The war in Ukraine is affecting Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) and its community in a variety of ways, as it has a highly international profile: in addition to offering counselling services for refugees from Ukraine, the university is also opening its guest student programme for the 2022 summer semester.
The war in Ukraine is affecting Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) and its community in many different ways, as it has a highly international profile: more than 50 per cent of all students come from abroad; by comparison, the national average for universities is around 15 per cent. Currently, 34 students from Ukraine, 84 from Russia and five from Belarus are enrolled at the university. At present, no students from the university are in Ukraine as part of a study visit.
Internationality in teaching, research and collaboration is a defining feature of the university. For example, since 2016, the Faculty of Life Sciences has been cooperating, as part of the DAAD Eastern Partnerships, with the State Biotechnological University of Kharkiv, Ukraine, whose buildings have been affected by the attack. Academic exchange is not possible due to the current situation.
The university has various partnership agreements with Russian institutions, including two partnerships in St Petersburg: firstly with the St Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO) (Faculty of Technology and Bionics), and secondly with the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) (Faculty of Society and Economics). Further partnerships exist within the framework of the DAAD-funded Eastern Partnerships with Siberian Federal University and the Vologda State Dairy Farming Academy (Faculty of Life Sciences).
In response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the subsequent political and economic sanctions, German universities and research institutions have suspended their cooperation with Russian partner institutions. A key factor in this decision was, not least, a joint statement by the Russian Union of University Rectors, which stated that it is very important at this time to “support our country, our army, which defends our security, and to support our President, who has made perhaps the most difficult decision of his life – a hard-won but necessary decision.”
In the academic world, this severing of ties is a delicate balancing act, but it is clear “that, for the time being, no further funding will be provided. Russian institutions must be sanctioned, and formal cooperation must be frozen or discontinued. However, individual collaboration with researchers who are committed to Western values and democracies must continue. Likewise, young people and students from Russia should have the opportunity to find a place within the Western academic system. Science diplomacy must be the last remaining link and must not be severed,” said University President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen.
In line with its mission statement, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will remain an open and non-discriminatory institution. It promotes international academic discourse as well as value-oriented and cultural exchange. Through this openness to the world, it contributes to mutual understanding between cultures in an interconnected world. Particularly in these challenging times, the university will stand firmly for the fundamental values of peace, freedom and democracy. The immediate priority now is to prepare for the admission of Ukrainian students and academics and to develop support services.
Current measures
Information services: Information for the various groups of people will be made available on the university’s website in due course. A central coordination point has been set up to handle enquiries of any kind from students or staff. This is based at the Centre for Internationalisation and Languages (ZIS) and can be contacted at ukraine@hochschule-rhein-waal.de.
Opening of guest student places: In every regular semester, it is possible to attend courses at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences as a guest student. In the 2022 summer semester, which began with lectures starting on 21 March 2022, (selected) courses are available from the Faculties of Technology and Bionics, Life Sciences and Society, and Economics at the university’s Kleve campus, as well as the Faculty of Communication and Environment in Kamp-Lintfort. Refugees from Ukraine in particular are very welcome! Further information
Support for students from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia enrolled at HSRW: The Central Student Advisory Service, together with the Welcome Centre, the psychological counselling service and the General Student Committee (AStA), offer relevant services that are open to all. These can be contacted via the usual channels.
Students from Ukraine with Ukrainian nationality: Ukrainian students who are enrolled at a higher education institution in Ukraine and are now seeking temporary protection in Germany may, after registering with a local authority and with the Foreigners’ Registration Office, apply for a residence permit under Section 24 of the Act on the Residence, Gainful Employment and the Integration of Foreign Nationals in Germany (Residence Act – AufenthG).
The application period for the summer semester, which begins on 21 March 2022, has already closed; as things stand, enrolment is therefore no longer possible. The university is currently working intensively on a programme specifically for Ukrainian students to help them bridge the gap until the start of the 2022/23 winter semester, for example through intensive language courses. The application period for the coming winter semester begins in early May 2022.
Students from Ukraine who are nationals of third countries: Students who are enrolled at a higher education institution in Ukraine but are not Ukrainian nationals generally do not have a right of residence in Germany. These students have a transit permit to travel to their home countries. (Exceptions apply only if they have, or acquire, refugee status on account of their country of origin.) This group of people – like all other prospective students – is free to apply in the normal way for a place at university for the 2022/23 winter semester from the start of May 2022.
Ukrainian academics: These individuals are receiving individual support based on their personal connections to the university. One person from Ukraine has already arrived in the Lower Rhine region with their family. Accommodation is being arranged for two further individuals. In addition, the university intends to expand its involvement with ‘Scholars at Risk’.
Academics from Belarus and Russia: The university is ceasing all cooperation; payments to these countries will be halted. The extent to which staff in Germany, Belarus or Russia are affected by this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
