ColibriThe refugee committee helps displaced persons

In order to return to your studies in France or to work in your field of study, you must request a “certificate of equivalence” from the European Network of Information Centres/ National Academic Recognition Information Centres (Enic-Naric).This process is free for refugees and asylum seekers.  

France has created this process in order to validate an obtained degree in whole or in part, without the need to take any further courses. In this way, you may obtain a French degree which higher education institutions and employers will recognize as valid.
Even if this process does not conclude with the validation of a degree, you will have still carried out a detailed reflection on your knowledge and skills, and you will have benefited from individualized counsel.

How?

It is possible to begin this process at any point in the year.
You must contact an institution that would be able to issue a degree as equivalent as possible to that which you have already obtained.
An expert jury will examine your request, which will be comprised of a file summarizing your academic history, a written reflection on your qualifications, and a copy of any documents that you are capable of providing in order to support your request.
There are multiple steps needed for the evaluation of your file.

Where?
In the Grenoble metropolitan area, there are two institutions that can provide a VES: the UGA and Grenoble INP.
At the UGA, the request process is free; at Grenoble INP, a payment is required.

More information about the VES at Université Grenoble Alpes

This is a Council of Europe program.
This program issues a certificate that can help you prove your qualifications (in order to return to school or find a job more easily).

"Passeport" description

The passport includes information about your work experience and your language proficiency..
 

Who is eligible?

Persons with:

• refugee status
• asylum seeker status

To apply for an assessment:

1. Download the questionnaire (available in Arabe, Frech, or English) 
2. fill out the questionnaire
3. prepare a copy of your residency permit or any other document proving your identity
4. prepare any documents that confirm your education and studies (for exemple: report cards, diplomas, certificates, resumé, etc.)
5. send your completed questionnaire to the following email: refugees.qualifications@coe.int.

If you are selected, a jury will examine your knowledge and skills.
This evaluation is based on an examination of your questionnaire answers, the documents that you have provided, and an oral interview.

Practical matters

The Council of Europe will pay for the travel arrangements and meals of applicants who must travel in order to attend the interviews.
Some interviews may be carried out via Skype.
Each year, several sessions are held in countries that issue EPQRs.

Duration

If the assessment is successful, the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Find more information on the Council of Europe website
More information on the session being held at Clermont-Ferrand (France) on October 5-9, 2020.
Check out the Facebook page of ENIC-NARIC France