Post-graduation Transition (Mentorship, Internships, Private Sector Links, Housing)
Mentorship / Internship
WUSC Student Refugee Program (Canada)
The WUSC program in Canada is active since 1978 and welcome around 130 students each year. To ensure the necessary support and community network, each university has a Local Committee composed by volunteers mentoring and supporting the students in their new Canadian life.
Community Sponsorship linked to education pathways– Ireland & Belgium
(See also Community Sponsorship module)
Partnership Example: University of Galway Internship (Ireland)
University of Galway works with a local biomedical devices SME that has a commitment to demonstrating social values and corporate social responsibility. Aerogen provides dedicated paid placements of at least 7 months duration in relevant departments that also fulfil the research and experiential requirements of the master's degrees for the students.
They also provide personalised mentoring and guidance on career skills to the refugee students, enabling them to build their CVs and begin the transition from education into independent careers. This partnership has been successful because Aerogen has a well-established programme for placement students and because the refugee students fulfil workforce needs in the company as well as enhancing diversity and inclusion within the company.
Aerogen is located adjacent to the campus and close to refugee student accommodation and has a good relationship with the education pathways programme as well as longstanding links with University of Galway. Refugee students are eligible to apply for extended contracts with Aerogen, although there is no guarantee of long-term employment.
Example of collaboration with employers - Club D’Entreprise (France)[PI4]
In February 2025, Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA, France), in partnership with its Business Club, launched a tripartite mentorship programme bringing together students, academic staff, and companies, with the objective of strengthening links between higher education and the professional world while supporting students’ career development and employability.
For students, the mentorship programme supports career orientation and fosters a better understanding of professions and workplace expectations through guidance from experienced professionals.
Students also benefit from personalised support during their transition into employment, gaining access to mentors’ professional networks and receiving practical advice on career choices, job searching, and professional integration.
For companies, the programme provides an opportunity to express their skills and competency needs, particularly in relation to interns, apprentices, and future graduates.
In addition, companies can promote their organisation and sector of activity while improving their understanding of young people’s aspirations.
Finally, the programme encourages students to engage with local employers, thereby increasing their motivation and contributing to the attractiveness of the regional labour market.
In 2025, two students from the Education pathway Programme participated in the mentorship scheme, benefiting directly from the guidance and professional networks offered by the partner companies. Building on this positive experience, the programme will be continued in 2026, with two new students from the University Corridors Programme expected to take part.