What is RefugEAP?

RefugEAP is a free, online pre-university academic English programme for refugee-background students across the UK. It supports those who need to develop their academic English skills to access university, but who may not yet have been able to join a formal English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course.

Created to fill this gap, RefugEAP offers a supportive, flexible way for students to strengthen their academic English while they await more formal opportunities.

Co-developed by staff from the University of Leicester’s Sanctuary Seekers’ Unit and the University of Leeds Language Centre, the programme has to date supported 127 students across four cohorts.

It is proudly backed by partner organisations such as:

• Breaking Barriers, who offer wrap-around support and referrals

• Screen Share, who supply digital devices for students in need

• Password Testing and Duolingo English Test, who provide assessments

...along with an incredible team of volunteer tutors.

More about RefugEAP can be found on our RefugEAP Programme web pages, our YouTube playlist, RefugEAP Programme BlueSky page: @refugeap.bsky.social‬, and in the RefugEAP Programme Impact Report 2022–25, which details the impact we've made so far.

How You Can Help

Thanks to the ongoing support of our universities, partners, and volunteers, we’ve been delivering this programme since 2022. But to continue offering RefugEAP to future cohorts, we now need your help.

We are seeking funding in two key areas:

- Laptops: We’re raising funds to cover a small cost per refurbished device provided by our partner, Screen Share. Until now, this has been offered at no charge, but a sustainable model is now in place where donor organisations help cover the cost.

- Programme Co-ordinator: To ensure the programme runs smoothly and sustainably, we need support for a part-time co-ordinator post from August to March each year.

All funds raised and how they are spent will be reported in future annual impact reports.

Thank you to all our amazing supporters … past, present, and future!