What is the ruling on returning to university studies and joining the Hafiz program after repenting from cheating in high school and one year of university?

You have done well in repenting from cheating. Repentance requires remorse and a firm resolve not to return to the sin. There is no blame upon you in continuing your studies and building upon what you have already learned, provided you commit to not transgressing again.

Ibn Baz was asked about the ruling concerning the salary of an employee who cheated in his studies. He replied that the person must repent for what he did, but as for his job and salary, they are valid as long as he performs the tasks assigned to him, for repentance expiates what came before it.

Registering for the "Hafiz" program and its ruling depends on the conditions set by the responsible authority. If the conditions apply to you, then you may register and benefit; otherwise, you may not.