Leicester: Ukrainian students extend stay with sanctuary scholarships

Oleksandra Korshunova, Kira Myroshnychenko, Yeva Zhylova-Velter and Karyna Rudaia will continue studying at the University of Leicester

Four Ukrainian students have extended their stay in Leicester after receiving sanctuary scholarships.

Oleksandra Korshunova, Yeva Zhylova-Velter, Kira Myroshnychenko and Karyna Rudaia came to study at the University of Leicester in January 2023.

They initially spent a term studying in the city as part of a twinning agreement with Kremenchuk Mykhailo Otrohradskyi National University.

The quartet will now be able to continue their studies in Leicester.

The formal twinning agreement between the two universities was signed in December 2022.

The sanctuary scholarships are designed to help "reduce the barriers" to higher education for those seeking asylum in the UK, like the students from Kremenchuk.

Ms Korshunova is studying an English and Creative Writing degree, which she says has been her passion since childhood.

'Safe here'

She is "very grateful" to be living in Leicester but said the conflict in Ukraine was never far from her mind.

"I know that my loved ones are safe, and that's the most important thing for me," she added.

"And although I feel comfortable and safe here, my heart still aches for my beloved motherland Ukraine."

Ms Zhylova-Velter is studying a master's degree in Mass Communication and said the city has "become an integral part" of her life.

"I love the city, its picturesque parks, and the warmth of the people," she added.

"As time goes on, my fondness for this place remains unwavering, genuinely growing with each passing day."

Ms Rudaia and Ms Myroshnychenko are both studying English.