Online course aimed at refugees offers potential university place
Kiron, a German education start-up, is working with refugee students to develop an online course that, if completed, would allow refugees free second year entrance to partner universities. Less than 1% of refugees have access to higher education and, by offering a course aimed at their new country's language, accompanied by career guidance, Kiron hopes to enable them to integrate into their host country. The first year study uses massive open online courses. Berlin-based Kiron is already working with 1,500 students in Germany and recently expanded into France.

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Berlin-based Kiron works with refugee students to put together an online course of study, rigorous enough to provide entry into a partner university’s second year of study. Using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Kiron helps students master their new country’s language while studying basic prerequisites for a chosen university degree. Already working with more than 1,500 students in Germany, Kiron recently expanded into France.

With less than one percent of all refugees able to access higher education, MOOCs help get new students to the necessary level of knowledge for in-person university study. Kiron also provides off-line support including study buddy programs and career guidance. Once a participant completes the two-year online program, he or she has the opportunity to enroll for free (as a second year student) in one of Kiron’s partner university’s programs.

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