Access2University programme

 

University preparation programme for refugees (applicants)

Access2University (A2U) is a programme that aims to prepare refugees (applicants) with little or no knowledge of French to resume university studies.

The programme has three components:

1. Learning French
2. University courses in the programme of your discipline
3. Individualised support

The programme is not a prerequisite for enrolment at the university and does not guarantee your admission to a regular programme the following year.

However, some French-speaking refugee-students may consider direct entry into a regular programme. The UCLouvain Centre d’information et d’orientation (CIO, Course and Career Guidance Centre) can provide you with information relevant to your situation.

Do not hesitate to contact the partners listed on this page for assistance (such as course advice or equivalency requests)!

1. Learning French

The development of French language skills is at the heart of the Access2University programme. It is achieved through integration into student life and through various activities that structure students’ autonomous learning process:

• University French courses at the Institut des Langues Vivantes (ILV, UCLouvain Language Institute). Students in the Access2University programme also benefit from a specific course on the use of French in the academic context (for example: sitting for an exam in French).
• Conversation tables with Migrakot.
• Support/citizen tandems with Belgian students.

2. University courses in the programme of your discipline

You will have the possibility to take one to three university classes as an auditing student (maximum 20 credits/year including French courses) within our faculties. Sitting for exams is authorised but does not lead to a degree.

3. Individualised support

In parallel to collective activities, you can receive individualised support:

• course and career guidance (at the CIO);
• university study methodology;
• administrative procedures: application for admission to a bachelor or master course (at the Enrolment Office), equivalency application (CIRE), Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE), etc;
• psycho-social and medical assistance available from the Student Support Service and legal advice;
• integration into student life with the International Relations Department (ADRI), the International Students Council (CGEI), and our partners (such as the women’s association Collectif Des Femmes and the integration centres CRIBW and Centre Placet);
• providing financial support for course materials, and reimbursement of travel expenses to UCLouvain.

Please note! The Access2university programme does not include a scholarship or material assistance for bed and board.

Access2University programme admission requirements

To be admitted to the programme, you must:

• have refugee status, subsidiary protection in Belgium or an application for asylum in Belgium currently being considered (have an annex 26 or a recent orange card);
• plan to resume university studies;
• reside in Belgium (maximum one hour’s travel time from our Louvain-la-Neuve premises);
• have obtained at least a secondary school diploma AND started higher education in your country (if you do not have an equivalency of your non-restrictive secondary school diploma);
• be able to demonstrate a minimum A2 level in French (and master the Latin alphabet in writing);
• be available to attend classes during the day;
• be at ease with computers;
• submit a complete application by the deadline.

If you do not meet some of these requirements, please contact us for guidance.

Applying to the Access2University programme

Submitting your application

Between March and May, you are invited to complete the expression of interest online form in order to receive guidance tailored to your profile and to decide whether you wish to enter the selection process.

The call for applications for the Access2University 2024-2025 program is open (application form). If you have any questions, please contact access2university@uclouvain.be.

Required documents:

• diplomas;
• identification documents;
• transcripts;
• CV.

If you are unable to provide certain documents, please explain why.

Admission interviews

In June 2024, motivational interviews and the French test will take place. Students who are selected for the Access2university programme will enrol in the programme in early July 2024.

Learn more about the university

In late August-early September 2024, a UCLouvain orientation day helps students learn about university services. The academic year begins in mid-September 2024.

For further information, please contact:

Elisabeth Botson
International Relations Department (ADRI)
Place de l’Université 1 / L.0.01.06
B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
BELGIUM
access2university@uclouvain.be
Tel: +32 10 47 27 56