Fund a Refugee Youth's Degree in Malaysia!

As we mark five years of the Fugee HiEd Scholarship Programme, we are reminded that for many refugee youth living with uncertainty, access to higher education is a life-changing moment. It offers stability when life is unpredictable, direction when the path is unclear, and a chance to dream, to feel like they belong, and to see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. 

The scholarship is what happens when opportunity meets determination, and when a community comes together to support young people who have earned their place through resilience and commitment.

Growing Our Community of Scholars

In 2025, Fugee HiEd awarded 30 new scholarships—our biggest cohort yet—bringing the total number of scholarships awarded since to 87. With 4 scholars that have graduated this year, we now have 10 alumni who have completed their degrees and are building their futures. 

Among them, 5 scholars were accepted into the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP) with SkillPath Australia and are now studying at universities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth—a milestone that reflects not just academic achievement, but the opening of life-changing doors.

Higher Education: A Right Denied to Refugees—Panel Discussion and Policy Hackathon for World Human Rights Day

In December, a panel discussion and policy hackathon was organised by Fugee HiEd in collaboration with UNHCR's Refugee Advisory Board for World Human Rights Day to raise awareness among Malaysian students about the plight of refugee students in the country.

The event was designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of the refugee higher education landscape in Malaysia. Through the sessions, participants mapped out key challenges and heard directly from refugee scholars about their lived experiences. This is done with the belief that their attendance will place local students in a stronger position to drive change within their own universities, whether public or private.

Through open discussions and a Policy Hackathon, participants co-created ideas for how student communities can help drive change—and left with a Pledge for Change to carry that momentum forward.

From CERTE to HiEd Scholarship Recipient: Nahid’s Journey

CERTE 2025 alumnus Nahid, has been selected as a recipient of the Fugee HiEd Scholarship 2026 (Cohort 5) to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours at the University Malaysia of Computer Science and Engineering (UNIMY, BAC Education Group).

Through CERTE, Nahid strengthened his academic readiness, goal-setting skills, and confidence to navigate higher education opportunities. His successful progression into the Fugee HiEd Scholarship programme demonstrates the impact of sustained, wraparound support from pre-tertiary preparation through to degree-level study.

Reflecting on his journey, Nahid shared:

 "CERTE programme’s guidance and support have played an important role in my personal and professional development. A recommendation from you would significantly strengthen my application, especially in highlighting my dedication, resilience, and contributions to the community."

We wish Nahid all the best in his studies and are proud to have supported him throughout his journey with CERTE.