Cash for education: A global review of UNHCR programs

This review provides an overview of the use of cash assistance in 45 cash-related education programmes in 21 UNHCR operations. It highlights the key opportunities and challenges with the use of cash for education and provides key direction for future programming and related protection considerations. It also presents detailed learning on refugee access to education through cash from two case studies: Kenya and Turkey.

Studies on cash and education thus far consistently find that:
• Cash assistance has a positive impact on school attendance and educational outcomes.
• The size and duration of the transfer greatly influence long-term impact.
• Conditionality can, but does not necessarily lead to greater educational outcomes.
• Complementary interventions, including supply-related services, can enhance impact.
• The effects of cash are largely limited to the duration of programme participation. As such, cash provided during multiple years help to sustain enrolment and encourage school completion.