City welcomes first students from Ukrainian Global University

This term, City has welcomed its first students under its new partnership with Ukrainian Global University (UGU).

UGU is an initiative set up in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the aim of creating education and research partnerships to assist in the country’s reconstruction.

City signed a memorandum of understanding with UGU in May of this year. As part of that, City undertook to accept six students whose education had been disrupted or who were unable to start their studies because of the war.

Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein with Ukrainian Global University students.

As a reminder of the challenges facing young people in Ukraine, two of the students who were accepted for study have so far been unable to take up their places because of their military service obligations.  City has agreed to keep their places open in the hope that they can take them up in a future year.  Four of the six students were however, met and welcomed this week by City’s President, Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein and Dr James Rodgers, Assistant Vice-President for Global Engagement.

The UGU is being supported by XTX Markets through its Academic Sanctuaries Fund. As part of this partnership, XTX Markets has made a donation to City to go towards the students’ living costs.

City’s participation in the partnership with UGU has been led by Dr James Rodgers, Assistant Vice-President for Global Engagement. James said:

“I am grateful to my colleagues across the University for their enthusiastic participation and support for this partnership. I am pleased that we are helping Ukrainian students in the difficult circumstances of the present, and in a way that looks forward to a future when the skills they acquire can help their country rebuild.”

Dr James Rodgers (far left) with Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein (centre) and Ukrainian Global University students at the President's Office.

Speaking to the students this week, Sir Anthony said:

Democracy and freedom are values that we hold dear to us at City. We recognise and honour your right to national self-determination. You are very welcome to the University, and we will do all we can to support you in your studies and during your time with us.