Abertay University has joined a new initiative which supports students affected by global crises
- Andrew Batchelor
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Abertay University has joined a new UK-wide coalition aimed at helping students and academics whose education has been disrupted by war and humanitarian crises.
The initiative, known as the Global Response Platform, will bring together universities and education organisations to better coordinate support when international emergencies happen. It is being led by Mosaik Education and includes a dozen UK universities, as well as sector bodies and charities.
Alongside Abertay, institutions such as the University of London, the University of Leeds, the University of Warwick, University of the Arts London, Birkbeck and Cardiff University are taking part. Universities UK, the British Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are also involved in the project.
The aim is to make sure support for affected students is more organised and consistent. Universities say that when sudden conflicts broke out in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, it was challenging to respond quickly and at scale. By working together, they hope to share knowledge, plan ahead and provide clearer routes into higher education for those whose studies have been interrupted.
The move also comes at a time when more students are looking to the UK for opportunities to continue their education. Recent changes to visa rules in the United States have made it harder for some at-risk scholars to remain there, leading UK universities to explore how they can offer alternative study options and scholarships.
Professor Liz Bacon, Principal of Abertay University, said the university is proud to be part of the coalition. She said it reflects Abertay’s focus on fairness and opportunity, and its commitment to supporting people whose lives have been affected by conflict. She added that working collectively can help open doors for students who might otherwise miss out on higher education.
One of the platform’s first priorities will be improving access to education through international campuses and online learning. Organisers say that talented students living in difficult circumstances often struggle to find clear pathways into university, and a coordinated UK approach could help change that.
