Queen Mary is committed to doing all we can to support our students and their loved ones who are affected by the war in the Ukraine.
If you are affected by the war in the Ukraine, there are a number of ways you can access mental health support:
Some students may find it hard to focus on their studies during this difficult time. Anyone struggling with their work should first speak to their Student Support Officers, who will be able to offer support and advice. Extenuating circumstances claims are there to support any student who experiences sudden, unexpected difficulties that may affect their performance in assessments. If you are thinking about taking time out of your studies, please check the guidance on interrupting.
Please contact a Welfare Adviser in the Advice and Counselling Service if you need advice on tuition fee status, applying for financial support, or planning your budget.
Financial Support at Queen MaryThe Financial Assistance Fund can consider short term financial support for any student currently attending a course at Queen Mary, who is experiencing unexpected financial hardship, including anyone affected by the invasion of Ukraine (including Russian and Belarussian students). The fund can help with a contribution towards living costs but not tuition fees. Applications are made online. If you are made an award this is usually a non-repayable grant. You can find out about how to apply, and what the deadline is, on the Financial Assistance Fund webpage. If you need help completing the application, please contact the Advice and Counselling Service.
UK Government Student Finance The UK government have extended access to Student Finance (maintenance and tuition fee support) for those who are granted permission to stay in the UK under one of the three schemes for Ukrainians. This is for students who are already on a Higher Education course, and for new students.
Those with leave under one of the Ukraine Schemes are eligible for tuition fee and maintenance support without being subject to a three-year ordinary residence requirement, if they:
Some family members may also be eligible.
If you are granted permission to enter or remain in the UK under one of the three schemes for Ukrainians after the start of your course please contact a Welfare Adviser in the Advice and Counselling Service to discuss your Student Finance eligibility.
Once awarded, Student Finance England funding should continue throughout your course even if your Ukraine leave expires during your course providing you continue to have a legal immigration status.
You can read about Student Finance England funding on the Advice and Counselling Service website:
Student Finance England have updated their application forms to include a category of eligibility, which you need to tick if you are in the UK under one of the three schemes for Ukrainians.
Tuition Fee status
The eligibility rules for Home fee status include an eligibility category for those who hold permission to stay in the UK under one of the three schemes for Ukrainians. This is for students who are already on a Higher Education course, and for new students. The UKCISA website has full details of the eligibility criteria for home fee status. Please view category 11a (for academic years starting on or after 1 August 2023).
If you are assessed as an overseas fee payer and you think you meet the eligibility requirements for home fee status please do the following:
If you are unsure about your eligibility for home fee status please contact a Welfare Adviser in the Advice and Counselling Service to discuss your situation or contact the UKCISA Student Advice Line.
Working
If you are thinking of working, take a look at our guide about working during studies including information on looking for work. If you do not hold one of the Ukraine Status' and are in the UK with student Immigration permission, this also includes the rules on working for international students.
Immigration adviceAdvisers in the Advice and Counselling Service can advise on Student, Student Dependent and Graduate Route immigration permission. If you have a question about, or issue relating to, one of these visa routes, please contact them. They are not authorised to provide asylum advice or advice about other immigration routes.
If you require immigration advice for non-Student related categories, such as one of the Ukraine immigration schemes, there is information on the gov.uk website. You can also contact the Ukraine Advice Project to be connected with free legal advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum from qualified and regulated lawyers.
If you are a nationality other than Ukrainian seeking immigration advice about non-Student related categories, you can get legal advice by contacting an immigration adviser. Make sure that the immigration adviser you choose is authorised to provide immigration advice and services by the Office for the Immigration Services Commissioner or other regulatory body. You can find other regulated advisers through:
Our community is diverse and we ask everyone to continue to respect and support each other. If you experience bullying or harassment, please report this via Queen Mary’s Report + Support hub. Support is available.