In an open letter to Ukrainian students, Higher and Further Education minister Michelle Donelan said the new funding is on top of the “significant” wellbeing and financial hardship support English higher education providers have already offered.
“I cannot imagine ever having to balance studying against the backdrop of an unprovoked war on my country. We need to stand united with Ukraine,” the minister said in a statement.
Scotland’s government announced on April 14 that displaced Ukrainian students settling in the country would be given access to free tuition and living cost support, subject to parliamentary approval.
Existing students experiencing hardship would be eligible to apply for immediate financial assistance through a newly created £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund.
Those studying in England and are on the Home Office’s three schemes for Ukrainians will also have access to home fee status, tuition fee caps, Advanced learner loans or other learning support, Donelan added.
The European Higher Education Area and members of the Bologna process – of which Ukraine has been a member since 2005 – previously called on its members to offer support for Ukrainian higher education.
Suggested measures to support the country include financial support for institutions, intensified cooperation and enabling students to continue their studies – including foreign students – if having to flee Ukraine. Contact and cooperation with any central government agency of Russia should be ceased, but members are urged to recognise those in Russian civil society who are engaging in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Source: https://thepienews.com/news/ukrainian-students-in-the-uk-to-access-extra-funding/