Nine students in Gaza with full scholarships to study at British universities have been told the UK government is working to facilitate their evacuation.
The students – who have all been awarded Chevening scholarships, funded by the Foreign Office in recognition of their potential as future leaders – welcomed the development on Wednesday, but dozens more Palestinians in Gaza with university places are still awaiting news.
The breakthrough follows months of advocacy and campaigning by more than 100 MPs, university leaders and other civil society organisations. More than 80 Palestinian students in total have offers at UK universities, including 40 who have secured full scholarships.
Dr Nora Parr, a researcher at the University of Birmingham who has been coordinating efforts to support the students, said: “We received news of the government plans with mixed emotions. On the one hand, relief that indeed there is a shared sense of the importance and urgency of the students’ situation – and on the other our hearts sank. What about the rest? We must believe that this is only a start.”
Khulud, 28, who has a place at University College London to study for a master’s degree in dental health, said: “Receiving the news about the evacuation today was overwhelming.”
The students have been unable to travel and begin their studies because of a Home Office requirement for biometric data for a visa application. The UK-authorised biometrics registration centre in Gaza closed in October 2023 and it has been impossible for them to travel to other centres in neighbouring countries.
Other countries, including Italy, Ireland and France, have already evacuated students. It is understood the British government is considering requests for support from other Palestinian students with places at UK universities.
“Through all these struggles, our voices are finally being heard,” said Khulud. “Nothing we have endured has been in vain. I hope these steps are completed smoothly so that we can join our studies on time.”
Of her fellow students who are still waiting, she said: “I hope their determination is recognised, and that they too receive the support they deserve to continue their studies and achieve their dreams.”
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A government spokesperson said: “We are working urgently to support Chevening scholars in Gaza who have offers from British universities to leave and take up their places in the UK.
“We are doing everything we can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK but the situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.”
