Ukrainian ambassador calls for NZ universities to charge domestic tuition fees for students coming from Ukraine

The Ukrainian ambassador is calling for NZ universities to follow the UK's initiative by charging students from the Ukraine domestic tuition fees rather than international tuition fees.

Vasyl Myroshnychenko told AM his daughter was on a sponsored visa which allowed her to go to the UK and study and pay domestic tuition fees.

"Ukrainians who come to the UK on sponsored visas can get a domestic tuition and this is something New Zealand could also offer."

Myroshynychenko said the UK Government initiated the idea to reduce the fees as a way of helping refugees and displaced leaving Ukraine.

"I am trying to initiate and talk in Australia but I am sure New Zealand universities could also join and offer that opportunity for the Ukrainian students."

The current visa the New Zealand Government has offered has meant only Ukrainians with relatives are able to come to New Zealand and they are not given a lot of support from the Government itself.

"The people who could come here, the Ukrainians are of close kin to those people who are here. Brothers, sisters, mothers, sons or daughters who come here. They have relatives here that they can rely on," 

Former Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced the 'Special Ukraine Policy' in March where those who are successful in their applications will receive a two-year work visa with working or studying rights and children will be able to attend school.

Myroshynychenko told AM only 200 people have come to New Zealand from Ukraine out of the 4000 places which were made available by the New Zealand Government.

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