Refugee students from Uganda arrive in Italy to pursue higher education

Fifty refugee students from Uganda have arrived in Italy to begin their Master’s degree studies through the University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) Scholarship Programme. They were supported by Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Government of Uganda, to prepare for their academic journey, from the application process and pre-departure orientation to travel arrangements.

The students were flagged off last month, at the FCA Solutions Hub in Kampala, in an event officiated by Mr. Patrick Okello, Commissioner for Refugees, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda, with partners from UNHCR, Luigi Giussani Institute of Higher Education, Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue Committee, Makerere University, and relevant government ministries.

A group of men and women, some seated in the front row and others standing behind, smiling for a group photo. — A group of UNICORE scholarship students pose together as they prepare to depart for Italy.

Speaking at the send-off, Mr. Okello said:

“Uganda is home to 1.95 million refugees, and each story reflects unimaginable disruption but also extraordinary determination. At a time when refugee crises are often met with closed borders and shrinking compassion, Uganda, Italy and Germany, together with FCA and UNHCR, are showing a path of inclusion, resilience, and hope.”

“Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu ‘I am because we are’ and through Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, we continue to set global examples of shared humanity and solidarity. These approaches provide not only protection, but also dignity and opportunity,” he added.

Mr. Patrick Okello, Commissioner for Refugees, addresses the audience during the flag-off event.

Students share their aspirations

The students have shared their reflections on their journeys as they settle in Italy.

A woman speaking into a microphone — Wintana Tareke Okbamichael aims to break stereotypes and inspire women in engineering.

Wintana Tareke Okbamichael, an Eritrean engineer now at Politecnico di Milano pursuing a Master’s degree in Management Engineering, said:

“Engineering is still seen as a male-dominated field. I wanted to challenge the stigma that engineering is only for men. Through this scholarship, I have grown not only as an engineer but also as a leader, ready to take on higher-level management roles. My dream is to contribute to both Eritrea and Uganda, which has become my second home.”

A woman wearing a black dress speaking into a microphone — Hayat Mustafa Abdirahman shares her journey and inspiration.

Hayat Mustafa Abdirahman, a Somali refugee, reflected:

“I applied for many scholarships and faced rejections. But by the grace of God, the UNICORE scholarship answered my prayers. I am grateful to FCA, UNHCR and the UNICORE team for guiding me through the process. My advice to fellow refugees is, do not forget the people you have left behind. Just as your life has been changed, help change others as well.”

The UNICORE Programme, coordinated by UNHCR Italy and funded by a consortium of 33 Italian universities, provides scholarships for refugees across Africa to pursue Master’s degrees in Italy. Uganda has secured 50 out of 70 UNICORE slots, marking the third consecutive year it has led this scholarship pathway among 13 participating countries.

This milestone highlights Uganda’s commitment to refugee education and the impact of international partnerships in creating safe, dignified and sustainable pathways for refugee youth.

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Text: Linda Kabuzire/FCA

Images: Rose Awien/ FCA