New Group of Rohingya Refugee Scholars Arrives in the Philippines

Arakan Now | 8 July 2025

A new group of Rohingya refugee students has arrived in the Philippines to begin their studies under the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Programme. This program helps refugees continue their education in a safe and welcoming country.

Ali, one of the new scholars from Bangladesh, said,

“When my community found out I would go to the Philippines to study, they had big hopes for me. I carry that hope with me today.”

Who Are the New Scholars?

This latest group includes 10 Rohingya scholars. Most came from Malaysia, and a few are the first from Bangladesh. They arrived in two groups—on June 19 and July 3—to study at different universities in the Philippines. This brings the total number of Rohingya refugee scholars under the CPath program in the Philippines to 25.

These students received full scholarships with the help of:

-The Philippine government

-Local universities and colleges

-Asia Philanthropy Circle

-Asia Community Foundation

Other civil society groups

-The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) National Office in the Philippines

A Warm Welcome

Philippine officials warmly welcomed the scholars.

State Counsel Paulito de Jesus, from the Department of Justice (DOJ), told the students:

“You are part of a historic batch. We worked very hard with the UNHCR and our foreign affairs team to bring you here. It won’t be easy to adjust, but we will be here to help you.”

Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of UNHCR Philippines, also encouraged the students:

“This opportunity is powerful. Keep your hearts and minds open. Your journey isn’t over, but we will support you all the way.”

Assistant Director Stacy Danika Garcia from the Department of Foreign Affairs said:

“The Philippines has a long history of opening our doors and hearts to those in need. It took a whole ‘barangay’ (village) to bring you here. We are proud to welcome you and give you a sense of ‘tahanan’ (home).”

What Is the Complementary Pathways Programme?

Complementary Pathways are safe and legal ways for refugees to enter a country—for education, work, or family reunification. In the Philippines, this program is part of a bigger effort to give refugees a chance to build a better life through education, inclusion, and independence.

The initiative supports the Global Compact on Refugees and is in line with the country’s commitments to several UN Conventions on refugees and stateless persons.

Looking Ahead

As the world sees more people being forced to leave their homes, programs like this are important. UNHCR continues to work with governments, schools, and local communities to make sure refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people have access to education and support. This helps them not just survive, but thrive.

Photo : UNHCHR