Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with universities on Ukrainian refugee students completing the academic courses they were taking in Ukraine.

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 to continue their education.

Last week, the department 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 within HE, both by supporting Ukrainian HE and by supporting students who come to the UK to access opportunities here.

Whilst HE providers are autonomous and independent from government, we are encouraging them to be as flexible as possible for all students impacted by the situation in Ukraine and, where they are facing challenges, ensure support is given where it is most needed.

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

The department will continue to work closely with key representatives to explore how the HE sector can collectively support Ukrainian students.