Application Information

Eligibility | Info Sessions | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us

The application is closed but will open again on January 1, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Refugee background, which means either the individual OR their parents 

    • were resettled through a refugee resettlement agency

    • qualified for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

    • Asylee

    • Seeking asylum (Utah only)

    • Humanitarian parole

    • Temporary Protected Status

  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

  • Full-time undergraduate student by program start date (taking 12 or more credits each semester) 

  • Pursuing a technical degree, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in the United States or another country are not eligible.

  • College English-ready (meaning you are ready to take English 1010 or its equivalent at your campus)

  • Completed the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • If the applicant’s parent has received a bachelor's degree or higher in the U.S., they must be PELL-eligible.

 

How to Apply

Watch the video below before starting your application! The link to apply will be live on January 1.

 

Information Session

Sign up for our general information session on the 16th, or email us to schedule an information session for your organization.

Utah: utahinfo@onerefugee | Idaho: idinfo@onrefugee.org | Arizona: info@onerefugee

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Personal Essay (1-2 pages about your education, background, and career goals)

    2. Current High School or College UNOFFICIAL Transcripts (must include cumulative GPA and current credits completed)

    3. Copy of email indicating FAFSA is submitted for 2025-2026 school year (sent as screenshot, click here to see example)

  • Applicants will receive an email inviting them to interview with a 1R staff member on a rolling basis, beginning in February. Those who do not meet our eligiblity requirements or who apply after the deadline will also receive an email; however, they will not be invited to interview.

    • You or your parents came into the U.S. through the refugee resettlement program

    • You or your parents have received asylum status

    • You or your parents came into the U.S. with a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)

    • Seeking asylum (Utah only)

    • Humanitarian parole, or Temporary Protected Status

  • Most public colleges and universities in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona are approved. Expensive private colleges and universities will not be considered. Priority is given to students who are willing to attend a community college first.

  • If you are in high school, you can contact your school counselor or the administrative office for a copy of your unofficial transcript. Current college students will find their unofficial transcript on their student portal.

    Please review the video, “What to Expect When You Apply” for additional instructions.

    Please note that unofficial transcripts are free! We do not need an official transcript.

  • High School students can contact their school counselors for assistance, and financial aid counselors assist with FAFSA at each college campus. You might also want to review the FAFSA YouTube channel or the resources linked below.

    How to fill out FAFSA Video

    Gather Information to Fill Out FAFSA Video

    FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

    For specific questions, check the Help section of the FAFSA website or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-­800-­4­‐FED AID (1-800-433-3243).

  • High School students with below a 2.5 GPA will not be considered in the current application cycle. We encourage you to attend a year of college and then apply for One Refugee.

    Current college students with below a 2.5 GPA may still apply, but priority will be given to students meeting the GPA requirement. We recommend addressing your GPA in your personal essay.

  • To qualify for One Refugee, you must be ready to take English 1010 (or its equivalent at your campus).

    If you do not meet any of the following criteria, our intern will contact you with options for taking an English Placement Exam.

    • Duolingo 96 or higher

    • iBT/TOEFL 68 or higher

    • IELTS 6 or higher

    • ACT English score of 18 or higher

    • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

    • (EWBR) Score of 480 or higher

    • At least 3 years US H.S. graduate with A’s & B’s in Non-ESL English classes

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