UniRef’s mission is to provide free access to higher education and vocational training programs to young refugees and members of host communities who do not have the financial resources to study in regions affected by armed conflicts and where humanitarian help is essential.

UniRef’s aim is to enable students, through academic and professional training, to move away from international humanitarian aid by facilitating their integration into the formal labour market. This training is thus necessary to allow these young adults to have a professional future, to gain financial autonomy, and to help them support their family. Providing training that gives perspectives to a sacrificed generation finally promotes their psychological well-being and prevents radicalization.

Since 2018, UniRef has implemented, in partnership with the Jordan Red Crescent, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the University of Jordan, its current mission in Amman, Jordan to the benefit of young Syrian refugees and destitute Jordanians. 

UniRef closed its higher education mission in Burundi, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in December 2017.