Russell Group Universities Announce Measures to Help Ukrainian Students & Academics

The Russell Group, representing 24 leading universities in the United Kingdom, has announced measures to support academics and students affected by the war in Ukraine.

Among the measures that Russell Group universities have announced are scholarships for displaced students, support for academics who had to leave their homes, accommodation, and more, Erudera.com reports.

The decision comes after the UK government’s announcement of a £3 million package to support Ukrainian researchers at risk as well as to cease funding to all research programs that are related to Russia.

“The £3 million package of support announced by the Government will provide a welcome boost for Ukrainian nationals involved in academic research and help them to continue their important work,” a Russell Group spokesperson said.

In a press release, Russell Group stressed that its members have prioritized support for staff and students in the UK and abroad since the start of the war in Ukraine.  

“Each Russell Group university has hardship funds available for students already here and other wellbeing support for staff and students affected. They will continue to offer this support for as long as it is needed and are now actively exploring what further support they can offer now and over the longer-term,” the statement reads.

Russel Group universities that have taken supporting actions following the situation in Ukraine include:

• King’s College London
• The University of Nottingham
• The University of Manchester
• The University of Sheffield  
• The University of York and Newcastle University
• The University of Edinburgh
• Imperial College London
• University of Warwick

Most universities members of the Russell Group are offering financial support. The University of Manchester is establishing an emergency fund of more than £5 million to support students and academics displaced due to the conflict in Ukraine.

“Once established, the new scholarship fund will provide comprehensive annual financial support for 10 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate taught scholarships,” Russell Group’s statement reads.

The University of Sheffield has also allocated £1 million, an amount that is expected to be used as part of a package of support for those who have been affected by the war. The package includes scholarships for students transferring studies from a Ukrainian university.

At the same time, the University of York and Newcastle University are offering Sanctuary scholarships for asylum-seeker students and those with refugee backgrounds so the latter can progress with their studies. These scholarships include a full tuition fee and cover living expenses for those pursuing studies at the university.

Universities UK, representing 140 universities in the country, also condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expressed readiness to support affected students and academics.