The Ukrainian Academic Support Scheme for visiting Postgraduate Research students and Academics
Mission
The Ukrainian Academic Support Scheme has been set up to support colleagues in Ukrainian Universities and other Higher Education Institutions who have been displaced and are seeking sanctuary as a result of the war.The scheme will provide funding for up to 20 Postgraduate research students and academics from Ukraine, irrespective of nationality, to continue their studies and research in Cambridge for a period between 6 to 12 months. Applicants will be expected to remain employed (academics) or enrolled (Postgraduate Research students) at their home institution in Ukraine.
The scheme is open to
- Postgraduate research students or academics of any discipline covered by the University of Cambridge (see our list of University’s Faculties and Departments) currently enrolled or working in Ukrainian Universities or other HEIs
- Displaced as a result of war and currently residing in or outside Ukraine
- Can obtain a UK visa under the Ukrainian visa scheme or other UK visa, if applicable, in case of other nationalities.
The matching of opportunities with host Departments and Faculties will be based on alignment between the proposed research and the scope of academic activity and support of host Departments or Faculties. Consideration will be given to needs and personal circumstances of applicants displaced as a result of the war.
Support provided
- Visiting scholar status at a host Department or Faculty
- Appointment of academic mentor for staff or a supervisor for students
- Access to University services, including Postdoc Academy, Language Centre, Disability Resource Centre and Counselling
- College affiliation
- Allocation of a Postgraduate College Tutor (for postgraduate research students)
Financial support provided for displaced postgraduate research students
- Subsistence allowance of £10,000 per annum
- Additional payment of £4,900 for each dependant
- Expenses on arrival including travel of up to £2,500
- Free accommodation for up to a minimum of 6 months as part of the visa requirement
- University Composition Fee waiver
- Project related costs
Financial support provided for displaced academics
- Subsistence allowance of £15,000 per annum
- Additional payment of £5,000 for each dependant
- Expenses on arrival including travel of up to £2,500
- Free accommodation for up to a minimum of 6 months as part of the visa requirement
- College membership fee waiver
- Project related costs
Registration of interest
- The call for Registration of interest has now closed.
- Those who applied need to send supporting documents (i.e. proof of their enrolment or work at Ukrainian universities or other HEIs) to ukraine@admin.cam.ac.uk
- Applicants will be asked to select up to three host Departments or Faculties where they could continue their studies or research.
Upon the completion of the visit, students and scholars would be expected to return to Ukraine to resume their studies or research when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
FAQs from applicants
1) Q: Is the scheme open to postgraduate research students and academics of any nationality?
A: Yes, the scheme is open to postgraduate research students and academics, irrespective of nationality, who are currently enrolled or work at a Ukrainian University or other HEIs based in Ukraine.
2) Q: How will I find a host Department or Faculty?
A: You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with the list of University Departments and Faculties. From this list, please suggest three whose scope of academic activity aligns with your own research area.
3) Q: Do I need to approach academic staff in Departments or Faculties who could be my academic mentor or doctoral supervisor?
A: No, we will match you with a suitable academic mentor or doctoral supervisor as part of the support provided.
4) Q: Do I need to provide references?
A: References will not be required as part of Registration of interest. Academic applicants will need to provide details of two referees, who can be contacted in the future.
5) Q: What documents do I need to upload as part of my application?
A: Please email ukraine@admin.cam.ac.uk proof of your current enrolment in a Ukrainian University or HEIs (postgraduate research students) or your employment status (academics).
6) Q: Do the documents need to be translated into English?
A: If possible, the scans or photos of original documents will need to be uploaded alongside the English translation. Translation of original documents can be done by the applicant.
7) Q: How will I find a College affiliation?
A: We will match you with a College as part of the support provided. If you are a doctoral student, you will also be allocated a College Postgraduate Tutor. There is no need to contact Colleges directly.
8) Q: How will I be matched with a Department or Faculty?
A: The matching of opportunities will be based on the above eligibility requirements and alignment between the proposed research and the scope of academic activity and support of host Departments or Faculties.
9) Q: Is there a minimal English language requirement for applicants?
A: Whilst acceptance will not be determined by the level of English language proficiency, it is advisable you have a reasonable level of English skills in order to make the most from your time at Cambridge. In addition, the Language Centre can provide further support.
10) Q: I do not have access to internet. Can I download the form and complete it offline?
A: As the scheme is no longer open for registrations of interest, the application form has been disabled.
11) Q: How do I know if I am eligible for an appropriate Ukrainian visa scheme in the UK or other UK scheme, if applicable, in case of other nationalities?
A: For the most up-to-date information of the Ukrainian visa schemes please see UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals. The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme requires a named sponsor (host) in the UK and we will work closely with Cambridge4Ukraine and/or other local organisations to help facilitate this. If you are not eligible for one of these schemes, the University will aim to provide visa support based on the individual circumstances.
12) Q: What will be my status in the host Department?
A: You will receive a status of a visiting scholar. You will be asked to sign an academic visitor or visiting student agreement.
13) Q: How will accommodation be arranged?
A: Visitors will be provided with free accommodation of up to a minimum of 6 months as part of the visa application for the Ukrainian visa scheme. The University will work closely with Cambridge4Ukraine and/ or other local organisations to find local host families.
14) Q: What type of accommodation will be provided?
A: Suitable accommodation will be provided, depending on individual needs and the sponsor of your visa.
15) Q: I have a host family already/ I am already in the UK; can I apply?
A: Yes, you can apply.
16) Q: Who can I contact if I need to make changes to my application / update details?
A: Please contact us via ukraine@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please write your full name in the subject line of your email.
If you have any further questions about the scheme, please contact: ukraine@admin.cam.ac.uk