Graduate Horizons
Structured support for master's degree applications
Graduate Horizons is RLRH’s flagship postgraduate access programme. It matches displacement-affected learners with mentors who have completed or are currently undertaking master’s degree programmes, providing structured guidance through the complex process of applying to graduate study worldwide.
How participants engage
Over a ten-month period, Graduate Horizons participants build their confidence and readiness to approach postgraduate degrees. All participants receive one-to-one or group-based mentorship, and participate in workshops to craft personal statements and academic CVs, scholarship information sessions, writing bootcamps, application feedback rounds, and socio-emotional learning workshops.
All participants and programme applicants receive a comprehensive RLRH-compiled A–Z guide to assist in navigating application processes. The programme supports learners to apply to more than 25 partner universities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the UK, and North America, and others of their choice, accommodating a wide range of application deadlines and requirements.
Impact
Graduate Horizons has welcomed over 1,000 learners since its first cohort in 2021 (then called the Oxford Graduate Admissions Support Scheme). From the 2024-2025 cohort, one in five applicants received at least one admission offer, one in ten secured a fully funded scholarship, and over £800,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Based on a cohort-wide evaluation, average participant satisfaction was rated 8.3 out of 10, and confidence in application submission increased by over 30%.
For many learners, Graduate Horizons is the first time they have had dedicated, personalised support through the graduate application process, building not just stronger applications, but the clarity and confidence to pursue opportunities that may have previously felt out of reach.
The team behind it
RLRH is supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, with a shared target of enabling 1,000 refugee and displacement-affected learners to access Master’s degree scholarships by 2028. A dedicated team of 10 RLRH colleagues coordinates a pool of over 300 volunteer mentors to deliver the programme each year. We coordinate alongside other technical partners to the Mastercard Foundation and allied university staff to expand our reach.
Eligibility
Graduate Horizons is open to individuals with lived experience of displacement who hold or are completing a bachelor’s degree. The programme is delivered in English, and we also support learners who are applying to universities that deliver degrees in French. RLRH is committed to ensuring inclusive access to graduate education and particularly welcomes applications from women, people with disabilities, those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals from rural or underserved communities, including those living in displacement camps.
How to engage
If you are a prospective student: The next Graduate Horizons intake is expected to open in late summer 2026. Register your interest here so we can be in touch when applications open, and follow RLRH on social media for announcements.
If you are a university or scholarship provider: We welcome partnerships with institutions committed to expanding postgraduate access for displacement-affected learners. Please contact [email protected].
If you are a potential mentor: Graduate Horizons relies on a global network of volunteer mentors. We would value your contribution! Expressions of interest can be submitted here.
FAQs:
Is the programme only for learners in Africa?
No. The programme is global and open to displacement-affected learners in many contexts, though some scholarship availability varies by region.
What if I am not selected?
Learners who are not selected to join Graduate Horizons will receive access to RLRH’s Scholarships Opportunities guide and can join Graduate Admissions Essentials to build their academic profile ahead of a future application.
Is Graduate Horizons free to participate in?
Yes. RLRH does not charge tuition or application fees for Graduate Horizons, or any of its other academic programmes.
Does Graduate Horizons guarantee admission or scholarships?
No. Admission decisions are made by universities and scholarship providers. Graduate Horizons strengthens applications and supports strategy.
Does RLRH provide scholarships?
No. RLRH does not provide scholarships. Graduate Horizons helps learners identify suitable funding opportunities and supports them to submit strong scholarship applications alongside their graduate applications.
