Five refugee students begin Masters in Ireland as part of groundbreaking scholarship programme
Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre and UNHCR Ireland celebrate the arrival of five talented refugee students to Ireland in recent weeks, as part of a pioneering educational scholarship programme. This programme forges new education pathways for forcibly displaced individuals to pursue higher education in Ireland.
Nasc and UNHCR Ireland have spearheaded the development of the EU-Passworld programme and are delighted that the University of Galway, University College Cork and University College Dublin, as designated Universities of Sanctuary, are the first to join the project, offering safe and legal routes for refugee scholars.
“This year, five refugee graduates registered with UNHCR in Uganda have been awarded scholarships,” said Fiona Hurley, CEO of Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, highlighting the programme’s role in shedding a light on refugee crises often overlooked by mainstream media.
“With Uganda alone hosting over 1.7 million refugees, this programme reinforces that we have not forgotten those displaced by conflict in Africa and that we can be part of a global movement towards solutions. The programme allows students to find a safe and stable new home, free from conflict and persecution, while bringing diverse insights and skills to Irish universities.”
One of the key benefits of the programme is that it targets areas of skills shortages in Ireland. Universities select students in disciplines with a high demand from employers. This facilitates the refugee scholars to go directly from graduation to meaningful employment and contributing to the Irish economy. Enda O Neill, Head of Office with UNHCR Ireland said “The value of education pathways extends beyond the individual success for the refugee students. It can play an important part in changing the narrative about refugees to seeing the knowledge and skills they bring to our community.“
As the programme expands, Nasc, UNHCR Ireland and the three participating universities are creating a roadmap for other higher education institutions to prioritise diversity and integration on their own campuses. Associate Professor Mary Dempsey, Vice Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Science and Engineering of University of Galway, expressed pride in the role that University of Galway have had in piloting education pathways: “University of Galway is very proud to be part of the EU-Passworld project for the second year in a row. Through our University of Sanctuary commitments, we continue to foster a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment here in Galway. As the only participating university in the 2023 – 2024 cycle, we are delighted to see other universities now following suit and facilitating refugees’ opportunities and contributions in Ireland.”
Tessa Cornally, Complementary Pathways Officer at Nasc noted the programme’s important impact on community integration: “This scholarship programme is accompanied by a wonderful volunteering initiative called Community Sponsorship. There are volunteer groups across the country made up of people from all walks of life, including students, professionals, retirees and more. They support the refugee students’ arrival in Ireland through fundraising and social support and it’s fantastic to see the bonds and growth that can come from that.”
Note: In September 2024, five highly motivated refugee students began full-time, fully-funded one year Master’s degrees at University of Galway (two students), University College Dublin (two students) and University College Cork (1 student). Many months of hard work from universities, volunteers and colleagues in international organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration were essential in making this possible. Education Pathways continue to be developed by Nasc and UNHCR Ireland – interested universities are encouraged to contact Complementary Pathways Officer Tessa Cornally at tessa@nascireland.org.