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.

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.