WURth-while

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What is WURth-while?

WURth-while is an initiative started by a group of people from WUR and the Dutch Council for Refugees (Vluchtelingenwerk Oost Nederland). It provides refugees access to some free courses at the University. Participants can get an orientation of about 3 or 4 courses (from which they can get an official print-out of their study-results), but they are not eligible to get a full degree via WURth-while. For taking a full study program (MSc or BSc degree) we advise them to contact the UAF.

What is the aim/mission?

We aim to enable refugees to continue developing themselves, as well as becoming part of the society. This is beneficial to the well-being of individual refugees as well as to society in general. Research shows that exclusion decreases the long-term chances for participation both in the labour market, and in other roles in society. WURth-while therefore aims to include refugees in the society by staying actively involved with their field of studies, with students and professors in Wageningen. The first evaluation confirms that WURth-while participants experienced various benefits of being included and welcomed at the University. In this way WURth-while helps newcomers to make constructive use of the waiting period.

Who can follow the courses?

If you are a refugee with an academic background or with experience studying at a university you are eligible for an intake. After application a member of our team will have an intake meeting with you. A report of the intake will be sent to the course coordinator, who decides if you can be admitted to the course.

Courses are taught in English or Dutch (see course list) and you have to show sufficient proficiency in English or Dutch during the intake. Please note that the course admission procedure takes some time, so please apply at least 6 weeks before the course starts.

Which courses are available?

Wageningen University & Research (WUR)  has a focus on the domain of food and living environment.

Within this domain courses are available on BSc and MSc level in the five disciplinary fields:
• Agrotechnology and Food Sciences
• Animal Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Plant Sciences
• Social Sciences

How to apply for WURth-while

WURth-while students can participate in BSc and MSc course of Wageningen University after being admitted by the coordinators of WURth-while and the course itself. For more information go to: How to apply for WURth-while.

Registration for period 4 is possible until January 18, 2025.

WURth-while courses are free of charge. You can do one course per period. You can join a maximum of 4 courses in total (unless explicitly agreed otherwise in exceptional cases). The WUR academic year has 6 course periods. For details, see Calender Academic Year.

After successful completion of the course(s) you can get an official print-out of your study results at the service desk in the Forum building.

The WURth-while programme offers courses that do not include excursions or practical training. Places in the available courses are limited, so full = full! If you do not fully participate in a course it will be more difficult to register for another course.

Please note: We cannot reimburse any travel costs.

Opening up your courses for WURth-while students

Yes, teachers at Wageningen University can open up their courses for this initiative! For further details please contact: WURth.while@wur.nl.

We are looking for buddies

As a WUR student you can become a buddy and help refugee students finding their way at WUR. You can register per period and commit about an hour per week to your buddy! Interested? Send an email to Valerie at wurth.while@wur.nl.

Other questions

In case of any remaining questions please check our Q&A or mail to WURth.while@wur.nl.