Emergency Fund for Students Affected by the War

The International Office has written to the 230 international students, who can apply for assistance right away. In a survey beforehand to determine demand, every tenth student reported an acute need for financial help. Many of those asked said that they urgently needed help with paying their rent or social contribution, whereby students from Ukraine and Russia are affected in equal measure, especially if their parents have been financing their studies. For example, families from Ukraine might have lost their source of income through war and flight, while restrictions on payment transactions can make it difficult for relatives in Russia to keep up their support.

“Through our emergency fund, we can first of all help these students quickly and unbureaucratically to continue their studies at TU Dortmund University until longer term programs are in place,” says Guido Baranowski, chairman of the Association of Friends, which is continuing to collect donations for this purpose. As a non-profit association with over 500 members, the Association of Friends has supported TU Dortmund University for over 60 years.

“At the present time, many of the affected students require above all a subsidy of between €100 and €500 towards their rent,” explains Dr Barbara Schneider, director of the International Office. Ukrainian and Russian students can receive emergency aid for their personal requirements if they find themselves facing financial hardship due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and through no fault of their own. Help is available in all study phases. “In addition, Social Counseling at the International Office can help with applications for assistance from other sources. Furthermore, the General Student Committee offers hardship compensation if a student is unable to pay the social contribution,” she adds.

TU Dort­mund University strongly condemns the ruthless attack on Ukraine and stands united with the victims and others affected by this conflict as well as with all those campaigning for peace and democracy. TU Dortmund University wants to welcome people fleeing from the warzone to Germany and offer them a future here. The Refugee Counseling and Integration Office of the International Office is happy to advise. The university is also endeavoring to facilitate guest visits in Germany for scholars from Russia who have been affected through no fault of their own. Anyone who can make accommodation available for persons facing hardship because of the war is kindly invited to contact Social Counseling at the International Office.

Back