University to Provide Study, Work and Accommodation to Ukrainian Students and Academics

In recent weeks students and staff from across the University of Lincoln, UK, have been fund-raising and donating to those affected by the situation in the Ukraine. Now the University is offering its own specific and significant practical help for those seeking refuge.

As the situation regarding access to visas for refugees trying to enter the UK is developing, Lincoln is uniquely placed to support Ukrainian academics and students seeking refuge when they arrive.

The University, in the first instance, is opening its doors to help and support Ukrainian students and academics, by enabling them to continue their study and work, and to live in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The University will offer a package of support initially for 15 undergraduate and 5 postgraduate students who would like to transfer to Lincoln, having had to leave their Ukrainian university, with the intention of completing their studies. This includes a full Tuition Fee waiver and accommodation bursary. Welfare support will be on hand via the University’s Wellbeing and Student Support teams. The University is also developing a support package for academic staff displaced by the conflict in Ukraine to continue their academic work at Lincoln for a minimum of six months.

To ensure those who are welcomed into our community have the support they need, the University is today launching a public fundraising campaign to provide bursaries to cover living costs.

Anybody who wishes to donate to the University of Lincoln’s Ukraine Students and Academics Support Appeal, no matter how much, can do so using the University’s dedicated Just Giving page here

By establishing this fund, the University will use all money raised, now and in the future, to support those in need due to the conflict in Ukraine and other humanitarian crisis. All money donated will go to those seeking refuge and support.

Prof Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “We must show solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those who oppose the invasion. We are determined as an organisation and community to find ways in which we can help, and given the nature of our University, we are well placed to provide specific support.

“Senior leaders from the University have been discussing with colleagues and leaders in the city about arrangements for students and academics who are being forced to leave Ukraine and are able to enter the UK. I’m pleased we can help, and I welcome all students and academics to our wonderful community. We wish to see the Ukrainian Higher Education System recover as quickly as possible and our support is intended to help achieve this aim.

“On behalf of the University of Lincoln, I thank all those who continue to go above and beyond to support people who need it most.”

The University of Lincoln community has a proud history of donating in times of need, most recently raising over £100,000 for crucial PPE for front-line workers and support for vulnerable people disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more details please visit https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/ukrainesupportappeal/