Welcoming Migrants, Refugees, or Asylum Seekers

Since 2011, Europe has seen a growing influx of people forced to flee their countries amid uncertain geopolitical contexts. At Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), through our initiatives for people in exile*, we uphold the values of academic freedom, inclusion, and solidarity so that these individuals can continue their studies and research.
A student in the "Passerelle étudiants en exil" university diploma program offered by the Centre universitaire d'études françaises at Université Grenoble Alpes. © Thierry Morturier / Université Grenoble Alpes
A student in the "Passerelle étudiants en exil" university diploma program offered by the Centre universitaire d'études françaises at Université Grenoble Alpes. © Thierry Morturier / Université Grenoble Alpes

Our programs aim in particular to simplify access to information and procedures for people in exile wishing to pursue higher education at Université Grenoble Alpes. We also coordinate a set of specific support mechanisms to meet the needs of these audiences.
  • Tuition fee exemption
    Students with refugee status, subsidiary protection beneficiaries, stateless persons, or asylum seekers benefit from a full exemption from tuition fees at Université Grenoble Alpes.
  • A tailored application file
    Students in exile can apply for undergraduate admission at Université Grenoble Alpes through a specific application procedure.
  • A Dedicated Reception Center
    The Colibri Center is the primary point of contact for people in exile. It provides essential support, not only to alleviate the daily hardships associated with extreme precariousness, but also to answer questions regarding arrival in France, training, and the recognition of academic credentials.
  • Coordinated Support
    The Espace Colibri also offers job application workshops (resumes, application procedures, etc.) and refers participants to resources for learning French.

  • Refresher Courses Through the Co-Former program, UGA students provide academic support in various subjects (French, mathematics, computer science, English) to help people in exile resume their studies or integrate into society.
  • A University Diploma (DU) to Prepare for Resuming Studies in French
    The “Passerelle – Students in Exile” university diploma serves as a stepping stone to French universities and provides any student who has been forced to interrupt their studies with all the linguistic, cultural, and methodological prerequisites needed to re-enter a higher education program in France.
  • A program dedicated to welcoming scientists in danger
    The Emergency Assistance Program for Scientists and Artists in Exile (PAUSE) was created by the Collège de France to support scientists in exile. Every year, UGA laboratories welcome researchers from a variety of disciplines as part of this program.
  • The UGA Refugee Committee
    A dedicated working group has been established to coordinate all of these initiatives.
For more information:
Visit the Colibri website
 
(*) We have chosen to use the term "in exile" to refer to all people who have had to leave their country due to a crisis. This term includes: refugees, asylum seekers, people under subsidiary protection, and people who hold a visa from a country in crisis.
Published on August 22, 2025
Updated on June 19, 2026