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The G12++ certificate connects refugee youth, universities and employers
Refugee students around the world have the skills needed for university and employment. But many don't have the proof. We're changing that with the G12++, a high school-equivalent certificate tailor-made for refugees.
Almost one million displaced youth are excluded from university & employment
Imagine you’re an 18-year-old refugee. Your school shut down because of war, you moved countries and received a patchwork of short-term education programmes. All with different curricula, none of which relate to your real life. You’re determined, and you’ve worked really, really hard. You’ve got the ambition and intellectual capabilities to go to university or get a good job.
But you’re missing a formal high school certificate. Now what?
Universities won’t let you in because you don’t have a diploma, and employers don’t know how to make sense of your education history. You’re not alone. This is the reality for almost one million displaced young people today.
You might think you can get a certificate by taking a standardised exam - there are plenty of three-letter-acronym tests out there. But they're too expensive, inaccessible in the refugee camp where you live, and they insist on testing niche history in a part of the world that you never studied.
You get stuck... and we all lose out.
Young refugees are shut out of the opportunities that come with higher education and skilled employment. Universities and employers fail to tap into a unique talent pool, and as a global community, we all miss out on the benefits of a more inclusive world.
The G12++ gives young refugees a high school-equivalent certificate
A certificate tailor-made for refugee youth
The G12++ is a standardised exam - one that results in a recognised certificate representing high school-equivalent capabilities.
The exam gauges a young person’s capabilities, not their ability to regurgitate old-school curriculum content. Questions are crafted to be relatable to real life - highlighting critical thinking, soft-skills, and academic potential.
And for just $20, and designed to be delivered in refugee camps worldwide, the G12++ is an exam that refugee students can actually take.
Fills a gap in the refugee education ecosystem
The G12++ makes admissions and recruitment processes easier for universities and employers.
Refugee students often have a disrupted education history - they may have been taught across borders and by a mix of NGOs, or self-taught on their own. Existing exams that test curriculum-based content just don’t work - especially when they cost upwards of $200.
Universities tell us they spend 20x more time making admissions decisions for refugee applicants compared to those with standard qualifications. The same applies for employers.
For good reason, they find it difficult to gauge the qualifications of refugee youth, given the exceptional circumstances of displacement.
More opportunities for young refugees
The G12++ bridges the gap between talented young refugees, universities and employers who want to access a diverse, unique talent pool, and non-formal schools and NGOs that want to validate their students’ learning.
Our goal is to ensure that a ‘missing piece of paper’ doesn’t get in the way. The G12++ will give young refugees, universities, and employers a common tool.
We’d like to see it contribute to getting 15% of refugee youth into university (rather than seven percent today). And with that… we all start to succeed just a little bit more.
"The G12++ unlocks global educational potential like never before”
"In both my personal experience and my work in education, I continuously see firsthand the unjust barriers that disadvantaged youth across the world face. While the solution is multi-faceted, the G12++ offers a critical part of it: an internationally-recognised qualification that is curriculum-agnostic.
Through this qualification, we can provide a pathway to higher education and employment for many who are currently excluded, despite their drive and talent, unlocking the incredible potential of so many to benefit the world.
Of all the projects that I have been involved with, this is the one that has the potential to make the greatest difference."
"The G12++ is a game-changer for refugee education globally”
"Having worked extensively with refugees and universities over the course of my career, I see the G12++ as a much-needed and unique breakthrough solution. It addresses the critical need for a recognised qualification that is globally deliverable due to its digital accessibility.
Through my experience in using the existing standardised exams, I know that this exam will allow us to properly, and cost-effectively, identify and nurture talented individuals from non-traditional backgrounds.
There are so many young people who are ready to make the next step in their educational journey to higher education and it is precisely the G12++ that will enhance their future prospects like never before."
"The G12++ aligns with our values of compassion and education for all.”
“From its earliest founding, the Moravian community has attempted to improve the lives of the most marginalized, and the G12++ is the perfect embodiment of this principle. By providing a robust qualification tailored for refugee youth, we can help bridge the ever-growing educational gap between the luckiest in society and those for whom opportunity is currently inaccessible.
This initiative not only supports the academic growth of refugees, but also fosters a more inclusive society – entirely reflecting our commitment to serving the underserved.
Too often, higher educations seems to be about exclusion rather than inclusion, therefore I am very much looking forward to admitting the first refugee student to Moravian University using the G12++.”
"The G12++ is a unique, transformative opportunity for refugee youth and universities alike”
'Throughout my career, I have seen the challenges of proving one's capabilities in a new environment – and I see the importance of using my education to give back.
The G12++ provides a crucial, internationally-recognised qualification that levels the playing field for refugee youth – which has been so needed for far too long. With content tailored to their unique experiences and tested at the highest standards, this exam opens doors to higher education and employment in a genuinely attainable/ tangible way for the first time.
It provides universities and employers with access to a pool of skilled individuals who would otherwise remain invisible, and I look forward to welcoming those who take it to the University of Cambridge'
"The G12++ provides refugee students with a pathway to showcase their talents and open doors to opportunity.”
"My work with IntoUniversity has deepened my understanding of the vital role education plays in transforming young lives, especially for those facing significant challenges.
