Ukraine
The impact of the war in Ukraine on the higher education system and academic relations
The attack by the Russian army in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 will also have a drastic impact on the hitherto close academic relations between German universities and their respective partners in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) will explore the possibilities for continuing and shaping university and academic relations with Ukraine and Russia in cooperation with the German academic organisations – in particular with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – and in consultation with the Federal Government.
This continuously updated page refers to selected reactions on the war from higher education institutions in Germany and lists information on support offered by German universities for Ukrainian academics as well as universities and other research institutions and on consequences for German-Russian academic relations in the higher education sector.
Protection status of refugees extended until March 2025
The residence permits of people who fled to Germany from Ukraine to escape the Russian war of aggression will remain valid until March 4, 2025. This was determined by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Homeland Affairs (BMI) by statutory order. This means that those affected, including academics and students who have fled to Germany from Ukraine, do not have to apply for an extension of their residence status and no associated appointments with the immigration authorities are necessary. The basis for the further extension of temporary protection is a decision by the EU member states at the end of September 2023 (more).
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Statements by the German Rectors’ Conference
- HRK General Assembly: Full support for Ukrainian universities and refugee students and acacemics
- HRK Senate on the consequences of the war in Ukraine, 23 March 2022
- Solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian universities: HRK condemns Russian attack, 24 February 2022
In association with partner institutions:
- Joint PM by HRK, KMK, and BMBF: Germany supports Ukraine in conducting university entrance tests for refugees – online tests planned at six locations nationwide, 9 June 2022
- HRK and DAAD: Ukrainian students and researchers in Germany: Universities need support now, 18 March 2022
- Presidents of the HRK and DAAD urge in view of the war in Ukraine:
No place for nationalism and exclusion at German universities, 10 March 2022 - EUA Suspends Membership of 12 Russian Universities Following Statement by University Leaders, 7 March 2022
- European University Association Statement on Ukraine, 2 March 2022
- Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany: solidarity with partners in Ukraine – consequences for science and the humanities, 25 February 2022
Ukraine: protection status of refugees extended until March 2025
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnisse von Menschen, die vor dem russischen Angriffskrieg aus der Ukraine nach Deutschland geflohen sind, gelten bis zum 4. März 2025 fort. Dies hat das Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat (BMI) durch Rechtsverordnung festgelegt. Damit müssen Betroffene, darunter auch aus der Ukraine nach Deutschland geflohene Wissenschaftler:innen und Studierende, keinen Antrag auf Verlängerung des Aufenthaltsstatus stellen und es sind keine damit verbundenen Termine bei den Ausländerbehörden notwendig. Grundlage für die weitere Verlängerung des vorübergehenden Schutzes ist ein Beschluss der EU-Mitgliedstaaten Ende September 2023 (mehr).
Offers of support for Ukrainian universities and academics
In response to the current war, numerous German universities have launched various support activities for their partner institutions in Ukraine as well as for Ukrainian academics and students. For more information, see the sub-page "Offers of support for Ukrainian universities and academics".
Consequences for German-Russian Higher Education Cooperation
German higher education institutions are suspending cooperation with Russian partner institutions in research and teaching until further notice. For more information, see the sub-page "Consequences for German-Russian Higher Education Cooperation".
