of financial support will be determined based on the costs of training and living expenses.
However, the Scholarship does not cover the following:
- Extra support for family members/dependents, including children and spouses.
- Application costs to partner institutions, including certifying and equating certificates.
How To Apply
All applications are done online via the link provided below. Interested candidates are advised to go through the official website of the scholarship program before beginning their applications. Bear in mind that the deadline for applications is June 1, 2024.
Candidates also apply to:
Scholarship Opportunity: University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship 2024
Grants 2024: Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Biodiversity Media Grants
Graça Machel Trust: Women Creating Wealth Intergenerational (WCW-I) Edition 2024 For African Women
NNPC/TotalEnergies International Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded)