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University response to the invasion of Ukraine

This page provides information about the University’s response to the invasion of Ukraine, as well as advice and support for staff and students impacted.

This page will be regularly updated. Last updated: 21 March

The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia has caused humanitarian catastrophe to unfold in Europe. Members of our community are appalled by Russia’s action and in awe of the bravery shown by Ukrainians as well as the bravery of those Russians who have denounced their government’s aggression.

We have compiled here details on support services for students and staff, actions being taken by the university, work by our academics, and ways you can contribute.

Resolution in respect of the response to the war against Ukraine

Congregation, 26 April 2022

Congregation expresses its strongest condemnation of the war of aggression started by Putin's regime against Ukraine; its sympathy and support for the people of Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, for the anti-war and human rights movement in Russia, and for all civilians endangered by this war whatever their nationality; affirms its support for the independence and self-determination of democratic Ukraine; enjoins Council to take measures to support members of the University, particularly in the student community, affected by the conflict; and asks Council to explore participation in humanitarian support, in particular via the Council of At-Risk Academics, in line with Oxford’s long-standing tradition of support for refugee scholars and for cultural institutions abroad.

The resolution was published in the Gazette on 24 March, along with Council's response to the the resolution.

Oxford's expert commentary on Ukraine

Oxford has a wide range of leading thinkers on Ukraine and the impacts of the current crisis, who are contributing to the global analysis and conversations on the situation.

Articles

Members of the media are able to access our experts via our Find an Expert page.

Events

A number of related academic events have been held.

Previous event recordings:

College response

Oxford’s colleges are provide welfare support to students and staff who have been impacted, as well as providing financial support where necessary. Discussions are also taking place with the Council for At-Risk Academics about supporting academics impacted in Ukraine, and many MCR and JCRs are working to raise funds for those affected.

Council for At-Risk Academics

The Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) offers practical and financial help so academics can reach a place to continue their work safely. We host CARA placements at Oxford thanks to generous funding and in-kind support from across the collegiate University. The University recently renewed its commitment to CARA Fellowships for academics at risk, and welcomes applications from academics at risk.

How to help

University Ukraine Conflict Appeal Fund

The University has established a fund to support students and academics affected by the ongoing crisis. 

Donate to the Ukraine Conflict Appeal Fund

Other support

We are proud of the efforts by staff and students to support those affected by this crisis. There are a number of ways our community can help, including:

There are many more organisations providing support. The Ukrainian Institute in London has developed a further list of suggested ways to help. 

Information for staff and students

We wish to acknowledge that the news of the war in Ukraine is very upsetting, particularly for our students and colleagues from Ukraine, Russia and surrounding areas. The University has written direct to staff and students from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, to offer welfare and other types of support. Both the University and colleges are working to ensure all members of the University community are supported as much as possible, and we will respond as appropriate as the situation develops. Please see our Global Crises page for information on wider support available.

Support for students

Welfare support

There are a number of welfare services available to provide support to you at this time, confidentially and free of charge. Your college welfare team may also offer additional services and we would urge you to contact them in the first instance.

If you feel anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone

If you want to speak to a mental health professional now

  • NHS Mental Health Helpline is open 24/7 for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life threatening.
  • Togetherall is an NHS-approved service providing mental health support 24/7 to students, wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to talk online to a mental health professional using the 'message a wall guide' feature or connect with other students through online forums.
  • Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term support out-of-hours for people in Oxfordshire who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts, via telephone and face-to-face support.

University Counselling Service

  • The University’s Counselling Service aims to see students as soon as possible but cannot provide instant access to a mental health professional. To make an appointment, please contact [email protected].

Other forms of support

The Oxford SU Student Advice service is available to all students.

Parenting advice during a crisis (in Ukrainian, Russian and English)

We hope you can find a service that feels right for you should you need support at this time. Please speak to your college or department for any further assistance.

Travel and student visas

If you have any research or fieldwork planned in the region, you must keep up-to-date with Government travel advice. You must also speak to your supervisor and must complete a risk assessment before travelling.

If you have any concerns about returning home for the vacation, please talk to your college in the first instance (or department if you do not have a college).

If you are concerned about your Student visa, the UK government has now published arrangements for making applications and extensions in the UK easier and the UKCISA website also has similar information. If you need further help, then contact the Student Immigration Team.

Immigration/asylum advice

A group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration/asylum expertise was set up on 28 February 2022 to provide free UK immigration and asylum advice to Ukrainian citizens affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. You can find out more at https://advice-ukraine.co.uk. The British Government has also provided guidance for Ukrainians fleeing the invasion as well as information on support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine and Ukrainian nationals in Britain.

Financial support

If you are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the recent developments in Ukraine, you should contact your college financial assistance officer (or your department if you don’t have a college) to discuss your situation and explore the support that you may be eligible for including any relevant financial support and the centrally-administered Oxford Assistance Fund. Details about other forms of funding for on-course students can be found here: Fees & funding | University of Oxford.

Academic impacts

There are a number of University processes in place to help you if the conflict has disrupted your studies or if you believe it will impact your ability to complete your exams or assessments. Please go to the problems completing your assessment page on the Oxford Students website for further information.

If you are a postgraduate research student and are concerned about the impact on your research, you should speak to your supervisor or contact the Researcher Hub.

Oxford University Ukrainian Society

The Oxford University Ukrainian Society is a student-run society that promotes Ukrainian culture and intellectual heritage within the University. In addition to promoting awareness of the conflict, the Society is running a number of fundraising initiatives. Please see the Ukrainian Society website for more details.

Support for staff

Getting support

Please speak to your line manager, local HR team, DepartmentalAdministrator/Head of Administration and Finance or Head of Department if you need support or to take time off to deal with issues affecting your family or yourself.

You may also find the following information useful:

University welfare support 

  • Employee Counselling Service: A free confidential employee counselling service provided by Carefirst is available for you and adult members of your immediate family who live with you. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. 
  • Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. As a member of the University, you can access mental health support via togetherall 24/7wherever you are in the world. Register free with your Oxford email to connect with others through online forums or connect online to a mental health professional using the ‘message a wall guide’ feature. 
  • Parenting advice during a crisis (in Ukrainian, Russian and English)

External resources 

Travel advice

If you are planning any travel to the region, you must keep up-to-date with Government travel advice. You must also speak to your supervisor or line manager and must complete a risk assessment before travelling.

Information for researchers

If you are concerned about the impact of the conflict on your research, you should talk to your supervisor/line manager, or book a conversation with the Researcher Hub by emailing [email protected].

You should also inform the project officer of your research funder of any delays to your project and seek a no-cost extension if necessary.

You may also wish to begin to consider and explore whether your research project description can / should be revisited, to mitigate the impact and uncertainty. You should also keep your research funder informed of any proposed changes.

Immigration/asylum advice

The Staff Immigration Team provides free and impartial advice on immigration matters to current and prospective University employees, visitors and their accompanying dependants. For more general advice a group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration/asylum expertise was set up on 28 February 2022 to provide free UK immigration and asylum advice to Ukrainian citizens affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. You can find out more at https://advice-ukraine.co.uk. The British Government has also provided guidance for Ukrainians fleeing the invasion as well as information on support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine and Ukrainian nationals in Britain.

Financial support 

The Staff Financial Support Fund provides financial support for those experiencing financial difficulties. You can find out more about it on the HR Support website. 

We hope you can find a service that feels right for you should you need support at this time. Please speak to your department for any further assistance.

Prospective students

For further information on applying to oxford, go to ox.ac.uk/study.

Prospective undergraduate students

I have been studying an undergraduate degree in Ukraine and can no longer continue my degree. Can I transfer to Oxford to finish my undergraduate degree?

Oxford University does not accept transfer students, so you would need to apply to start the course from the beginning, which you would of course be very welcome to do. Our guide for applicants will give you detailed information on our admissions process for undergraduates.

How will you take into account the severe educational disruption experienced by future Ukrainian undergraduate applicants to the University?

We understand that due to the invasion and subsequent humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, future applicants to the University are highly likely to experience severe disruption to their education.

If you are thinking of applying to Oxford in the upcoming admissions round, we would strongly encourage you to contact your UCAS referee and ask them to include information about any severe educational disruption you have experienced/are experiencing. Please note, however, that we are likely still to expect the minimum admissions requirements to be met, but will take into account your individual circumstances when considering your application.

Is there any information on changes to/ restrictions on visa regulations for Russian and Ukrainian offer holders and prospective undergraduate students?

The British Government sets visa regulations and we follow government guidance closely.

If you are an offer holder and are concerned about visa-related issues, please contact the Oxford college offering you a place so they can support you.

Is the University going to offer any financial support to Ukrainian applicants accepted for entry?

Please be aware that as the Ukrainian qualification, Svidotstvo pro zdobuttya povnoyi zahalnoyi serednoyi osvity does not meet the University’s entrance requirements, potential applicants will need to be taking A-levels, the International Baccalaureate or an equivalent qualification that is accepted.

