Ibrahim Gardner
Afghan students are welcomed at several universities around the world, including the University of York, University of Bristol, and Queen's University Belfast in the UK, and various universities in the US. These universities offer scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, as well as support services such as help with visa applications, English language support, and career guidance. Given the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, several organizations are also providing resources and support for Afghan students and scholars, including the Institute of International Education (IIE) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Overall, it is not unusual for universities to have international students from Afghanistan, and many institutions actively encourage and support applications from Afghan students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NAFSA: Association of International Educators | World's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange |
| International Exchange Alumni Community | A website for current and emerging leaders who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs |
| University of York | Requires additional courses before applying for an undergraduate course |
| University of Bristol | Welcomes applications from Afghan students |
| Immigration process | Confusing |
| Refugee status | A person outside their home country who has experienced past persecution or has a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion |
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What You'll Learn
Afghan students in the US
Afghan students have historically faced challenges in obtaining student visas to study in the US due to concerns about their country's instability and the potential for them not to return home. This has resulted in many Afghan students being denied F-1 student visas. However, organisations like NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Scholars at Risk (SAR) have been advocating for Afghan students and scholars, urging the US government to facilitate their education in the country.
In recent years, the situation in Afghanistan has led to an increase in the number of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. The US has prioritised asylum applications from Afghan citizens and has provided resources to assist Afghan refugees in resettlement. Organisations like the International Institute of Education (IIE) have also played a crucial role in supporting Afghan students, providing grants to help with living expenses and promoting initiatives like the Welcome Corps on Campus, which establishes private sponsorship of refugee students at US campuses.
Cornell University, for instance, has welcomed Afghan students who fled the Taliban, with nine women matriculating and graduating in the Class of 2025. These students have actively participated in campus activities, such as the Organisation for Afghan Students, which hosts cultural events like Mehmani Night, fostering a sense of community and sharing their traditions with others.
While the process of obtaining a student visa as an Afghan national can be challenging, there are numerous resources and support systems in place to assist Afghan students in pursuing their educational goals in the United States. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to providing opportunities for Afghan students to continue their studies and build a better future, even amidst challenging circumstances in their home country.
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Afghan students in the UK
Afghan students have been facing numerous challenges due to the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Various organizations have stepped up to provide support and resources to assist Afghan students, both within Afghanistan and those seeking international education opportunities.
In 2022, the Institute of International Education (IIE) demonstrated its commitment to students in Afghanistan by providing Rapid Emergency Student Fund (ESF) grants totaling approximately $450,000 to more than 114 Afghan students. These grants helped cover essential living expenses, including food, healthcare, books, and other costs. Additionally, IIE joined forces with numerous institutions and organizations to express support for the Welcome Corps on Campus initiative, which facilitates private sponsorship of refugee students at U.S. campuses.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to international education and exchange, has been actively advocating for Afghan students and scholars. They have urged the U.S. government to prioritize the safety and opportunities of Afghan women and girls, ensuring their eligibility for foreign student status even if they are displaced. NAFSA has also collaborated with Scholars at Risk (SAR) to urge immediate action from the U.S. government to protect Afghanistan's scholars, students, and civil society actors.
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) have provided legal resources and guidance for Afghans seeking refugee resettlement and immigration assistance. The New York Times has also listed organizations accepting donations and volunteers to support Afghan refugee resettlement efforts.
While most of the focus has been on Afghan students seeking opportunities outside of Afghanistan, it's worth noting that there have been instances of international students from the UK finding themselves in Afghanistan during critical periods. For example, in August 2021, a 22-year-old British student, Miles Routledge, garnered media attention for being stuck in Kabul after flying there on holiday despite travel advisories. Routledge contacted the British embassy and received support from his university, Loughborough University.
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Asylum applications
Afghanistan has been in a state of political turmoil for decades, with the situation escalating in 2021. This has resulted in a large number of Afghans seeking asylum in other countries. The asylum process varies depending on the country and the individual's circumstances.
In the United States, the asylum process for Afghans is outlined by the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). Afghans seeking asylum in the US must complete Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. Certain Afghan applicants are prioritized for asylum applications, including Afghan citizens and nationals, or those who last habitually resided in Afghanistan but have no nationality. The USCIS also offers a streamlined process for Afghan nationals to request re-parole and renew employment authorization using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, without a filing fee.
The US government is currently prioritizing parole applications for Afghan nationals outside of Afghanistan, as they can be processed at a US embassy or consulate. However, they continue to process applications for individuals inside Afghanistan as well. Afghans who were paroled into the US between July 30, 2021, and September 30, 2022, and have not had their parole terminated, are also eligible for expedited asylum processing.
For those seeking asylum in the US, there is a one-year filing deadline from the date of entry into the country. However, Afghan parolees may be exempt from this requirement if they do not file within a year. All asylum applicants are subject to background and security checks, and they may bring their own attorney or accredited representative to the interview at no cost to the US government.
