Throughout 2022, SA2U used part of a generous grant from the Ingeborg Gross Foundation to support Ukrainian students enrolled in institutions of higher education in Switzerland or Germany. The “Swiss Aid Scholarship” helped students purchase school supplies such as laptops, books, or basic necessities. Eleven students were supported in 2022.

The scholarship was established to provide students with financial support for necessities for study so that they can focus on getting the most out of a critical time in their lives. Eleven students received grants of CHF 1,000-1,600 each, for a total amount of CHF 14,220 in 2022. 

In addition, Swiss Aid to Ukraine team members assisted scholarship recipients as well as other students with the application process and paperwork to cross the border to Switzerland and Germany to commence their studies. 

Higher education institutions are places where knowledge is acquired and friendships are formed for life and where students lay much of the groundwork for their entire future. The students supported were happy to receive financial aid, thereby enabling them to focus on their learning experiences. Some of their stories are below.

Yulia is studying at the Swiss Opera Studio in Biel (CH) and used the grant to pay for vocal master classes and to purchase a tablet for her coursework.

My biggest motivation and desire now is to promote Ukrainian culture and music. Unfortunately, very few Europeans are familiar with the musical art of Ukraine. When the war started, I couldn’t sing at all for four months. I remember this period with horror and inner pain for human cruelty. […] The biggest mission for me now is to tell European society about the richness of Ukrainian music, artistic wealth and lyrical charm. Your support for musician students is a huge step towards victory, because culture is the root on which nationality is based.

Musa is studying architecture and urban planning at the Technische Hochschule Lübeck (D) and used the grant to purchase a laptop.

Thank you for allowing me to purchase a new laptop. Because of your scholarship, I was able to concentrate on writing my final paper. I am currently a graduate student of Architecture and Urban Planning. And it has always been my dream to attend [a] European university, and to pursue a career in that field after I graduate. Getting this scholarship has given me the motivation to keep up a good level, get my degree, and inspired me to work hard so that every other student has the same opportunity as me.

Martin is studying political science at the University of Zurich (CH) and used the grant to pay for a laptop for his studies.

I was able to use the scholarship to purchase a laptop for my studies. This has been an invaluable tool for me, as I came to Switzerland with a simple paper notebook and a pen. I want to thank SA2U for their generous support, not only for me but for other students in need as well. Your organization is doing a good deed by providing financial assistance to disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams.