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University Pathway Programme

A free, step-by-step guide to university and scholarships: from academic and language preparation to choosing programmes, applying and getting ready to travel. For all young people, with special attention to girls whose education has been restricted.

Your path in six steps

Know yourself and your goal

Choose a subject, level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) and mode of study (on campus or online) based on your interests and abilities. The course Career Path Planning can help.

Academic foundation

If your education was interrupted, follow the School-to-University programme (four levels of maths, sciences and English).

Language and tests

Most international programmes require a language test, typically IELTS 6.0 for a bachelor’s and 6.5 for a master’s, or the equivalent Duolingo English Test or TOEFL score. The course Academic English & Test Preparation is designed for exactly this.

Choose programmes and scholarships

12–18 months before your intended start, shortlist 5–8 suitable programmes and scholarships, and read requirements and deadlines only on the official website.

Documents and application

Prepare documents months in advance (see the list below). Write a tailored motivation letter for each programme; the Academy reviews it for free.

Interview, admission and travel

Practise for interviews; after admission, prepare for the visa, housing and student life, and stay connected with the student network.

Sample opportunities (updated October 2026)

Deadlines and requirements change every year, always check the official website.

Programme	Level	Usual application window	Official website
Special programme for Afghan women, Geneva Graduate Institute (Switzerland)	Master’s	Deadline 26 October 2026	graduateinstitute.ch
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe)	Master’s	October to January, depending on the programme	Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)	All levels	Usually January to February	turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
DAAD Hilde Domin Programme (Germany) for students at risk	Bachelor’s, Master’s	By nomination from an organisation or university	daad.de
OSCE Academy Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)	Master’s	Usually by 31 January	osce-academy.net
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship	All levels	Next round: spring 2027 via the Embassy of Japan	studyinjapan.go.jp
Tuition-free online bachelor’s, University of the People	Online bachelor’s	Several intakes per year	uopeople.edu
American University of Afghanistan online programmes	Online bachelor’s	For autumn 2027	auaf.edu.af

Note: A real scholarship never charges an application fee and never “guarantees admission”. Do not pay any agent, and never send your passwords or copies of your documents to strangers via messages.

Document checklist

☐ Valid passport

☐ Diploma and transcripts with an official English translation

☐ Language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo)

☐ One- or two-page CV (Europass or standard)

☐ A motivation letter tailored to each programme

☐ Two recommendation letters from a teacher or employer

☐ Portfolio or research proposal (for some programmes)

☐ PDF copies of all documents with professional file names

Free services of this programme

Guidance on choices

Help choosing a subject, university and suitable scholarship

Document review

Review of your CV and motivation letter before you submit

Test preparation

Academic English course and IELTS and Duolingo resources

Academic foundation

The four-level School-to-University programme

Mentoring

Connecting you with volunteer students and graduates

Interview preparation

Admission and scholarship interview practice

Related courses

School-to-University programme (maths, physics, chemistry, biology and English; 4 levels)
Academic English & Test Preparation
Professional CV Writing
Online Research Skills
Computer & Internet Basics

Frequently asked questions

Does the programme charge anything?

No. All services and courses are free.

Does the Academy award scholarships?

No. The Academy does not award scholarships or admission; it prepares and guides you to compete for official opportunities.

My English is weak, where do I start?

With “English for Study – Level 1” in the School-to-University programme, plus daily practice with free resources.

How early should I start?

Ideally 12–18 months before your intended start; language preparation usually takes the longest.

Request guidance

Send your name, intended subject and level, target countries or programmes, and your question to:

[email protected]

The Women’s Academy is open to all young people and every programme is free. · Women’s Academy, Afghanistan Youth Parliament