Starting in the 2018 school year, hopeful adult undergraduates will be able to benefit from six grade 5 classes at different levels, offering a comprehensive programme in French or German, mathematics and digital and civics skills as well as orientation sessions.

According to the government, the creation of the classes was prompted by an influx of people applying for international protection in Luxembourg. They should make it possible for refugees, among others, to attend the final classes of secondary education and vocational training.

For those who already have the required qualifications to study at higher education in Luxembourg but not the languages, language and preparatory courses will also be offered. Meanwhile a system will be put in place to enable people to join a higher education course after the start of the academic year.

“A qualification and mastery of the languages of the country are prerequisites enabling an adult to integrate in a sustainable way on the labour market of the host country,” the education ministry wrote in a press release published on 16 August, adding: “In Luxembourg, the 5th grade (9th year of study and last grade of lower secondary education) is decisive for access to higher secondary education and vocational training.”

The initiative complements the existing offer from the Caritas Foundation of bridging classes for young adults.