International support for Afghan students, scholars, and artists has been expressed by organizations such as NAFSA and IIE. NAFSA has urged the US government to provide more opportunities for Afghan women to study in the US, and IIE has provided funding for Afghan students facing threats to continue their work at partner universities worldwide.
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Immigration resources
The NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. They provide a list of immigration information resources relevant to Afghan students and scholars inside and outside the United States. They also provide a list of resources on education abroad health and safety, and inclusive admissions policies for displaced and vulnerable students.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides a list of legal resources for Afghans seeking immigration assistance. They also offer a public document with resources for assisting Afghan clients, which can be accessed by members of the public seeking an immigration lawyer.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has committed to supporting students, scholars, artists, and civil society leaders in Afghanistan through funding and other opportunities. They also have a crisis response team that supports Afghan scholars and college students.
The USCIS provides information for Afghan nationals, including how to obtain a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and instructions for those seeking asylum or refugee status in the United States. They also provide resources for mental health and emotional support for Afghan nationals.
The US Department of State has a Family Reunification webpage with information on how to apply for your eligible family members to join you in the United States. They also have a Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) that helps with the departure of family members from Afghanistan and their entry into the United States.
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Funding for Afghan students
Afghan students, scholars, and artists have been under threat since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. In response, several organizations have stepped up to provide funding and support for Afghan students wishing to pursue their education outside of Afghanistan.
Institute of International Education (IIE)
The IIE has been actively supporting Afghan students, scholars, and artists since 2021. They have distributed over $2 million in awards to Afghan students and continue to secure funding for those under threat to pursue their education at IIE university partners worldwide. The IIE also administers the following scholarship programs:
- Odyssey Scholarship: Provides scholarships for Afghan students to safely pursue and complete their degrees.
- Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP): In partnership with the Afghan Future Fund (AFF), Education Above All Foundation (EAA), the Yalda Hakim Foundation (YHF), and Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), this program has placed over 250 Afghan refugee students at more than 40 U.S. colleges and universities.
- Rapid Emergency Student Fund (ESF): Provided grants totaling nearly $450,000 to over 114 Afghan students to help with basic living expenses, including food, healthcare, and books.
SAR Europe
SAR Europe has been actively advocating for the protection of Afghanistan's scholars, students, and civil society actors. They have coordinated appeals to European governments and EU institutions to take immediate action. They also provide information on scholarship programs for Afghan students and scholars at risk:
- Global Campus for Human Rights Scholarship Programme: A scholarship program for Afghan students and scholars at risk.
- Swedish Support Programme: Provides academic sanctuaries in Sweden for researchers from Afghanistan.
- Hanns Seidel Scholarship Program (HSSP): Provides long-term support to young, talented Afghan students who are registered as refugees in Pakistan and enrolled in Pakistani universities.
University of Essex
The University of Essex offers the University of Sanctuary Scholarship for Afghan refugees wishing to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The scholarship is available for students who have been granted UK Asylum status, Discretionary/Limited Leave to Remain, or Humanitarian Protection as a result of an asylum application.
Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC)
TIEC offers a Professional Fellowship for Afghan evacuees resettled or seeking resettlement in the United States. The fellowship provides support and a strong start for professionals whose experiences in Afghanistan put them at high risk.
Other Initiatives
There are also other initiatives and resources available to support Afghan students and scholars, such as the Article 26 Backpack tool by UC Davis, which allows scholars and students to secure copies of their academic and professional credentials. Afghan Talent, powered by Talent Beyond Boundaries, is another initiative that catalogs the skills and work experience of Afghan evacuees in the USA to facilitate local employment. Additionally, organizations like NAFSA: Association of International Educators advocate for more opportunities for Afghan women and girls to pursue education in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not unusual. Many universities worldwide welcome applications from Afghan students and have a vibrant community of Afghan students. For example, the University of York in the UK is home to over 20,000 students from 150 countries, including a vibrant community of around 350 South Asian students.
There are several resources available to assist Afghan students in applying to universities abroad. For instance, the University of Bristol in the UK offers the International Foundation Programme (IFP) to prepare international students for degree programmes through tailored English language units. Additionally, Queen's University Belfast provides detailed information on comparable qualifications from Afghanistan and offers support through its international officer for Afghanistan.
The entry requirements vary depending on the university and the programme. For undergraduate programmes, Afghan students may need to take additional courses, such as the International Foundation Programme, to meet the entry requirements. For graduate programmes, universities typically require a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 80-85% or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, applicants may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Yes, there are scholarships and financial support opportunities available for Afghan students. For example, Queen's University Belfast offers a range of international scholarships. Additionally, organisations like IIE have provided Rapid Emergency Student Fund (ESF) grants to Afghan students to help with basic living expenses.
