FAQ

BEFORE REGISTRATION
Q: Do I need to have a refugee status to be able to take part in Radboud Welcomes Newcomers?
A: No, all newcomers, despite their status, are welcome. This programme might even be specifically interesting for people who are still in procedure to already get to know the educational system.
Q: What are the entry requirements?
A: The admission requirements are briefly listed below: You need to have sufficient knowledge (B2) of the Dutch or English language (depending on the language of the course you want to follow) You need to have an academic or pre-academic background. You need to be motivated and have the time to follow a course at our university. The Radboud Welcomes Newcomers programme is accessible, but not without commitment. We expect that, just like your fellow-student, you show dedication to complete the course.
Q: How and when can I register for a course?
A: First of all, you scan through the list of courses. Which course suits your background, interests and ambition? Once selected, fill in the registration form. We will contact you as soon as possible (within 5 working days). You will find the deadlines for registration at the top of this page. Registration after the deadline has passed is not possible. You are more than welcome to register for the next period.
Q: How can I pay my travel expenses to Radboud University?
A: We advise you to first ask COA (if relevant) to cover for your travel expenses. We can send a proof of acceptance for this. If you already have a status and you live in social housing, you can ask your case manager at the municipality. If this is not possible, we have (limited) resources available to compensate for your travel expenses. Please contact your contact person at Radboud University after registration for this.
Q: Can I register for more than one course?
A: No, it is not possible to register for multiple courses per period. If there is still space in the next period, you are more than welcome to register for another course in the new period. You can follow up to 2 courses per academic year.
Q: Can I borrow a laptop during the course?
A: Yes, we have laptops available to borrow. You can indicate this in your registration form and your contact person will arrange this together with you.

DURING THE COURSE
Q: How will you help me during the course?
A: When you follow the course, you will be supported in several ways. Information meeting: we start the trajectory with an information meeting. Here, you will meet other refugee students and you will be matched to your buddy. We will give you a tour around campus so you’ll know where to be once the lectures start. Moreover, we will have a shared IT class to get you acquainted with our online learning environment. Via a Buddy: you are matched with a buddy, a Dutch or International student at Radboud University. The buddy is available for questions during the trajectory and you can meet them for a cup of coffee. Together with your buddy, you take part in social activities. Social activities Via social activities: you are invited to a few social activities such as lunch, a sport card and an excursion to a museum. Your buddy (and fellow students and their buddy’s) will also be invited.
Q: I am experiencing hardships with academic writing or other academic skills. Can someone help me with this?
A: Take a look at the website of the Radboud writing lab. Radboud University offers several (free) workshops to improve your academic skills. You can register with your student number.
Q: What is the buddy project for Radboud Welcomes Newcomers?
A: We aim to match all students from Radboud Welcomes Newcomers with a buddy. This is a regular Dutch or International student at Radboud University that offered voluntarily to be a buddy within the programme. You buddy can help you with: Social contact at our university. We ask the buddy’s to meet once every two weeks with the student. You can ask your buddy everything about Radboud University such as study related questions, the Dutch culture etc. Practical things such as finding the right classroom or building, asking how the library works, how does the online learning environment Brightspace work etc. Education: a buddy can share their own experiences. Keep in mind that your buddy might not have the same educational background as you, so they might not be able to help you with specific knowledge questions. However, possibly they can help you with how to handle an assignment, how you can prevent plagiarism, how you can make a presentation, how to contact a lecturer.
Q: Do I have to share my refugee background with the lecturer and my fellow students?
A: No. Nobody except for the coordinator of the course knows that you have a refugee background. The coordinator received this information for registration purposes. You can decide for yourself what you want to share and what you don’t want to share.

AFTER THE COURSE
Q: Do I get a certificate?
A: Yes, there are two types of certificates: A certificate of participation if you were present in more than 80% of the course. A graded certificate if you passed the exam (5.5 or higher). The certificate serves as a nice addition to your cv. Radboud Welcomes Newcomers lets you get acquainted with the Dutch educational system, but does not give you EC (European Credits). It also does not help with admission to a bachelor or master programme.
Q: Can I follow another course or apply for a bachelor of master programme?
A: After completion of the course, you can register for a new one if you like. Applying to a bachelor or master programme is only possible if you have a status and meet the entry requirements for the programme. You can find these on the web page of every programme. If you have any additional questions about admission, you can contact admissions@ru.nl

Is your question not listed here? Send an email to radboudwelcomesnewcomers@ru.nl.