Slovenia has launched a significant initiative to provide higher education opportunities for refugee students through the “Education Pathway to Slovenia” program. Thi s program aims to offer refugees who have completed a three-year Bachelor’s degree the chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Slovenia, with comprehensive support to facilitate their social integratio
In January 2025, the first two Syrian refugee students arrived in Slovenia from Türkiye to begin their studies. They were awarded the Slovenian Ad futura scholarship and enrolled in the Master’s program in Kinesiology of Human Performance at the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), taught in English. These students had already commenced online courses prior to their arriv
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Slovenian authorities, EMUNI, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). It aligns with Slovenia’s commitment to providing safe and legal pathways for refugees, as pledged during the Global Refugee Forum in 2023. The program not only focuses on education but also emphasizes the importance of integrating refugees into local communities, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to the local econom
Globally, access to higher education for refugees remains limited, with only 7% of refugees enrolled in tertiary education compared to 42% of non-refugees. Slovenia’s program sets a commendable example of how targeted educational initiatives can empower refugees and foster inclusive s
For more details on the program and its impact, you can read the full press release from UNHCR Europe here:
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