Working together to make education accessible to everyone
In almost all cases, a sustainable place in society starts with a study.
Preparing refugee students for the labor market
For refugee students, the step to regular education is usually not immediately possible. Together with educational institutions, we build bridges to make that step possible. We initiate work-study programmes, set up bridging programs and offer supervision during studies in the form of training courses, mentor programmes, financial support and study resources. We are therefore in constant dialogue with educational institutions. Where is extra guidance requested and where is it necessary to bring the right parties together?

This is what we do together with educational institutions:
We support refugee students with tailor-made programs during their studies.
What is self-evident for Dutch students – the language, the Dutch way of studying – is new for refugee students. Although this group is prepared to work hard, extra support is usually not an unnecessary luxury. How do you overcome a language deficit? Where do you learn to study? And who will guide you through the education system?
Educational institutions do not always have the resources and knowledge to offer this extra support to refugee students. That's when we come into the picture. With our tailor-made modules, we are able to offer refugee students very targeted support where they need it. Sometimes it is language support, sometimes it is financial support and other times we link a student to a mentor.
This page describes what we do for students.
A tailor-made program for refugee students to increase the chance of study success.
Sometimes extra support during a regular study is sufficient, in other cases it is advisable to prepare refugee students for a course in advance. We call such a program especially for refugee students a bridging programme. Many educational institutions have such a program. Bridging programs increase the chance of study success, prevent dropout and thus contribute to the development of knowledge and talent.
We help educational institutions to set up bridging programs. We share our knowledge and experience, help draw up a curriculum and provide training and workshops on request. Together with the educational institution, we ensure that a student is prepared for a regular course within six months or a year.
We ensure that all students have a chance to cross the finish line.
Studying is different all over the world. Starting or continuing your education in a new country therefore requires adaptability – not only from the refugee students in question, but also from educational institutions.
What are the (additional) needs of refugee students? What problems do they face? How can you help them? How do you promote communication and prevent dropout? These are questions to which we know the answers thanks to our years of knowledge and experience. We share what we know in workshops and tailor-made training courses for students and teachers. In this way we contribute to ensuring that all students have the best possible chance of reaching the finish line.
With your financial support, we ensure a promising future for refugee students and professionals.
A one-off donation, a fundraising campaign or a structural contribution: there are various ways to support us financially. In all cases, we use your contribution to help refugee students and professionals find a suitable place on the labor market. Building a sustainable existence, that is the goal.
Days off can be converted into a tax-free donation: small effort, big effect.
Many employees in the Netherlands have 'extra-statutory' days off. These days can easily be converted into a tax-free donation to the UAF. It is easy to arrange and therefore an attractive way to support us financially. Employees of the Vrije Universiteit already did it, as did employees of the University of Twente.
Over 440 employees of the UT collectively donated 3179 hours of leave. This resulted in a donation of eighty thousand euros. Did you know that it is also possible to exchange a Christmas package for a donation to us?
Make room for intermediate vocational education!
The continued existence of MBO bridging education is hanging by a thread and municipalities can change that. View the flyer and read why such an MBO transition year increases the chances of young status holders and what is needed to make an MBO transition year possible for these young status holders in the coming years as well.
More information about the UAF?
We would be happy to provide you with an explanation of exactly what the UAF does and for whom. Of course you can consult our website for detailed information, but with our information package we explain our services and working method in a nutshell. Check out our information materials or ask information pack .
More information about refugee students in education
We are happy to involve you in our work
What can you expect in your mailbox?
- Personal and inspiring stories of refugees
- What the UAF does and our wonderful collaborations with, among others, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam Academy and Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
- Tips on how you as an educational institution can contribute
- The last news
- Announcement of our events