The Together project (2019-1-PT01-KA203-060772) has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The Together project (2019-1-PT01-KA203-060772) has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Refugees Initiative

Access2University, University studies preparation program for refugee candidates

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INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIATIVE

Université Catholique de Louvain

COUNTRY

Belgium

CITY

Louvain la neuve

Address

Université catholique de Louvain
1, Place de l'Université
B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgique)
E-mail: soutien-aux-refugies@uclouvain.be.
Tel: +32 010/47.88.37

TYPOLOGY

- Financial support for refugee students
- Health services
- Help desk and supporting services for refugee students
- Language and other introductory courses for refugee students
- Recognition of studies and prior learning for refugee students
- Tutoring and peer support for refugee students
- University policies on access to higher education

TARGET GROUPS

- Newly arrived refugees
- Students

DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGIES

Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is part of the Higher Education in Emergencies movement, a global movement that aims to promote accessibility to higher education for refugees.
While one in three young people worldwide access higher education, only 1% of young refugees have access to higher education. Access to higher education for refugees is, however, essential.
In the short term, it promotes social integration in the host country in line with the talents and skills of refugees; in the long term, it trains future leaders, entrepreneurs and other talents necessary for the (re) construction of the country of origin.
The immediate need for food, shelter and clothing is often at the forefront. Education needs are just as important, however. Regarding this needs, UCLouvain created the Access2University program, to facilitate access to higher education.
Program content:
- French learning component: in class, conversation tables, monitoring and citizen tandems with Belgian students.
- Academic component: from 1 to 3 courses related to the study project of the participant.
Support component:
- definition of the study project, psycho-social and medical assistance;
- admission, orientation, registration, presentation sessions on higher education and labor market offers in Belgium;
- assistance with translation and equivalence of diplomas;
- enhancement of acquired experience (VAE), examination of previous experience, assistance in administrative procedures of UCLouvain and other establishments;
- financial aid for transport and course materials, housing aid, care and orientation towards external services;
- legal clinic.

RESULTS AND IMPACT

Some numbers:
In three years of existence (2017-2020), the program has welcomed 57 refugees and refugee candidates.
Among the students who followed the program in 2018-2019, 70% enrolled in a higher education program, 13% opted for another training and 17% chose to work. In 2019-2020, UCLouvain welcomes, all programs combined, 125 refugee students (candidates).