The 1951 Refugee Convention mandates that refugees should receive the same treatment as nationals in relation to elementary education. For higher education, refugees should be granted the most favourable treatment possible, typically equivalent to that provided to foreign nationals (Article 22).
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that ‘1. Everyone has the right to education and to have access to vocational and continuing training. 2. This right includes the possibility to receive free compulsory education’ (Article 14(1) and (2)).
Member States should consider the specific needs and integration challenges of beneficiaries of international protection. They should support them in fully exercising their rights by facilitating access to integration-related measures, especially employment-related education and vocational training (recital 71 Qualification Regulation (QR)).
Beneficiaries of international protection must receive equal treatment to nationals of the Member State regarding adult ‘employment-related educational opportunities, vocational training, including courses for upgrading skills and practical workplace experience’ (Article 28(2) QR).
Adults granted international protection must have equal access to the general education system, further training, or retraining as nationals of the Member State that granted them protection, but their access to grants or loans might be restricted, if national law allows (Article 29(2) QR).
Information provision messages
Inform beneficiaries of international protection about the following.
- The right to access the education system, training and professional development opportunities under the same conditions as nationals.
- The structure and levels of the educational system (primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational). Additionally, provide general information on the available educational institutions (e.g. public schools, private schools, universities, vocational training centres).
- The administrative requirements for both educational and vocational training enrolment (e.g. language requirements, costs, proof of previous education levels).
- Availability of the following opportunities and their benefits on their integration and employment perspectives:
- vocational training programmes and apprenticeships
- educational opportunities such as evening classes, part-time courses and online learning options suitable for people in full-time employment, single parents
- language learning opportunities
- integration programmes that combine language learning with vocational training or job placement services
- digital literacy programmes to help gain essential computer and internet skills
- adapted educational options for beneficiaries with special needs (e.g. special schools, remote learning, transportation).
- Available financial support options such as grants, scholarships and loans. Additionally, provide information on eligibility criteria and applications.
- Available childcare opportunities that would enable parents to attend educational courses.
Practical tips
- During the information sessions, provide beneficiaries with real life examples to emphasise the benefits of education and vocational training.
- Provide them with information materials (e.g. leaflets and brochures), where FAQs are answered in a simple and concrete manner (e.g. ‘where can I learn the local language?’, ‘Is education free of charge?’).
- Provide one-on-one counselling or mentorship programmes to guide beneficiaries through the education system.
- Highlight the possibility for women to participate in education programmes for adults and how this supports their integration prospects.