University College Birmingham stands with Nepal following devastating floods

August 2026

By Luke Huo

Share post:

Read time: approx 6 mins

University College Birmingham (UCB) has expressed its deepest sympathies to everyone affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, as rescue and relief efforts continue across affected communities.

Nepal is an important part of the University College Birmingham community. UCB has students and colleagues from Nepal, prospective students preparing to join the University, and longstanding relationships with schools, universities, education representatives and other partners across the country.

The University is contacting members of its community who may have been affected and is putting practical support in place for current and incoming students, while also reaching out directly to its partners in Nepal.

Professor Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University College Birmingham, said:

“The news and images emerging from Nepal are heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone who has lost a loved one, those who have been injured or displaced, those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected, and the many families who are still worried about people they love.
“Nepal has a very special place within our University College Birmingham community. We have students and colleagues from Nepal here in Birmingham, students preparing to join us, and valued friends and partners across the country with whom we have built close relationships over many years.
“For those here in Birmingham, being thousands of miles away from family and friends at a time like this can be incredibly difficult. For those in Nepal, the floods may have suddenly changed circumstances and plans for the weeks ahead.
“We are contacting our students and applicants to make sure they know that support is available. We are also reaching out personally to our partners across Nepal. At a time like this, our relationships go far beyond normal university business. We will be flexible about routine activity and expectations, we will listen to the difficulties our partners and their students are facing, and where there are practical ways in which UCB can help, we will do our very best to do so.
“I want everyone affected within our community to know that they are not facing this alone. Colleagues across UCB are ready to listen, to support and, wherever reasonably possible, to provide practical help.
“At its heart, a university is a community of people who look after one another. At this very difficult time, University College Birmingham stands with the people of Nepal and with everyone whose lives have been affected.”

Professor Michael Harkin Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University College Birmingham

Supporting current students

UCB is contacting current students from Nepal to make sure they are aware of the support available.

Students who are worried about family or friends, experiencing grief or distress, or finding events difficult to cope with can access UCB's free and confidential Health and Wellbeing Service.

Eligible international students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties as a result of exceptional circumstances can also speak to the University's Financial Support team about the International Student University Support Fund, which can provide short-term assistance towards essential living costs and other immediate financial pressures.

Students whose attendance, assessments or ability to study have been affected are encouraged to speak to Student Services or their academic tutors so that appropriate support can be considered.

Supporting students preparing to join UCB

The International Office is contacting applicants and offer-holders from Nepal who are preparing to join UCB.

Students whose travel, documentation, finances or ability to arrive in Birmingham have been affected are encouraged to contact the University. UCB will consider individual circumstances sensitively and explore reasonable options wherever possible, taking account of academic and UK immigration requirements.

Where circumstances mean that joining UCB in September is no longer possible, the International Office can also discuss whether deferral to a later intake may be possible.

For eligible new international higher education students who are able to arrive in Birmingham before teaching begins, UCB Ahead provides an additional way to prepare and settle in. The one-week on-campus programme helps students understand UK academic culture, meet staff and other students, learn about the support available at UCB and familiarise themselves with the University and the city of Birmingham.

Find out more and apply

Supporting our partners in Nepal

UCB is also contacting its schools, universities, education representatives and other partners across Nepal.

The University recognises that many partner organisations and their colleagues may themselves be dealing with serious personal or operational disruption.

UCB is therefore taking a flexible approach to routine activity while the immediate situation unfolds and is encouraging partners to make the University aware of any students or families connected to UCB who have been particularly affected.

Partners are also being invited to let UCB know where practical support, flexibility or assistance may be helpful.

Supporting UCB colleagues

Colleagues with family, friends or other close connections to Nepal are being encouraged to contact their line manager or HR if they require support or flexibility.

UCB's Employee Assistance Programme is available to colleagues requiring confidential emotional or practical support.

The University will continue to monitor developments and review the support available as circumstances develop

Supporting the humanitarian response

For members of our wider community who would like to support humanitarian relief, the British Red Cross has published information about the floods in Nepal and how to support its Disaster Fund, which enables Red Cross teams to respond to disasters and emergencies.