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Despite the challenges facing Afghan students today, there are more scholarship opportunities available in 2025 than ever before. Many universities, governments, and international organisations have specifically created funding programs to help Afghan students access quality higher education abroad. This guide covers the most important scholarships you should know about.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Afghan Students
Scholars at Risk Network
Full tuition + living stipendSpecifically designed for scholars and students at risk, including those from Afghanistan. Partner universities across North America and Europe offer free admission and financial support.
DAFI Scholarship (UNHCR)
Tuition + monthly stipendThe Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative funds higher education for refugees and displaced persons, including Afghan students. Available in over 50 countries.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Up to full tuition + living costsOpen to Afghan students with outstanding academic ability and financial need. Covers postgraduate study at top universities worldwide.
Open Society Foundations Scholarship
Full fundingMultiple programs specifically targeting Afghan students and scholars displaced by the current situation. Includes the Afghanistan Scholarship Initiative.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships (Germany)
Full tuition + €850/month stipendOpen to international students including Afghans studying in Germany. Covers bachelor, master, and doctoral programs.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Full tuition + €1,400/monthEU-funded scholarships for students from outside Europe to study joint master degree programs across multiple European countries. Afghan students are strongly encouraged to apply.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities have created dedicated programs for Afghan students following the 2021 crisis. Here are some notable ones:
University of Toronto
Scholars-at-Risk Emergency Fund
Up to CAD $20,000
McGill University
Afghan Student Support Initiative
Partial to full funding
TU Berlin
Hilde Domin Programme
€934/month + fees
Oxford University
Oxford Refugee Solidarity
Full funding available
University of Amsterdam
Holland Scholarship
€5,000 first year
Sorbonne University
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
€1,181/month
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Apply to multiple scholarships
Do not rely on just one scholarship. Apply to 5–10 different programs to maximise your chances of receiving funding.
Start early
Most scholarship deadlines are 6–12 months before the start of your program. Start preparing your application at least 3 months before the deadline.
Get your documents assessed
Many scholarships require verified and assessed academic documents. TopABC offers free document assessment for Afghan passport holders.
Write a compelling personal statement
Your story matters. As an Afghan student, your unique experiences, challenges, and resilience make for a powerful narrative that scholarship committees respond to.
Get strong recommendation letters
Ask professors or employers who know you well and can speak specifically to your abilities and potential.