Domestic experience of social support for vulnerable categories of students in a higher education institution

The article analyzes the current state of social support for vulnerable categories of university students, which is one of the key issues in the national educational system that requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Such categories include students with disabilities, orphans, students from low-income families, internally displaced persons, representatives of national minorities, as well as those raised in single-parent families or with special educational needs. These categories face unique challenges that greatly complicate their access to quality education, adaptation to the university environment, and successful completion of their studies. The author focuses on the main challenges and barriers faced by vulnerable students, namely: financial difficulties, psychological problems, academic difficulties, accessibility barriers, and social adaptation. The article describes the effectiveness and accessibility of existing social programs and scholarship mechanisms, provides information on the work of the Crimea-Ukraine and Donbas-Ukraine Centers, which provide preferential tuition for students from the temporarily occupied territories, scholarships and opportunities to study at Ukrainian universities. As part of this program, the state covers part of the tuition and living expenses for students from Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories, providing them with the opportunity to continue their education in Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the field of education, social support consists not only in financial assistance to low-income students, but also in creating conditions for their social formation, adaptation to the educational environment, development of communication skills and career growth.