The challenges that students with a migration background face when they want to study in their host country can be caused by many factors: migration experience, socio-economic status, language skills, gender, family and living situation, etc. As a socially connected institution, VUB takes very seriously its role and responsibility in relation to major societal challenges, including the refugee crisis and diversity in Brussels and elsewhere. It does this with various programmes adapted to the relevant needs.
"Since 2016, a total of 785 students have applied to the Student Refugee Programme, of whom about a third have enrolled," says Karin Vanderkerken, VUB vice-rector for Internationalisation. "Most of them come from Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq and are on our English-language master’s programmes. The Student Refugee Programme offers potential students with refugee status the chance to start or continue their studies by supporting them with information about study options, the intake process in higher education in Flanders, and the administrative procedures for registering."
Ahead of the start of the academic year in September 2022, more than 200 refugee students contacted VUB to learn about study programmes, academic and language requirements, grants, services and more. Of the 94 students who went on to apply to VUB for the 2022-2023 academic year, 54 were accepted as full-time students at master or bachelor level.
Due to the war in Ukraine, several information sessions were organised for potential Ukrainian students. Since they generally receive international protection, they do not need to apply for refugee status. The Student Refugee Programme was the first point of contact for them to find support and information.
For other students, enrolment may be difficult because of a significant language deficit or other practical difficulties. For those people, VUB is setting up a preparatory year through its InCampus programme. The course prepares them with intensive English classes for the ITACE language test. They can sample two courses from their future bachelor or master programme during that time.
"Students are given access to follow-up sessions, in groups or individually, where their progress is monitored and where they can ask questions," says Vanderkerken. "The programme also provides psychological assistance, cultural orientation, and information sessions on studying at VUB and the services available at the university."
Through VUB’s regular tutoring services, students can attend workshops and receive individual support relating to their study path, career guidance and how to study. Furthermore, VUB and three other Flemish universities offer non-EEA individuals a Summer School where candidates prepare for medical school and learn how the Belgian healthcare system works.
Finally, because integration starts at an early age, the ALEF project organises Arabic language classes for children in a secular environment with a modern curriculum. This facilitates the integration of children from Arab backgrounds without losing their connection to their culture. During these interactive classes, they learn about Belgium’s values.
Nicole De Moor praised the efforts of VUB: "It’s good that VUB has an active policy around inclusion and diversity. The projects and teachers make a very big difference in the lives of these people in our society."
Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.
The World Needs You
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig - The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People , because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership , VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré , the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ’urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig