23 migrants will be financially supported in 2017/18 by the Borealis-MORE entry scholarship to start their studies. An important step, because students in basic care are largely excluded from financial aid. Persons entitled to asylum are in principle eligible for a scholarship, but at the beginning the relevant criteria are often not yet met.
"This is where our scholarship comes in and helps committed asylum seekers get started. It fills gaps where government support is not enough. After all, education is one of the key factors in our efforts to become part of our society and provide a future for our new fellow citizens," explains Dorothea Wiplinger, Sustainability Manager at Borealis. The funds for this subsidy come from the Borealis Social Fund.
Computer Science in Particular Demand
Since the winter semester 2015/16, asylum seekers have been prepared for university studies at JKU as part of the MORE program, initiated by the universities conference uniko. 110 participants have already completed the program.
"Now, thanks to the help of Borealis, the first people can actually start or continue their studies," says JKU program manager Univ.-Prof. Johann Bacher. From the 35 applications, a five-member selection committee identified 23 students. They come from eight different nations and are spread over twelve fields of study.
"Participation in the program is a clear commitment to our social responsibility as an educational institution. Our university is open to all people who want to work on expanding their knowledge – regardless of their background," explains JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas. "The partnership with Borealis guarantees a sustainable continuation of MORE, both in terms of quality and scope."
Details of the scholarship
The award is tied to the fulfillment of various requirements (admission to a course of study at JKU, refugee background, approval by the selection committee, no access to student aid) and to the achievement of certain performance thresholds (conclusion of a learning agreement). The entry-level scholarship is dependent on residence and student status, is paid monthly and makes 1 per academic year.200 to 3.600 euros from.
Statements from scholarship holders (anonymized)
A computer science student has already completed a bachelor's degree in Afghanistan and has been in the MORE program since the winter semester of 2016. He explains his motivation for studying computer science at JKU as follows: "Already in school, the desire to become a computer scientist emerged. The possibility of simplifying cumbersome procedures by writing a script immediately captivated me."
The young man was able to gain work experience as a network administrator before fleeing to Austria, and hopes to gain "in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of information technology fields to work responsibly as a network administrator in a company" by studying computer science.
"Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science – this combination is actually my world, and after studying mechatronics for a semester, I'm quite sure that this degree is the best choice for me. Until now I have tried to finance my studies myself. It was very difficult," says one of the entry-level scholarship recipients. "As a refugee, I should give something back to Austria" is the Syrian convinced. "After my studies, I definitely want to provide my knowledge to a company in Austria."
A scholarship holder has been taking the Master's program in Biological Chemistry at JKU since the summer semester of 2017. "I am very happy that the scholarship gives me the opportunity to continue learning. After graduation, I would like to make my knowledge available to society and thank JKU and Borealis for this opportunity," says the student.