Written Question
Thursday 14th April 2022
Asked by:
Lord Blunkett (Labour - Life peer)
Question
to the Department for Education:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements, in any, they have made with (1) the Russell Group of universities, or (2) Universities UK, for the recognition of Ukrainian qualifications in order that Ukrainian refugees can continue their studies in the UK.
Answered by Baroness Barran
- Shadow Minister (Education)
We have seen an extremely positive response from the higher education (HE) sector who have offered significant support to Ukrainian students and are pleased to see work they are doing across the sector for a coordinated approach to support students fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
All UK higher education institutions (HEIs) subscribe to the UK National Information Centre for the recognition of qualifications (UK ENIC). This service, provided by ECCTIS Ltd on behalf of the government under contract to the Department for Education, has the necessary expertise and resources to provide advice to HEIs on the comparability of Ukrainian qualifications with those of the UK. UK ENIC stands ready to support HEIs and Ukrainian refugees to ensure they can continue their studies in the UK: https://ecctisblog.com/2022/03/15/ukraine-support-for-the-recognition-of-qualifications-and-skills-of-refugees/.
My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Higher and Further Education convened the HE Taskforce, bringing together representatives from across the sector to discuss how we can work together on a range of important issues including supporting Ukrainian universities, academics, and students.
Written Question
Thursday 14th April 2022
Asked by:
Lord Blunkett (Labour - Life peer)
Question
to the Department for Education:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what waivers they have agreed, if any, in relation to eligibility for (1) financial support in the form bursaries and loans, and (2) UK residency rules, in respect of fee levels for Ukrainian refugees wishing to continue their studies in the UK.
Answered by Baroness Barran
- Shadow Minister (Education)
The department has been working closely with the education sector and across government more widely to ensure that Ukrainian students are supported during this difficult time. In March 2022, my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Higher and Further Education convened the higher education (HE) taskforce, bringing together representatives from across the sector to discuss how we can work together to facilitate the progression of Ukrainian students to HE.
The department is also providing support through the Strategic Priorities Grant to support Ukrainian nationals and Ukrainian-domiciled students studying at English HE providers. We have asked the Office for Students to use up to £4 million of funding in the 2022/23 financial year for providers to support Ukrainian nationals and Ukrainian-domiciled students whose usual financial support has been impacted by events in Ukraine.
The difficulties facing Ukrainian nationals and Ukrainian-domiciled students studying in England, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are unique. Whilst providers are already making their own student hardship funds available to Ukrainian students who need financial assistance, we are providing this funding to ensure there is additional support available to support these students to complete their courses.
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