Before you can be considered for a scholarship, you must first apply for admission to the University and be offered a place.

Scholarships for overseas students following undergraduate courses are limited. Students are usually expected to find an appropriate source of funding in their own country. For details of the scholarships available for overseas students please see our Oxford bursaries and scholarships page or use the Fees, Funding and Scholarship Search.

What status will refugees from Ukraine have in terms of fees payable to the University and will they be eligible for the support available to UK students?

Please refer to the following page for more information about fee status and student support arrangements for eligible Ukrainian students: UKCISA - international student advice and guidance - England: HE fee status.

Prospective postgraduate students and current offer holders

Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukraine Refugees

The Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukraine Refugees will offer financial support to applicants who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. The scholarships are open to nationals of Ukraine who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine, and will provide support for full-time taught master’s students beginning one-year courses at Oxford in the 2024-25 academic year.

The Oxford University Graduate Scholarships for Ukraine Programme (2024-25) is proudly supported by XTX Markets.

The scholarships are also co-funded by the University and participating colleges. The Ukraine graduate scholars will join one-year taught master’s courses across the University of Oxford and they will receive funding to cover their course fees as well as a grant for living costs.

Each scholar will be given free accommodation and meals within their college, and a grant of £10,000 to support their study and living costs.

The Oxford Refugee Studies Centre will also act as a hub for the scholars, offering access to a programme of seminars and events, and mentorship.

Find out more about the Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukraine Refugees.

Will there be any exemptions, waivers, or special conditions in place for Ukrainian graduate offer holders?

If you are offered a place on a course at Oxford, you will normally be set a condition of achieving your current qualification with a minimum score and providing a final transcript by a specified date (if you have not already completed your current degree). This deadline may vary by department.

If you have difficulties meeting the conditions of your offer due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, please contact the Oxford academic department which has offered you a place as soon as you can to discuss the best way forward.

Is there any information on changes to/restrictions on visa regulations for Ukrainian offer holders and prospective graduate students?

The UK Government is responsible for setting and administering visa regulations, and we will be following government guidance closely over the coming weeks for changes and developments that may impact our offer holders. We will update our visa information regularly as information becomes available. In the meantime information on UK visa support for Ukrainian Nationals is available on the UK Government website.

If you are an offer holder and are concerned about visa-related issues, please contact the Student Immigration Team for support.

I live in Ukraine, and will not be able to travel to the UK to start my course. Can I start remotely?

Normal residency requirements are in place. If you need to start remotely and the academic department is able to support this, you will need to get exemption from residency requirements from the University’s Proctors Office. In the first instance, please contact the Oxford academic department to discuss your situation and see whether they would be able to accommodate a remote start. If a remote start is not possible, you may be able to defer your offer to start at a later date.

I cannot book an English language test because test centres are currently closed in Ukraine. What should I do?

We accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (institution code 0490), which is an online English language test, and for which you may be able to register. If you are unable to book this online test, please contact your Oxford academic department so they can consider any alternative means that would allow you to meet the requirement.

It is not necessary to provide results from an English language test when you apply, so new applicants should not delay submitting an application for this reason.

I live in Ukraine, and have been called/may be called up for military service. Can I still take up my offer of a place at Oxford University?

Please check with your local conscription office whether you can apply for a postponement of your conscription to take up your place of study. If you are unable to take up your place, please contact your Oxford academic department as you may be able to defer your place to a later date.

I have been studying for a graduate degree in Ukraine and can no longer continue my degree. Can I transfer to the University of Oxford to finish my graduate degree?

It would not be possible for you to transfer and complete a course that was started at a different institution. However, you may be interested in our Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukraine Refugees (see Oxford University Graduate Scholarships for Ukraine | University of Oxford).

How will you take into account the severe educational disruption experienced by future Ukrainian graduate applicants to the University?

The Oxford graduate application form includes a section for applicants to explain any extenuating circumstances that have had an impact on their study and academic record. This allows academic assessors to take these into consideration and adjust their assessment where necessary. We also strongly encourage referees to give details of any extenuating circumstances they are aware of, as part of their academic reference, including any personal circumstances experienced by their students.

Alumni relations

There are a number of alumni groups in the region, including the Oxford University Society of Ukraine who are providing support in the region. Please email them on [email protected] if you would like more details.

OUP resources

Oxford University Press has made a number of research resources available freely available to institutions in Ukraine, and has a selection of content for young learners and parents. Please see the OUP Ukraine pages for up to date information.

Media enquiries

Members of the media are able to access our experts via our Find an Expert listing.

How you can help

Donate to the Ukraine Conflict Appeal Fund