Finalists Selected for the Third Annual CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge in Singapore
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We are thrilled to announce the student teams selected as finalists in the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge.
This June, three undergraduate teams will travel to Singapore to present their proposals during the closing plenary of the 13th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference, held June 25–27, 2025.
The Student Challenge is a global competition co-sponsored by CIEE and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The initiative, now in its third year, invites university students to develop innovative, actionable solutions that increase access to higher education and sustainable livelihoods for refugee and forcibly displaced youth. This year’s Challenge also included skills-based support from educational nonprofit District C.
A Global Response to a Global Challenge
The 2025 Challenge drew 123 student team proposals from institutions around the world. Each submission addressed urgent barriers to education and employment for displaced youth.
From that group, 36 semifinalist teams—representing 47 universities and 24 countries—were invited to refine their proposals and present them virtually before a panel of expert judges.
The judging panel included leaders from organizations deeply engaged in refugee advocacy and higher education access:
- The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (U.S.)
- World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
- University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE), Italy
Following thoughtful evaluation of the feasibility, innovation, and potential impact of each proposal, the following teams were selected to advance to the final round:
- Team Aspan (Kazakhstan): Aisana Issabay (Team Captain) and Aruzhan Shakirkhozha of Semmelweis University; Alina Serik and Makhabbat Ibraimova of Lingnan University
- Team Path Seekers (Brazil): Júlia Kamata de Castro (Team Captain), Federal University of São Paulo; Henrique do Bomfim Braga Chaves, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais; Giulia Kaori Nagao, Paulista University; Bianca Serighelli, Technological Federal University of Paraná
- Team The Unstoppables (Uganda, Rwanda): Shalom Nyirimana Ishimwe (Team Captain), Sasha Achola, and Akankunda Rhinah, all from Makerere University
The finalist teams will present their proposals in person at the CIEE Global Internship Conference. The winning team will be awarded a summer 2026 global internship facilitated by CIEE and the opportunity to share their solution with UNHCR and its international partners.
Equipping Students to Drive Real-World Solutions
"Through this process, students deepen their understanding of the challenges refugees face and work collaboratively to develop impactful, solutions-oriented proposals."
“The Student Challenge offers an opportunity for students to thoughtfully engage with some of the world’s most pressing issues,” said James P. Pellow, President and CEO of CIEE. “Through this process, students deepen their understanding of the challenges refugees face and work collaboratively to develop impactful, solutions-oriented proposals—building skills such as creative thinking, collaboration, and cross-cultural communication that are central to global internships.”
"Globally, just 7% of young refugees access higher education, compared to 43% of non-refugee youth."
Manal Stulgaitis, Higher Education Officer at UNHCR, emphasized the importance of youth-led innovation: “Globally, just 7% of young refugees access higher education, compared to 43% of non-refugee youth. The exclusion of refugee students from educational pathways has profound consequences for their ability to pursue opportunity, build stability, and contribute to sustainable development. The Student Challenge invites young people to not only learn about these inequities, but to lead in designing solutions that respond to them.”
About the Organizers
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR is a global organization working to protect the rights and well-being of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution. With over 120 million people currently displaced worldwide, UNHCR believes youth must play a central role in shaping the future of refugee inclusion and resilience.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
For over 75 years, CIEE has been dedicated to building bridges between people, cultures, and nations through international education. Through high-quality study abroad, internship, and exchange programs, CIEE equips young people with the skills and perspectives they need to become informed and engaged global citizens.
We look forward to gathering in Singapore this summer to celebrate the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge finalists!
