EMUNI University and UNHCR have expanded access to higher education for refugees through the Education Pathway Pilot in Slovenia. This initiative provides refugee students with structured pathways to pursue Master’s degrees at EMUNI, overcoming financial and administrative barriers.
The collaboration was highlighted at a press conference on March 17, 2025, in Piran, Slovenia, with government, humanitarian, and academic leaders discussing the importance of education pathways for refugee integration. UNHCR emphasized education as a gateway to stability and opportunity, noting only 7% of refugees have access to higher education compared to 42% of non-refugees.
Since October 2024, two Syrian refugee students have enrolled in EMUNI’s Master’s programmes. Slovenia’s involvement reflects its commitments at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum to provide safe pathways for refugees.
The pilot is part of a global effort to create educational opportunities for refugees, with similar projects like UNICORE in Italy and Education Pathways Ireland. EMUNI and UNHCR aim to expand this collaboration, creating a more inclusive and resilient future.
