Education

UNHCR is responsible for implementing education programs at Kutupalong RC, Nyapara RC, and the Transit center for children aged 3-18 years, as well as lifelong learning for adolescents and youth aged 16-24 years across the UNHCR camps.

In addition, there are some opportunities are available for the third-country education pathways program for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

UNHCR and partners provide education services for refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char camps free of charge.

Available Services: 

  • Basic education using the Myanmar Curriculum from grades 1 to 5 at the transit center. 
  • Formal education using the Pearson Edexcel Curriculum in ECE and KG to grade 8 at Kutupalong and Nyapara RC 
  • Life-long learning (6 months long, Languages, Images, and Analytical Thinking -LIT) program for adolescents and youth aged 16-24 who have lower secondary level education.
  • Bridging Program (12-month program also known as Refugee Higher Education Access program- RhEAP) for adolescents and youth aged 17-24 who have a minimum grade 9 level of competencies. 
  • Some opportunities for third-country education pathways to pursue a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in the Philippines, Canada, and Japan. 

My child is not in school. How can I enroll them?

There are four possible options depending on the age and academic background of your child: 

  1. If your child is between 3 and 4 years old, s/he can enroll in Early Childhood Education (ECE). You can approach the nearest ECE center and meet with the facilitator or school supervisor. 
  2. If your child (new arrival) is 5 years old, s/he can enroll in Kindergarten (KG). You can approach the nearest Learning Centre (LC) and meet with teachers or the school supervisor. For the registered refugees, the age group will be 5-6 years, and they need to approach the nearest school. 
  3. If your child (new arrival) is between 6 and 14 years old and has never attended secondary grades, s/he can enroll in primary education while in registered camps, the age group will be 7- 12. Please approach the nearest LC or school. 
  4. Overaged children aged 11+ with a lack of age and grade-appropriate competency will attend accelerated learning programs. You can approach the nearest Learning Centre. 

My child has finished primary school. How can they attend secondary school?

Please visit a nearby school/LC and meet with the school supervisor/Head teacher/assistant teacher.

You can also get more information about the secondary school/LC from the LC where your child completed primary education. Your child may need to attend a placement test to enroll in secondary classes. 

What kind of education is available for adolescents and youth (between 16 to 24 years old)?

Beyond secondary education, there are two possible opportunities available, depending on age and previous academic background: 

  1. Language, Images, and Analytical Thinking (LIT): Youth/adolescents (Aged 16-24 years) with basic literacy and numeracy skills and potentially Lower-secondary education completion (up to grade 7) are eligible to enroll for this course. The learner will receive six months of education focused on acquiring English language skills, imaginative thinking, analytical skills, and digital literacy skills. After completing this upskilling program, the learner will be eligible to enroll in the Bridging program or skills training. 
  2. Bridging Program: Youth/adolescents (aged 17-24) who have completed LIT or completed up to grade 9 will be eligible to enroll for this higher education access program (RhEAP) comprising different subject areas. This 12-month course is a bridging program that paves the pathway for learners to pursue their university-level education in the future. 

What do I need to enroll my child in school at Camp?

Your child will require:

  • a refugee ID
  • any previous school certificates/transcripts could be helpful, so please bring them for enrolment.

Are there scholarships available for our children for higher education? If so, how can we access them?

For higher education institutions already offering scholarships, UNHCR maintains the Opportunities site, a scholarship which includes many scholarship opportunities to study in countries that meet basic refugee protection standards and access to international protection. 

In Bangladesh, we have a JICA scholarship program for the master’s degree program for a limited number of students. The students aged 22-39, who have completed their graduation and have original certificates and transcripts, are eligible to apply. Additionally, scholarships for a bachelor’s degree are available in the Philippines and Canada, but these are limited. Students must present their HSC/RhEAP education completion certificates and transcripts to obtain this scholarship.  

In the first quarter of the year, the information about the scholarship program is usually disseminated by COMS, and after that, the education team communicates with the potential students. Additionally, students who ask for a scholarship opportunity through CAIPP are enlisted as potential candidates and are contacted when there is an opportunity.

 

If you are interested in enrolling in any of these programmes, approach your nearest learning centre for more information, or go to one of the Information, Complaints and Feedback points.