KU Leuven: Universities launch global coalition for refugee education

In response to the urgent need for improved higher education programs and support services for refugees and their communities, several leading universities from three continents recently launched the Global University Academy to develop a universal higher education model. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.

With just over 7% of the world’s fast-growing refugee population having some access to higher education resources, the Global University Academy was created to help support the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR’s goal of increasing refugee access to higher education to 15% by 2030. The Global University Academy will act as a network of mutual support in response to immediate refugee crises, while developing long-term resources for refugees and individuals affected by displacement in multiple contexts, to support their right to self-fulfilment.

"Education means hope and a chance for a prosperous future. Working with this alliance with ambitious goals allows us to be better together than alone and work for those who need us the most." Rector Luc Sels

Over the next 18 months, partners will develop a robust framework for foundation and bachelor’s degree level programs that are co-developed and locally embedded. The work will focus on mutual recognition of courses, assuring courses are relevant and of high standards, collaborating with local partners, securing long-term financial support, and evaluating the impact of the initiative. 

To develop its long-term response, the Global University Academy will seek out potential university partners whose local communities have been impacted by large numbers of refugees to ensure a truly robust model can be co-created from the start. The Global University Academy will also build on the input of potential learners in refugee communities, refugee-led organizations, and other global voices. Local and global support is also pledged through the Norwegian Refugee Council, which already supports over 1 million refugee learners in primary and secondary education in over 40 countries, and UNHCR. The Grieg Foundation has provided initial support for the development of the GUA. 

"International collaborations between partners are essential for addressing global challenges. KU Leuven is committed to taking responsibility in tackling societal challenges, and this coalition is an important step in that direction." Peter Lievens, Vice Rector International Policy

This article was first published on 11 September by KU Leuven.