The VASVU offers a programme that prepares those students for the entry examinations of the university with language courses (Dutch and English), mathematics and other subjects (depending on the study programme) like the sciences or history. There is also plenty attention for study skills, orientation on society, educational excursions and meeting study advisors and former students. Participants must have (almost) completed secondary school in the home country, seeking admission to a study programme at the VU but without direct admission. Most students are refugees, although the programme is open to all immigrants and others in the same psoition.The VASVU is a one-year full-time programme with many contact hours at the VU campus, extensive assignments for home work, close guidance and mentoring by staff and university students.