PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Students designated as refugees (SDR) face manifolded challenges in gaining access to universities and status as fully accepted members of the student body. Drawing from a qualitative study in Germany (2019–2021), this paper analyses SDR’s frequent problematization and discussion of being placed outside the category of a “normal” or “regular” student. We consider their experiences as a source of empirical analysis of implicit institutional logics of Othering that lead to experiences of exclusion in processes – at least officially – declared to support inclusion. Referencing decolonial perspectives, this approach offers insight into practices within the German HE system where the prevalence of colonial schemes of distinction can be identified. In their attempt to enhance sensitivity towards diversity and internationalization in an environment that does not reflect on its embeddedness into a post- and decolonial world order, actors of the HE System mobilize human differentiations that are entangled in epistemic power relations.