A joint initiative by

Pathways to a New Beginning

VIDA creates safe educational corridors for young Syrians affected by persecution - connecting talent with universities in Spain to build futures rooted in dignity, resilience, and hope.

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18-30 Age Range
Annual Program Cycle
Spain Destination
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Who We Are

Education as a tool for survival, resilience and reconstruction.

The Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has entered an alarming new phase. Systematic violence targets vulnerable minority communities, while traditional protection routes have closed.

The Response

VIDA - Vías de Inserción, Desarrollo y Alto Potencial - creates humanitarian educational corridors: a safe, legal, and transformative pathway connecting young talent with higher education in Spain.

The Partners

A joint initiative by Fundación Yaran (A Coruña and Bilbao) - experts in educational and employment pathways for refugees - and Asociación Kudwa (Barcelona, Zaragoza and Albacete) - a community-led organization empowering migrants in Spain.

Institutional Framework

A complementary pathway to resettlement.

VIDA operates within UNHCR's framework of complementary pathways - safe, legal channels through which refugees can access protection in third countries outside of traditional resettlement quotas. Education-based pathways, like VIDA, are formally recognized by UNHCR alongside humanitarian visas, family reunification, and employment routes as essential responses to forced displacement.

Learn more about UNHCR complementary pathways
UNHCR-recognized framework
The Process

Four phases to your new chapter.

01
Phase One

Profile Identification

Led by Kudwa. Identifying young people (18-30) affected by recent violence in Syria, with special attention to persecuted minorities. Prioritizing candidates with academic or professional potential.

Led by Kudwa
02
Phase Two

University Contact and Verification

Establishing contact with Spanish universities offering suitable programs. Prioritizing small and medium cities for lower cost of living and easier integration.

Led by Yaran and Kudwa
03
Phase Three

Language Prep and Documentation

Intensive Spanish language learning through online classes. Parallel processing of admission letters and visa documentation with technical and legal support.

Parallel Phase
04
Phase Four

Visa Processing and Arrival

Student visa applications for Spain, consular interview support, legal advice, and logistical coordination for phased transfers to destination cities.

Led by Yaran
The Organizations

Two organizations, one shared mission.

VIDA is the result of synergy between two organizations with complementary expertise and direct presence in the destination regions.

A Coruña · Bilbao

Fundación Yaran

Experts in designing and managing educational and employment pathways for refugees. Based in Galicia and the Basque Country, Yaran leads the university outreach, visa processing, and logistical coordination phases of the program.

yaranfoundation.org
Barcelona · Zaragoza · Albacete

Asociación Kudwa

A community-based organization focused on human potential. Kudwa leads candidate identification and community integration, with presence in Catalonia and Castilla-La Mancha through its delegations in Barcelona and Albacete.

kudwa.org
Destinations in Spain

Four regions, one shared purpose.

VIDA places candidates in mid-sized Spanish cities chosen for educational quality, lower cost of living, and strong local support networks.

Galicia A Coruña
Bachelor's tuition (1st year) ~€717 / year
Master's (non-regulated) ~€900-1,500 / year
Per credit (Bachelor's) €11.95 (lowest in Spain)
Basque Country Bilbao
Bachelor's tuition (1st year) ~€1,000-1,200 / year
Master's (non-regulated) ~€1,200-2,400 / year
Per credit (Bachelor's) ~€16-20
Catalonia Barcelona
Bachelor's tuition (1st year) ~€1,089-1,400 / year
Master's (non-regulated) ~€1,700-2,800 / year
Per credit (Bachelor's) €18.15
Castilla-La Mancha Albacete
Bachelor's tuition (1st year) ~€750-900 / year
Master's (non-regulated) ~€1,000-1,800 / year
Per credit (Bachelor's) ~€12.5-15

Source: Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities - Public University Tuition Statistics 2024-2025. Non-EU student rates may differ; VIDA works directly with universities to minimize this gap.

Sponsorship Proposal

What it costs to change one life.

Full transparency on the annual investment per student. Every euro covers a specific need - housing, food, language preparation, visa processing, and integration support.

Recurring

Annual Operating Costs

  • Student housing €10,320
  • Living expenses (food, transport, stipend) €3,612
  • Educational module €325
  • Laundry service €156
  • Contingency reserve (15%) €2,335
Operating subtotal €17,902
One-time

Setup and Arrival

  • International flight €864
  • Medical insurance €821
  • Contingency reserve (20%) €337
Setup subtotal €2,022
Total investment per student · full year €19,924 Operating (€17,902) + Setup (€2,022)

A one-time investment that permanently transforms a young Syrian's trajectory - providing education, protection, and a future in dignity.

Apply

Ready to start your journey?

1

Fill the Application Form

Click below to open the application form. You will be asked to fill in your details and upload supporting documents.

Open Application Form
2

Submit and Wait for Review

Once you submit the form, the VIDA team will receive your application automatically. For questions, contact us at:

3

Interview and Acceptance

Once your application is reviewed, our team will schedule an online interview to discuss your profile and next steps.

Who Can Apply?

  • Young people aged 18-30
  • Affected by recent violence in Syria
  • Special attention to persecuted minority communities
  • Academic or professional potential
  • Partial or full financial backing (self-funded or sponsored)
FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

VIDA (Vías de Inserción, Desarrollo y Alto Potencial) is a humanitarian educational corridor program created by Fundación Yaran and Asociación Kudwa. It enables young Syrians affected by persecution to access higher education in Spain as a pathway to safety, development, and dignity.

Young people between 18 and 30 years old who have been affected by recent violence in Syria. Priority is given to persecuted minority communities and those with academic or professional potential. Applicants should have partial or full financial backing.

Not initially. The program includes an intensive Spanish language preparation phase through online classes. Some master's programs may be available in English as well.

Applicants are expected to have partial or total financial backing, either self-funded or through solidarity networks (sponsors). The program provides support with university placement, visa processing, legal advice, and integration - not direct financial funding for tuition or living expenses.

The program connects candidates with universities in Spain offering programs compatible with their academic interests and career trajectories. This includes undergraduate degrees, master's programs, and technical/professional training - preferably in Spanish, though English-language master's programs may also be available.

Download the application form from this website, fill it out completely, and send it via email to vida@kudwa.org. Once reviewed, our team will contact you to schedule an online interview.

Ask VIDA
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VIDA Assistant

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Hello! I'm the VIDA assistant. I can help answer questions about the program, eligibility, application process, and more. What would you like to know?