Fugee Opens Applications for Malaysia's Only University Scholarship for Refugees, Calls for Support
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – June 2, 2025 – Fugee, a leading non-profit organisation championing education access for refugees in Malaysia, is proud to announce the opening of applications for its highly impactful Fugee HiEd Scholarship Programme. As the only organisation in Malaysia offering university scholarships specifically to refugees, Fugee continues its unwavering commitment to empowering refugee youth through higher education.
Applications for the 2026 Fugee HiEd Scholarship will be accepted from June 2, 2025, to July 28, 2025. This initiative provides a vital pathway for refugee students to pursue their academic aspirations and build sustainable futures, which are otherwise largely inaccessible to them in Malaysia.
Currently, less than 1% of refugee youth in Malaysia have access to higher education, a figure significantly lower than the global average of 7% for refugees and 42% for non-refugees. Fugee's HiEd Scholarship directly contributes to the UNHCR's ambitious "15by30" vision, aiming to increase refugee enrolment in higher education globally to 15% by 2030.
"We’re incredibly excited to onboard our 5th cohort of scholars," says Sarah El Massaoudi, Programmes Director at Fugee. "Having witnessed the success of previous cohorts—with students who have gone on to study and work abroad—it’s clear that this programme is truly life-changing, not only for our scholars but also for their families.”
The Fugee HiEd Scholarship has a proven track record of success. In 2024, Fugee awarded scholarships to 22 exceptional refugee students, marking the largest cohort to date. Past scholars have demonstrated remarkable resilience and achievement. For instance, Zalaan, a Fugee HiEd scholar, successfully resettled in Vancouver, Canada through TalentLift, after completing his online degree with the University of Bolton. Sehan's journey further exemplifies this impact; a Fugee HiEd scholar and former Connecting Refugees to Tertiary Education (CERTE) course participant, he transformed into the youngest member of the CERTE Advisory Board, gaining invaluable insights at a UNHCR meeting and continuing to contribute to the programme's growth. These stories highlight the transformative impact of the Fugee HiEd programme, enabling scholars to not only complete their studies but also gain crucial professional experience and leadership roles, positively contributing to society.
“What makes it powerful is that it goes far beyond tuition support. Our scholars receive holistic care, are connected to a strong network of peers and professionals, and gain access to opportunities and pathways that would otherwise remain out of reach,” says Sarah El Massaoudi.
Fugee HiEd’s holistic care includes mental health support through partnerships with organisations like Humankind and mentorship opportunities with FutureLab, offering guidance on CV writing and interview skills to better prepare them for the professional world.
Interested applicants can check their eligibility and apply on Fugee’s website.
To continue this life-changing work, Fugee is concurrently launching a fundraising campaign to secure support for the incoming cohort of scholars. Donations can be made directly through Fugee’s GlobalGiving page.
"Every contribution, big or small, directly empowers a refugee student to pursue higher education and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities," adds Sarah El Massaoudi.