Ukrainian Students in Luxembourg Exploring Post-16 Education Options

As the Luxembourg school year comes to a close, many students over the age of sixteen are exploring their options for further education - and Ukrainian students having arrived in the Grand Duchy following Russia's full-scale invasion of their home country last year are no exception.

At present, it is compulsory in Luxembourg to attend school between the ages of four and sixteen. In February 2022, Luxembourg's Ministry of Education, Children and Youth announced a new law that will raise the school leaving age to eighteen, although the ministry recently confirmed to Chronicle.lu that this law is still in the legislative process. Moreover, the extension will only come into force three years after the law is voted on.

Depending on their school, secondary students in Luxembourg can work towards obtaining their Luxembourgish school leaving exam (Baccalaureate), the European or International Baccalaureate or their A-Levels (preceded by IGCSEs). However, access to these leaving exams and certificates depends on a student's academic performance and capabilities (e.g. language skills), among other factors.

For several Ukrainian students, for example, staying on at their current school in Luxembourg beyond the age of sixteen to complete these leaving exams is not a possibility, mainly due to language requirements. Looking back to when Ukrainian refugees began arriving in Luxembourg in spring last year, the Education Ministry and schools worked together to accommodate this influx of newly arrived students, particularly in public international schools. Depending on their existing language levels, some Ukrainian students could join other Luxembourg students in regular or "mainstream" classes; others were enrolled in specially set up reception classes (primarily taught in English). Note that some schools plan to scrap these reception classes in the new school year (either due to limited capacity or students leaving), with remaining students being integrated into mainstream classes.

It is the understanding of Chronicle.lu that, whilst some Ukrainian students already had a high level of languages like English and/or French before arriving in Luxembourg and others have significantly improved their language skills since attending school here, and can thus continue on at their current schools, other Ukrainian students (aged 16+) still do not have the necessary language skills (or grades) to finish their schooling in the more traditional academic establishments. For some students, particularly the older ones, it has also been difficult to adapt to the Luxembourg school system, with some opting to continue their Ukrainian education (a system which differs significantly from that in Luxembourg) remotely.

Having learned that some Ukrainian students were struggling to find suitable alternatives, Chronicle.lu reached out to the Education Ministry for comment and received the following response: "The situation and personal projects of the Ukrainian students differ from one student to another. Some of them are planning to return to Ukraine or to enrol in higher education in Eastern Europe and may therefore no longer attend school in Luxembourg in September 2023. Others for instance may choose to take online courses following the Ukrainian school programmes. To all those intending to continue schooling in Luxembourg, a solution among several options is offered, according to their profile."

Current options include continuing down the academic route by working towards obtaining the "Diplôme d’accès aux études supérieures" (DAES; a recognised diploma offering access to higher education and the labour market) at the ENAD school for adults. According to the ministry, this is an option for students with a sufficient level of English and French. Another academic option offered at ENAD is the CLIJA integration class for young adults, aimed at improving one's language skills (particularly in French).

Students can also opt for vocational training programmes, for example at Lycée Privé Emile Metz (LPEM) and École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme (EHTL), which also offer courses in English; according to the ministry, all applications from Ukrainian students have been accepted to date.

The ministry also clarified that the ministerial departments are currently organising "personalised" interviews for students who have not yet enrolled in a vocational training course, "in order to determine their personal project and guide them towards a training which corresponds to their profile."

In addition, students who choose to leave the Luxembourg school system altogether can receive guidance from the National Youth Service (Service national de la Jeunesse - SNJ).

It is also the understanding of Chronicle.lu that, for several months, various secondary schools in Luxembourg have been trying to prepare and guide their students who wish to continue their studies, but cannot do so at these schools, as they weigh up their options. Certain schools have been reaching out to the alternative institutions mentioned above on behalf of their students and helping them prepare for interviews or organising tours (for example at EHTL).