Ukrainian refugees get home fee status at English universities

Ukrainian refugees studying at English universities will face the same fee status as domestic students, it has been announced.

In a letter to higher education institutions, universities minister Michelle Donelan says the government is extending access to “HE student support, home fee status, [and] tuition fee caps” to Ukrainian refugees who had been given leave to stay in the UK.

It means Ukrainian undergraduates studying at English institutions will not be charged more than £9,250 a year – instead of international fees, which can be much higher – and will have access to student support such as loans.

“Access to student support is crucial in enabling [refugees] to attend education to improve their skills and enhance the ability of Ukrainians to contribute to the UK, or to the rebuilding of their home country,” Ms Donelan says in the letter.

Ukrainian refugees who have qualified to stay in the UK under one of the Home Office schemes will also not need to meet a three-year residency test for student support, she said.

It follows similar measures announced in Scotland early this month, although due to Scottish students having their fees covered by the Holyrood government, Ukrainian refugees will be able to study there free of charge.

The Westminster government also confirmed that English institutions will be able to access £4 million in funding across the 2022-23 year from the Office for Students to financially support Ukrainian students studying in the country.

Steve West, president of Universities UK and vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, said the body welcomed the announcements and that the funding “offers practical, financial support for Ukrainian students affected by the conflict who are already studying here, as well as those fleeing violence and terror.

“Our message to those individuals is simple: you are welcome here. The UK’s higher education sector can and must play a pivotal role in ensuring that Ukraine’s citizens, educational institutions and cultural capital can not only survive this crisis but emerge stronger.”

simon.baker@timeshighereducation.com