The University of Strasbourg supports those in exile in resuming their studies and continuing their research, offering personalised support tailored to each situation through the Student Support and Welfare Office (Mission solidarité).
Students in exile
Resume your studies
The university has set up a dedicated procedure to support people in exile in resuming their studies.
Contact Espace avenir to create your return to studies plan
The Student Support and Welfare Office can also support you in resuming your studies. You can contact the office all year round and are encouraged to do so as early as possible before the start of the academic year at etudiantsrefugies@unistra.fr.
Prepare to resume your studies
The University of Strasbourg helps people in exile get ready to return to higher education and move towards employment through the "Returning to Studies through Language and Intercultural Skills for Refugee Students" University Diploma (Retour aux études par la langue et l’interculturalité des étudiants réfugiés – DU Relier). The DU Relier is a bridging programme that helps you reach the level of French needed to study at university in France (B2 or C1). It is run by the International Institute of French Studies (Institut international d'études françaises – IIEF) within the Faculty of Languages. The programme also includes classes on French culture, how to study at university and preparing for the world of work. As a DU Relier student, you can also do a paid or unpaid traineeship.
Learn more about the DU Relier course
Apply for the DU Relier
To apply for the DU Relier, you must:
- Have a high school diploma (French baccalauréat or equivalent)
- Have at least an A2 level in French
- Live in the Bas-Rhin region of France (department 67)
- Have entered France after 1 January 2021
Download and fill in the application form and send it to the Student Support and Welfare Office to apply.
For more information, contact the Student Support and Welfare Office
Provide proof of your language level or qualifications
To obtain proof of your language level and qualifications, you can apply for the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees.
You can also request recognition of your qualifications from the ENIC-NARIC Centre. This procedure is free of charge for people in exile.
Find accommodation and finance your studies
Registering for the DU Relier allows you to apply for a means-tested grant and student accommodation through the Regional Centre for University and Student Services (Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires – Crous). You may also be eligible for additional financial support.
Find out how to apply for a grant
Learn more about financial support during studies
Explore student accommodation options
Learn more about traineeships and work-study placements
Researchers in exile
As part of the PAUSE programme (programme national d'accueil en urgence des scientifiques et artistes en exil), the University of Strasbourg enables researchers in exile to continue their work. They benefit from an employment contract, as well as professional and administrative support. Support can last from 6 to 24 months for researchers and up to 3 years for PhD students. Researchers supported through this programme come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and Gaza.
Learn more about the PAUSE programme
Eligibility for the PAUSE programme
The PAUSE programme is open to non-EU scientists and artists of all disciplines who meet the following criteria:
- You are in an emergency situation in your home country (threats to your safety, persecution or risk of persecution)
- You have a high-quality research project and a laboratory willing to host you
- You are required to leave your country or have been in France for less than three years
- You have not reached retirement age
For more information about this type of support at the University of Strasbourg, contact the Student Support and Welfare Office at sol-chercheursendanger@unistra.fr.
Useful resources
For support
- Contact the Student Support and Welfare Office
- Email sol-chercheursendanger@unistra.fr
- Email etudiantsrefugies@unistra.fr