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InternationalThe UNICORE project – University Corridors for Refugees – promoted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, offers refugee students coming from selected African countries the possibility to carry on their university studies in Italian universities.
The initiative started in 2019 with the purpose of allowing Ethiopian refugee students to safely reach Italy and continue their studies. Throughout the years, it has constantly expanded thanks to the progressive increment of Italian universities participating in the program.
On June 23rd, 2020, the University of Siena adhered to the “Inclusive University Manifesto” and to the project “University Corridors for Refugees” (UNICORE), promoted by the Conferenza dei rettori delle università italiane (CRUI, Conference of the Rectors of Italian universities) and UNHCR.
UNICORE stands out for its inclusive dimension, due to a wide net of partnerships supporting students from the moment of their arrival at the University of destination and helping them in gaining confidence with their new environment. It entails the cooperation by organizations such as Caritas, Diaconia Valdese, Centro Astalli and other local and international partners.
UNICORE translates into a number of benefits for the selected students, including a scholarship, free accommodation, free access to the University canteen, exemption from University fees, academic tutoring and orienteering and free didactic equipment -laptop included-.
The requirements for being elegible to receive a UNICORE scholarship are listed in the call published by each university participating in the program, although they are based on a common format.
The main reference for the University of Siena is Federico Lenzerini, Delegate of the Rector for students and researchers coming from areas at risk; his email address is
As regarding the administration support to UNICORE, the main reference for the University of Siena is Katia Di Rienzo, whose email address is