The Dreamersproject is a pilot that gives undocumented young people and refugees in procedure access to academic education. The project has been made possible in part thanks to support from the Study Without Borders Fund, a Named Fund of the UvA Fund. 

Practical support and a buddy 

The pilot started in the 2025– 2026 academic year at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. In collaboration with ASKV (Amsterdam Solidarity Committee for Refugees) and UAF (Foundation for Refugee Students), a small group of participants was given the opportunity to take courses through the Open UvA College. They received study materials, a laptop, travel expense reimbursement, and a buddy to help them navigate the university. 

For the participants, the project meant much more than education alone. It offered structure, hope, and the feeling of being able to look ahead again. Some had previously been admitted to other programmes but were held back by administrative regulations. The Dreamers Project finally gave them the opportunity to do what they most want: study and develop themselves. 

Tasnim is one of the seven students who participated in the Dreamers pilot. This Palestinian student, born in Damascus, followed the course All Things in Media within Communication Science. 
Tasnim is 20 years old and obtained an International Baccalaureate diploma before applying for asylum. 

'In 2024, I applied for asylum in the Netherlands, and since then I have not been able to continue my studies. I am very interested in technology, particularly data science and artificial intelligence. Through the Dreamers Project, I took the course All Things in Media. It reconnected me with my interest in technology, but from the perspective of communication science.'

What did it mean for you to study at the UvA through the Dreamers Project? 

'The Dreamers Project meant a great deal to me. It was my first opportunity to experience university life and study in a real academic environment. This opportunity gave me the space to learn again and explore my interests. I also felt part of the university community, especially thanks to the buddy programme. I received valuable guidance, met new people, and learned from their experiences.'

What were the biggest obstacles before you joined? 

'My biggest obstacle was being undocumented. No matter how hard I tried, I could not start my university studies without a residence status — even after being admitted to a bachelor’s programme. Access to higher education felt out of reach, despite all my efforts. The Dreamers Project was the only path that truly gave me the opportunity to experience university education, despite my situation.'

What was it like to study in a university environment again? 

'I quickly adapted to the rhythm of university education and really enjoyed the experience, even though I initially found it overwhelming. The support of my buddy helped enormously with adjusting. It made me feel increasingly comfortable in the academic environment.'

What has the project brought you? 

'The project helped me grow both personally and academically. I met new people, gained valuable experiences, and discovered an interest in communication science that I had not expected beforehand. I also strengthened important academic skills, such as conducting research, time management, and effective note-taking. These skills will certainly help me in my future studies.'

What do you hope for the future of the Dreamers Project? 

'I hope the Dreamers Project can give other young people access to education and the opportunity to experience university life. It can help them grow both academically and personally, and develop the confidence and motivation to continue their educational journey. I hope it can serve as a starting point that opens doors to further study and future opportunities.'

What message do you have for donors to the Study Without Borders Fund? 

'I would like to sincerely thank the donors for making these opportunities possible. Their support does more than finance education: it gives people hope, self-confidence, and the chance to keep pursuing their goals. I hope this project continues to grow and can reach even more students in the future.'