INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIATIVE
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Address
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel
TYPOLOGY
- Financial support for refugee students
- Help desk and supporting services for refugee students
- Tutoring and peer support for refugee students
TARGET GROUPS
- Refugees of second generation
DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGIES
In 2015, the VUB set up a programme to support the integration of refugee students. It found this necessary then, with the large influx of migrants in the EU due to numerous conflict situations in the Middle East and in the Horn of Africa. The programme was set up to give those prospective students with a refugee background a fair chance at starting or continuing their studies, thereby building a better future for themselves in Belgium or back home when they return.
The programme consists of facilitating access to higher education for prospective students with a refugee background by providing tailor-made guidance in choosing their academic programme, support with the registration system, and an open-door policy for help and advice before and throughout their studies.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
VUB’s “Welcome student-refugees programme” cooperates with other, already existing, university services
(e.g. social services). Apart from the support that these services offer to students in general (not just refugee students), e.g. concerning guidance and counselling, no additional provisions have been made. This initiative at VUB received attention in the media and from the higher education community (including European organizations).VUB is still receiving a lot of application from refugee-students, the initiative will continue for the future academics years