Scholarship Overview
Afghan students seeking higher education opportunities abroad or online in 2027 can access various funding pathways. Available awards range from secondary school support and online undergraduate courses to fully funded European master’s degrees and salaried doctoral posts. However, eligible routes depend on your current location, passport, and ability to obtain a visa.
Visa and Study Restrictions
Securing a scholarship does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must navigate strict entry rules currently enforced by several destinations:
- United States: New student visas for Afghan citizens have been halted since January 1, 2026, except under very limited circumstances.
- United Kingdom: Overseas student visa applications from Afghan nationals have been refused since March 26, 2026. This restriction does not apply to individuals already in the UK or dual citizens using another passport.
- Pakistan and Hong Kong: Afghan student visas face severe delays or freezes in Pakistan, where medical colleges were instructed to cease admitting Afghan students in September 2026. Hong Kong universities warn that student visas may not be granted.
- Inside Afghanistan: Women remain banned from attending universities, making accredited online degrees the primary option that avoids international travel.
Available Options
A range of funding programs remains available depending on the level of study:
- Online Programs: University of the People offers free online bachelor’s degrees for Afghan women. AUAF also provides tuition-free online classes for students unable to leave the country.
- School Level: UWC Afghanistan offers two-year places abroad for citizens aged 15 to 17 living in Afghanistan or neighboring countries.
- Higher Education & Research: Türkiye Scholarships offer placements with covered tuition, housing, and stipends. DAAD EPOS supports experienced graduates with a monthly €992 master’s stipend, insurance, and travel support. Erasmus Mundus provides full master’s funding across multiple European countries, while Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions offer salaried PhD positions year-round. For threatened individuals living outside Germany and the EU, the Hilde Domin Programme offers support through university nominations.
How to Apply
Application methods vary by award. Students applying for University of the People must submit an admission application and contact the admissions office regarding the Afghan Women’s Scholarship Fund. Candidates for the Hilde Domin Programme cannot apply directly; a German university’s international office must submit the nomination. If specific details regarding application deadlines, required qualifications, or funding limits for a program are not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Source: scholarships for pakistani students - BingNews · Published October 31, 2026 · Photo by sahil prajapati on Unsplash
Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official scholarship website.