Resolution on Refugee Policy

Education is more than just a pathway to a career, it is a fundamental pillar of self-worth, civic integration, and societal inclusion for refugees. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. Despite Belgium hosting a significant number of asylum seekers, globally only 3% of refugees ever gain access to higher education.

In Flanders, those who do make it to university are forced to navigate a fragmented policy landscape, constant financial uncertainty, and agonizingly complex diploma recognition procedures. Rather than offering a lifeline, the upcoming budget cuts of the Flemish government, particularly the tightening of the scholarship criteria, will impact these vulnerable students the hardest.

The current fragmentation of procedures ensures that previous semesters are lost. Additionally, strict language requirements like needing a minimum of B2 to start your degree, and a lack of specific psychological trauma support, create major barriers to starting an academic career.

ESU and VVS demand the following measures to realize a just refugee policy in higher education:

1. Establishment of a ‘single point of contact’.
   Counter the current systemic fragmentation with a transparent and single point of contact, established across higher education institutions. This dedicated hub will serve to guide refugee students seamlessly through foreign degree recognition, continuing education paths, and the initial onboarding phases of their chosen study programs.
2. The implementation of accelerated and transparent recognition procedures.
   The government must enforce an integrated communication strategy and foster seamless cooperation between NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centres), higher education institutions, and integration services. This alignment is critical to ensuring that previously acquired competencies and academic qualifications are assessed and recognized both rapidly and transparently.
3. Flexible language and preparation tracks.
   Higher education institutions must allow refugee students to enroll and commence their programs with a minimum language proficiency level of B1, providing structured support to help them achieve level B2 over the course of their studies. Furthermore, the fees for these essential language courses must remain minimal to eliminate prohibitive financial barriers and guarantee genuine accessibility.
4. Guaranteed financial support.
   Recognizing the profound impact of displacement, trauma, and forced migration, institutions must guarantee comprehensive, culturally competent psychological and medical support for refugee students. These specialized healthcare services must be readily accessible, confidential, and fully integrated into the campus support network to safeguard students’ holistic well-being and academic success.
5. Structural funding for trauma support and inclusion.
   To truly build an inclusive environment, we need dedicated, long-term funding for trauma support. This budget will allow institutions to properly train staff in trauma-informed counseling and fund peer-buddy programs that actively break down social isolation.