Founding of the Global University AcademyThe University of Hamburg Advocates for University Education for Refugees

12 September 2024, by Newsroom editorial office

Autumn leaves in front of Universität Hamburg’s Main Building

Photo: Universität Hamburg / Esfandiari

The University of Hamburg is part of an international collaboration that seeks to increase access to university education for refugees.

Sixteen universities around the world have united to improve and expand access to university education for refugees. The University of Hamburg is part of this international effort and advocates for more just access to education.

The Global University Academy (GUA) was founded to support the goal of the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR to increase refugees’ access to universities by 15 percent by 2030. Currently, only 7 percent of refugees around the world have access to university education. The Global University Academy will act as a network of mutual support in efforts to address immediate refugee crises and to develop long-term resources for refugees and people facing expulsion in different contexts with the aim of supporting their right to self-realization.

“Creating just access to education is a core task towards sustainable development. But creating this access for people who have been expelled from their countries or forced to flee is especially important. The task requires the support of many people and it is an honor for us at the University of Hamburg to be working towards this together,” says Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren, president of the University of Hamburg.

In the next 18 months, different institutions, including universities from Africa, Europe, and North America, will develop a framework for jointly created and locally established study opportunities and degree programs. The work will focus on mutual recognition of degree programs; ensuring the relevance and high standards of degree programs; cooperation with local partners; securing long-term funding; and the evaluation and consequences of the project itself.

To develop a long-term perspective, the GUA is seeking further potential university partners in a local environment with a large number of refugees. The Global University Academy will also rely on the contributions of potential learners in refugee communities, organizations headed by refugees, and other global players. Locally and globally, the UNHCR and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) are supporting the initiative, which has already financed over a million refugees in primary and secondary schools in 40 countries. The Grieg Foundation has also provided initial support for the development of the GUA.

The first researchers from the University of Hamburg have signaled their willingness and interest when it comes to helping realize the GUA’s goals. In the upcoming months, the possibilities for getting involved will be consolidated and communicated.

In addition to the University of Hamburg, the following universities are also currently involved: