Launched in September 2017-18, the Access2University programme for refugee candidates will be organised for the third time during the 2019-20 academic year. Applications are now welcome.
The Access2University programme aims to prepare refugees or refugee candidates to enter university. It consists of three components: French courses, disciplinary courses in the field of study to which the student aspires, and individualised support on various levels (administrative procedures, orientation, integration, etc.).
It is open to anyone who has applied for asylum in Belgium or who has refugee status or subsidiary or temporary protection. The person must reside in Belgium and have at least level A2 French.
The programme is run by UCLouvain's International Relations Department but brings together a whole range of actors in and around the university: the Language Institute, Student Support Service, Enrolment Office, the Orientation and Careers Centre, and faculties, as well as local associations such as the Women's Collective, the Centre Placet and the International Student Council. Students are also heavily involved, especially through the kots-à-projet that play a mentoring role in various activities, such as sponsorship, chat table facilitation, group meals, etc.
Applications for the 2019-20 programme are now being considered. Information and the application form can be found on the programme's webpage, in French and in English: https://uclouvain.be/fr/decouvrir/programme-acces2university.html.
To find out about all UCLouvain refugee services: www.uclouvain.be/soutien-aux-refugies