Our Vision
The Global Refugee Education Project arose in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Member colleges and universities recognized that there was no easy way for refugee students to connect with and apply to U.S. institutions. Refugee students may not have access to the usual required documents nor school counselors who can assist them in educational planning. To help simplify the process for these students, we’ve partnered with Concourse, a global application platform, to allow students to provide their application information to interested U.S. institutions for free. Concourse can help refugee students connect with English-language testing or virtual interview opportunities at no cost. Concourse also provides access to pro bono counselors who can help students prepare their applications and gather the necessary documents. The partner institutions have agreed to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for any refugee student who is admitted through this program.
Who Should Apply
Most U.S. institutions share similar regular application processes. Application deadlines are typically in January, admissions decisions are released in April, and students enroll the following September. We acknowledge that this timeline may not work for refugee students who don’t have access to the support systems US students have. GREP is thus best suited to students in immediate crisis:
- Have you been forced to flee your home city or country as a result of war or natural disaster with little or no warning?
- Are you currently living among refugees or other displaced peoples without access to your official school records or to teachers who can support you in the application process?
- Do you lack access to non-governmental organizations or community-based organizations that can guide you in applying to U.S. institutions?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, GREP may be a useful tool for you. But it’s important to note that refugees and other displaced students do not need to use GREP to be admitted to our institutions. Each of our schools is committed to enrolling an internationally diverse student population and providing appropriate financial support to allow students to attend.
If you are living in the United States or attending a U.S. high school or postsecondary institution, please use our institutions’ regular application platforms to apply (e.g., the Common Application or Apply Coalition on Scoir).
Application Process
Interested students should complete this form to send their information to each of the member institutions. Each school can then reach out directly to provide additional information. Students should also create a profile on Concourse and submit what materials they have available (like transcripts or copies of academic records) through the Concourse platform. Partner schools will review refugee applications through Concourse and contact prospective admitted students to provide further information on next steps and financial aid.
Member Colleges and Universities
Bowdoin College
Brown University
California Institute of Technology
Dartmouth College
New York University
Pomona College
Yale University
Smith College
Trinity College
Williams College
