The Pontifical Lateran University is offering 20 scholarships for refugees in Italy to receive education by attending courses at the Rome campus.
The scholarships are aimed at migrants from various crisis areas of the world who have obtained international protection status. The program by the Pontifical Lateran University, known as the "pope's university", is being offered in its second year. It is based on a protocol of intent between the University in Rome and the Italian Interior Ministry.
Access to courses as well as room and board
The Italian Interior Ministry specifies that the project is for "young students with international protection status who have already received a scholarship for the 2016/2017 academic year and to international protection holders" in reception centres for asylum seekers and refugees. It specifically indicates "particular reference to resettled individuals with secondary school diplomas and knowledge of the Italian language at A1/A2 level who are older than 18 and are enrolling for the first time in the Italian university system".
Candidates are selected through interviews that go into more detail about their reasons for wanting to enrol and the cultural prerequisites for their chosen degree programme. Once selected, they can enroll for free in the university's degree programme. The university's network of dormitories provides scholarship holders with "room and board and free access to didactic services (libraries, university centres and cafeterias) for the first academic year, with the possibility for worthy students that complete their study path to renew for successive years".
Applications are due September 10
'Recognising migrants' cultural heritage' In a statement, the Pontifical Lateran University said the goal of the programme is to "respond to the various aid requests through a continuously more active and welcome migrant and refugee presence on campus, recognising their rich cultural and spiritual heritage as a 'resource' for the local Church". "The project takes its inspiration from the ethic of welcoming that Pope Francis has so often evoked, and intends to promote and support initiatives aimed at respect for the dignity and human rights of people who come from impoverished countries and reach the west in search of peace and safety. Migration can be seen as an invitation to experience 'brotherhood in diversity'. In so doing, the Pontifical Lateran University intends to do its part, recognizing the importance of dialogue between cultures and religions".