The Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) has opened applications for Graduate Horizons 2026–2027, a free, six-month online mentorship and graduate application support programme for prospective students affected by displacement. The programme is designed to help eligible candidates prepare competitive applications for postgraduate study and fully funded scholarship opportunities for the 2027 academic intake.
Running from November 2026 to April 2027, Graduate Horizons offers structured guidance, academic application support and mentorship to candidates seeking admission to leading universities worldwide. Applications close on 25 October 2026.
About the Graduate Horizons Programme
Graduate Horizons is an initiative of the Refugee-Led Research Hub that supports individuals whose educational journeys have been affected by forced displacement. It provides practical assistance to prospective graduate students as they navigate university admissions, scholarship applications and the requirements of international higher education.
Selected participants are paired with an RLRH mentor or staff member who provides guidance throughout the programme. Support includes group workshops, application clinics, writing bootcamps and one-to-one mentoring.
The six-month programme is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to eligible applicants in different countries and geographical settings.
Universities and Scholarship Opportunities
Graduate Horizons focuses particularly on applications to universities participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and other institutions with upcoming postgraduate admissions deadlines.
Participating applicants may receive guidance on applications to institutions across several regions, including:
- United Kingdom and Europe: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Sciences Po.
- North America: University of California, Berkeley.
- Africa and West Asia: Carnegie Mellon University Africa, University of Global Health Equity, Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), American University in Cairo and American University of Beirut.
The programme also supports candidates applying to other universities and fully funded scholarship schemes worldwide. However, participation in Graduate Horizons does not guarantee university admission, scholarship funding or selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Applicants should independently confirm the eligibility requirements, funding arrangements and application deadlines of their preferred universities and scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
Graduate Horizons is intended for prospective graduate students who have experienced displacement and are preparing to pursue further education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Displacement background: Identify as someone affected by displacement, including current or former refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless individuals or people affected by intergenerational dislocation.
- Academic qualifications: Hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of undergraduate study, with academic results equivalent to a UK 2:1 classification, 75% or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Language proficiency: Have the ability to study and write to a professional standard in English and/or French.
- Study timeline: Plan to submit graduate programme or scholarship applications within the next six months for enrolment in 2027.
RLRH particularly encourages applications from individuals under-represented in higher education. These include women, LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming candidates, persons with disabilities, and individuals living in displacement camps or rural communities.
Eligible candidates should ensure that their academic background, displacement experience and postgraduate study plans align with the programme’s requirements.
Programme Benefits
Graduate Horizons offers participants access to free, structured support throughout the graduate application process. Its mentorship model can help candidates clarify their academic goals, identify suitable programmes and strengthen their applications.
Through application clinics and writing bootcamps, participants can improve their personal statements, application essays and other written materials. Individual mentoring also provides an opportunity to address specific application challenges and receive guidance relevant to their circumstances.
The programme can be particularly valuable for displaced students who face barriers to accessing academic networks, specialist application advice or information about international scholarship opportunities.
Although the programme itself is free, applicants should confirm the costs associated with individual university applications, language tests, document preparation and other admission requirements.
Information Sessions
Prospective applicants can attend online information sessions to learn more about Graduate Horizons, meet the programme team and ask questions about the application process.
The announced sessions are:
- Thursday, 8 October 2026, at 10:00 AM BST.
- Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 1:00 PM BST.
- Thursday, 22 October 2026, at 3:00 PM BST.
Applicants should consult the official RLRH website for session access details and any updates.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the official Graduate Horizons application form before the deadline.
Application deadline: Sunday, 25 October 2026, at midnight BST.
To strengthen an application, candidates should clearly explain their postgraduate study objectives, identify the programmes or scholarships they intend to pursue, and demonstrate how Graduate Horizons would support their academic plans. Applicants should also provide accurate information about their qualifications and displacement background and ensure that all requested information is complete.
Candidates who need clarification about the application process can contact the Refugee-Led Research Hub by emal.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Eligible candidates are encouraged to review the official programme information and submit their applications before the closing date.
