Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what (a) opportunities and (b) obstacles she has identified to admission to university and other higher education establishments of Ukrainian children who came to the UK as refugees from the Russian invasion and are approaching school-leaving age.  [13076]

[Due for Answer on 30 June. Answered on 1 July.]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families (Josh MacAlister): While universities are independent from government and responsible for their own admissions decisions, we are committed to supporting Ukrainian young people in the UK. Students granted leave under the Ukraine schemes are treated as home students for admissions purposes, eligible for home fee status and student finance, removing barriers to higher education entry.

Universities have offered flexibility including contextual admissions and English language support. The Student Action for Refugees network lists over 80 universities offering scholarships, and many providers have established hardship funds.

Ukrainian students may have faced disrupted education, difficulties evidencing attainment, and language barriers to accessing education opportunities in Ukraine. Access to Ukrainian language is important for entry to Ukrainian universities and the department is exploring opportunities to support Ukrainian language learning, including a Ukrainian GCSE. Students can also sit the Ukrainian National Multisubject Test in the UK.