Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will ensure that students from Ukraine studying in the UK will be able to complete those Further and Higher Education which they have begun.

Alongside our allies, we are united in support for Ukraine. 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. The government is considering how best to support these students continue their education.

This includes a visa option from the Home Office for Ukrainian nationals, including students, that will provide them with an opportunity to extend their leave or switch to a Graduate visa without having to leave the country. The homes for Ukraine scheme has now been launched and FAQs can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions. The scheme opened on Friday 18 March for applications from Ukrainians and immediate family members who already have named people willing to sponsor them.

I reconvened the HE Taskforce, bringing together representatives from across the sector to discuss how we can best work together to support Ukrainian students at this challenging time.

We continue to encourage higher education providers to use hardship funding to support students from Ukraine where they are facing challenges, to ensure support is given where it is most needed.

To allow flexibility in dealing with the circumstances of individual applicants, higher education providers have the discretion to waive or reduce fees where they consider it appropriate to do so.

The government will look to support Ukrainian students as they reassess their options in the UK.