Discovering the G12++ was inspiring; it’s not just an exam—it’s a powerful pathway for refugee youth to showcase their talents and unlock opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
This initiative resonates deeply with my belief that education can change lives, and I’m proud to be part of a project that truly makes a lasting difference."
"Supporting the G12++ has been an honour – a meaningful example of positive change in action.”
"Spending time with the wonderful Alsama team in Beirut was a truly heartwarming experience. We were fortunate enough to meet some of the incredible students who will benefit from the G12++.
The resilience, talent, and thirst for knowledge we witnessed were simply inspiring. It’s been a real privilege to be a small part of bringing the G12++ to life.
As founders of a start-up built on passion and purpose, we were in awe of the energy and commitment from the team behind this transformative exam, who are making a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
Their work is a true testament to the power of positive change."
The G12++ tests holistically for skills that matter
Like what you see? We're looking for a range of partners.
Applicable maths
The G12++ tests mathematical problem-solving across statistics, probability, and graphic literacy, among others. And all in ways that relate to real life.
Scientific thinking
The G12++ tests scientific thinking by requiring students to explain phenomena, evaluate arguments, and interpret data scientifically. It’s not about memorising content, but the critical thinking and analytical skills to problem-solve through scientific content.
English as a second language
The G12++ tests students’ command of English, as an acquired language, across listening, reading and writing. These are vital skills for any university or employer to gauge.
Arabic as a first language (optional)
The G12++ tests students’ command of their first language across reading and writing in a range of contexts. We currently offer Arabic, and we’ll adapt the exam to any geography where the G12++ is needed.
Life success skills
The G12++ tests skills essential for success in life: communication, creative problem-solving, self-management, and interpersonal skills. We’ve already been accredited for this at international standards by SkillsBuilder, a world-leading education coalition.
"Qualifications can be the key to continuing a child’s learning journey.”
“They open doors to higher education and work – important not only for displaced young people but also for our societies to embrace their wealth of talent.
Qualifications provide recognition of a young person’s efforts and inspire wider family support for education. In the case of Alsama, the teenagers in their schools demonstrate phenomenal commitment and passion.
The Partnership for Education at Cambridge has provided advice on how best to develop a highly contextually relevant qualification that empowers them to unlock their potential.”
"It is a beacon of hope for a brighter future”
"All too often, the education of refugee children is treated as collateral damage in the face of conflict and displacement.
The G12++ changes that, offering refugees a concrete way to demonstrate their abilities, improve their academic and professional prospects and contribute to the societies that offer them sanctuary."
"The University of Leicester supports refugee education through the G12++ initiative.”
"I am honoured to join the advisory board for the G12++ initiative, which aligns closely with my commitment to creating inclusive, compassionate educational environments.
At the University of Leicester, we are proud to welcome students through this partnership, demonstrating our leadership in removing barriers to higher education for refugee youth.
By contributing to the G12++ via developmental advice, I hope to help shape a global approach to education that prioritises belonging, respect, and opportunity for all."
"Arizona State University champions education as a lifeline for refugees through the G12++ initiative.”
"My career has been dedicated to addressing the needs of displaced populations, and I’ve seen how education can be a lifeline for refugee youth.
Joining the G12++ initiative is an incredible opportunity to build on this work, connecting students to transformative educational experiences.
At Arizona State University, we are proud to welcome students through this partnership, furthering our commitment to innovative and inclusive education for communities around the world."
The G12++ will certify the first students in 2026
We’re rapidly developing a world-class exam. Since 2023, we’ve been working tirelessly to design, launch and deliver the G12++.
We’ve built a prototype G12++ exam, with advice from key partners including Oxford MeasurEd, the University of Leicester, Cambridge Assessment, and SkillsBuilder.
Several philanthropic foundations and individuals have supported us through seed funding.
Now, we're seeking additional funding to facilitate the vital development and roll-out of the G12++ from 2026 and are pursuing accreditation from internationally-recognised partners.
We’re looking for even more pioneers to join our mission
Financial Donors
To turbocharge the G12++ and its global reach to refugees - investor mindset, philanthropic impact.
Assessment Experts
To shape and design the G12++ across different educational contexts to serve students around the world.
Digi-Tech & AI Experts
To ensure the G12++ is cutting-edge, affordable and scalable.
Team Members
To become part of Alsama and scale the G12++ as a social enterprise.
20 Universities
Eager to diversify their student body and willing to accept the G12++ as part of their Admissions process.
20 Employers
Looking to tap a unique talent pool and ready to integrate the G12++ into their recruitment process.
3 NGOs
Who work in refugee education and want to offer the G12++ to their communities.
G12++ Champions
We are always looking for champions to help us spread the word.
New horizons for refugee teenagers.
Alsama provides refugee teenagers in the Middle East with a world-class education, while transforming refugee education worldwide.
Keep up to date with our progress
Alsama Project is registered in the United Kingdom as a charity, no. 1191810. In Lebanon, Alsama Project is registered as an non-governmental, charitable organisation with the Ministry of Interior, registration no. 372/2021. In the US, Alsama Project is registered as a 501(c)3 organisation, registration no. 87-1842640.