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The One Refugee application is now closed! The application will open again on January 1st for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

Background:

You must have a refugee background, meaning you (or your parents) meet one of the following:

  • were resettled through a refugee resettlement agency

  • qualified for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)

  • received asylum

  • have Humanitarian Parole

Financial Aid Requirement

Academic Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

  • Eligible for in-state tuition in Utah, Idaho, or Arizona

  • Enrolled as full-time undergraduate student by program start date (12+ credits each semester) 

  • Pursuing a technical degree, associate degree, or bachelor's degree.

    • Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree from any country are not eligible.

  • “College English-ready” (prepared to take English 1010 or its equivalent at your institution)

How to Apply

  1. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements listed above.

  2. Watch “What to Expect When You Apply to One Refugee.”

  3. Complete the application form by March 1st.

  4. Check your email for an invitation to interview.

    1. Invitations to interview will be emailed on a rolling basis. Please check your spam mail if you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of applying.

    2. Additionally, we will email you if your application is missing information and provide instructions to resubmit.

  5. Attend the mandatory May orientation.

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 2026-2027 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 eligibility 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)

  • 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.

    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 a GPA below 2.5 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 in a U.S. high school with A’s & B’s in Non-ESL English classes