African refugees’ access to higher education: Voices from Egypt

Abstract

Using Pierre Bourdieu’s capital framework as a theoretical lens, this qualitative phenomenological case study explored the challenges that obstruct African refugee students’ access to higher education in Egypt. Fifteen African refugee students (ten male and five female) in Egypt responded to semi-structured interview questions to express their views regarding the challenges that prevent them from attending public and private post-secondary institutions. The authors identified these challenges and classified them into three thematic categories: sociocultural, economic and psychological barriers. In addition to these barriers, the lack of relevant laws and policies governing refugee access to higher education in Egypt and the absence of support systems have exacerbated an already dire situation for refugee students. The authors conclude their article with a number of recommendations to enhance and facilitate the access of refugees to higher education in their host communities.