For millions of refugee youth, education is more than just a dream—it is their lifeline to hope, dignity, and independence. Yet, while 42% of young people worldwide go to university, only 9% of refugee youth can access higher education. This means that talented young people, who have already overcome unimaginable challenges, are being denied the chance to reach their potential simply because they cannot afford it.

Through UNHCR’s Aiming Higher campaign, we are working to close this gap. And now, you can be part of it by giving your Sadaqah Jariyah to fund refugee scholarships—transforming your generosity into a lasting legacy.

Why higher education matters for refugees?

Every year of higher education changes lives. Refugee graduates are:

• More independent – They are less reliant on aid and better able to support their families.
• More employable – Graduates earn, on average, 17% more than those with only secondary education.
• Agents of change – They become teachers, doctors, engineers, and community leaders, spreading knowledge and hope to others.

Since its creation in 1992, the DAFI Scholarship Program has supported more than 26,300 refugee students in 59 countries. And the results speak for themselves: 96% of  sponsored students completed their degrees, despite the immense challenges of displacement.

Sadaqah Jariyah: a legacy of knowledge

Education is among the most powerful acts of Sadaqah Jariyah. When you fund a refugee’s university degree:

• You cover essential needs like tuition, housing, books, food, and transport.
• By empowering students, you create opportunities for whole families to thrive.
• You continue to receive reward for as long as the student—and generations after them—benefit from the knowledge gained.

Imagine funding a young woman who becomes a doctor: every patient she treats carries forward your legacy. Or a young man who becomes a teacher: every child he educates is part of your Sadaqah Jariyah.

How far your gift can go

Supporting a refugee student costs less than you might think:

• $3,200 – Funds one student for a full year.
• $12,800 – Covers a full 4-year degree.
• $32,000 – Helps 10 students finish their final year.

Every donation, big or small, helps refugee youth aim higher and build a brighter future.

Help Refugee Students in Aiming Higher

This September, we are relaunching the Aiming Higher Campaign to expand access to higher educations:

• 7,300 students need support to finish their degrees without interruptions
• 3,700 new students are now ready to enroll in 2026

Your Sadaqah Jariyah can change their stories. With your support, we can turn their dreams into degrees, and their degrees into lasting change.

Your donation can help refugee students not just survive but thrive.