April 29, 2022

UK Government Announces Additional Package for Ukrainian Students

S Scotland has promised displaced Ukrainian students settling in the country financial support. Following in Scottish footsteps, the UK Government is the latest to assure Ukrainian migrant students with financial aid. UK’s Higher and Further Education Minister, Michelle Donelan confirmed the news via a letter to displaced students.

Communicating with students, Michelle Donelan wrote, “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. That is why at this difficult time, we are providing Ukrainian students in higher education with the support they need to complete their courses.”

…this funding offers practical, financial support for Ukrainian students affected by the conflict who are already studying here, as well as those feeling violence and terror…

Ukrainian students already studying in the UK will be on the Home Office’s three schemes. The Higher and Further Education minister added that Ukrainians will have access to high education loans or other learning support, home fee status and tuition fee caps.

Steve West CBE, president of Universities UK and vice-chancellor of UWE Bristol said, “From the beginning of this crisis our members have been determined to find new ways to help their Ukrainian colleagues and friends. This funding offers practical, financial support for Ukrainian students affected by the conflict who are already studying here, as well as those feeling violence and terror. Our message to those individuals is simple: you are welcome here.”

The European Higher Education Area and members of the Bologna process, which Ukraine has been a member since 2005, has always strived to assist Ukrainian higher education during the Russia- Ukraine war. The group has suggested a few pointers by which aid can reach Ukrainians students affected by the war. One suggestion is aid in the form of grants to institutions. Other suggestions include assisting displaced students with the tools they need to complete their further education and ceasing contact and cooperation with any Russian government or central agency.

While the UK is already aiming to provide financial aid to displaced Ukrainian students in England, Scottish government has said that the grant will only get the green signal after a parliamentary approval. According to Scottish government sources, existing students experiencing hardship can apply for immediate financial assistance through a £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund.

Posted in News and tagged News, UK Government, Ukrainian Students, Scotland, Higher Education
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