Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he will take to ensure that students from Ukraine will be able to be integrated into UK universities on their arrival in the UK.

The government will continue to welcome Ukrainian students to UK universities, where we are proud of the long history we have of defending values such as freedom of speech and freedom of publication.

In recent weeks, we have been extremely heartened by the solidarity shown by the education sector in its response, by supporting staff and students impacted by the situation in Ukraine. We would like to outline the action that the government has already taken, and further steps we will take, to support British nationals unable to continue their studies, Ukrainians in the UK, Ukraine, and elsewhere. This includes launching the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Scheme. We know the Homes for Ukraine scheme will be welcomed by many to support Ukrainians who wish to study in the UK.

In the future, organisations will be able to directly sponsor individuals. We will be announcing details of this shortly. Universities have been asked to register their interest for this scheme and to consider how they can contribute to this effort and support Ukrainians who will have had their hopes and ambitions disrupted.

There are also other safe and legal routes available for Ukrainians who wish to travel to the UK. The Ukraine Family Scheme allows immediate and extended family members of British nationals and people settled in the UK to come to the country. The government is also supporting Ukrainian students in the UK. New visa options announced by the Home Office provide students with an opportunity to extend their leave, or switch to the Graduate route without having to leave the UK.

Many higher education (HE) providers have hardship funds that students can apply to for assistance, should their finances be affected in the academic year 2021/22.

We continue to encourage providers to accept hardship applications from international students, including those from Ukraine.