What are Education Pathways?
Complementary education pathways are higher education opportunities through which refugees are admitted to a third country, i.e., a country other than their country of origin and the first country in which they have sought protection. Access of the refugees to these opportunities is based on their education and language skills as opposed to their protection needs. Education opportunities offered through such pathways should allow for a long-term solution through a regular migration system or asylum system in the new country instead of short-term study and scholarship programmes.
These opportunities contribute to refugees’ economic and social empowerment while increasing their agency and self-reliance.
At the same time, they benefit host communities and institutions with a more prosperous academic environment, enhanced social cohesion, and improved academic infrastructure and resources.
Third country education programmes may be part of traditional immigration systems adapted to facilitate the admission of refugees with requisite skillsets on different levels. For programmes of this type to be sustained, it is essential to ensure proper travel documentation for legal entry and stay arrangements. Relevant protection safeguards throughout and following the study duration and subsequent access to information on access to a durable solution are equally important.