On 24 February 2022, the world changed. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unleashed a war that affected the lives of millions of people. Among them are students and academics who have had to leave their homes, universities and research facilities. From the first days of the war, our country, university and faculty have tried to create a space where these people can find the opportunity to continue their education and professional growth.
Ukrainian students and staff at our faculty
Today, 115 students originating from Ukraine receive their education at our faculty, making up over 10% of all students. Among our staff there are 12 Ukrainian academics and professionals who have been recruited under the support of the European Union through the Slovak Recovery and Resilience Plan, ERASMUS+ programme, SAIA national scholarships or Visegrad Fund. Ukrainian students and staff are part of our academic community, contributing to its development and bringing new perspectives to education, science and research.
Students from Ukraine are educated in all the fields of study we offer, especially in the Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Physics degree programmes. The faculty provides them with support in the form of scholarships, language courses and individual guidance to facilitate their integration into the new academic environment.
We also continue our cooperation with Ukrainian universities under the Erasmus+ programme. We have received several guests for short-term stays and internships and are jointly preparing further educational and scientific research projects.
Overcoming challenges and building for the future
Welcoming Ukrainian students and staff has brought with it challenges. Administrative processes, language barriers, accommodation and psychological adjustment to life in a new country and dealing with concerns about loved ones required extraordinary flexibility and commitment from the faculty and the entire university. Nevertheless, our priority is to help people deprived of their homes by the war and to provide them with a stable environment in which to learn and work.
Supporting Ukraine is natural and logical for us. Freedom and peace are values we take for granted, but we know that for many today they are a distant goal. Through our actions, we are trying to show that academia has the power and responsibility to help where it is needed.
Our support continues
Our faculty will continue to support Ukrainian students and academics, providing them with quality education and the opportunity to work on research projects. We hope that one day they will be able to return home and use the knowledge they have gained to rebuild their country. Until then, they are part of us and we are proud to be their support.
