Gaza Scholars Prepare for UK Evacuation to Begin University Studies

Nine students from Gaza, awarded Chevening scholarships to study in the United Kingdom, are preparing to be evacuated after months of delays caused by conflict and administrative barriers. The group is expected to travel soon, following pressure from academics, MPs and campaigners urging the government to act while officials also weighed security and resource concerns linked to processing applicants from a conflict zone.

The students, who secured placements at some of the country’s leading universities including the London School of Economics, University College London and the University of Glasgow, have faced repeated setbacks since being awarded their scholarships. The UK Visa Application Centre in Gaza has been closed since late 2023, leaving many unable to complete biometric checks required for visa processing and raising questions over how to maintain necessary security screening under exceptional circumstances.

The Foreign Office has now confirmed that arrangements have been made to assist the nine scholars, who are expected to arrive in Britain before the academic year begins. Officials have described the situation as exceptional, citing security challenges and logistical difficulties, but added that they recognise the importance of supporting the students’ academic ambitions while stressing that rules cannot be relaxed wholesale without undermining border integrity.

While this decision brings relief to those affected, campaigners warn that dozens more Gaza students remain stranded. It is estimated that more than 40 others, many of whom also hold prestigious scholarships, are unable to leave due to the same restrictions. With no visa centre in Gaza and tight border controls, these students have no viable route to complete the necessary requirements before their courses commence unless further government intervention is authorised, something ministers are approaching with caution due to both cost and precedent.

Some of those affected have spoken publicly about their fears of losing the opportunity to study abroad. One Chevening scholar described the placement as a “once-in-a-lifetime chance”, saying that failure to attend this year would mean forfeiting years of preparation and the scholarship itself. Others have highlighted the risk of skills loss and the impact on future careers if they remain trapped but critics note that the UK faces growing pressure to balance humanitarian commitments with the practical limits of its immigration and security systems.

Universities and professional associations have joined the calls for action. The British Sociological Association and other groups have urged ministers to waive biometric requirements or create safe pathways to enable students to travel. They point out that other European countries have managed to evacuate students from conflict zones and say the UK should do the same for its sponsored scholars although such comparisons often overlook differences in national immigration frameworks and security standards.

Some universities have already stepped in to support displaced students. The University of Leicester, with help from a registered charity, has enabled two Gaza medical students to continue their education in Britain. Similar initiatives have been created elsewhere, showing the willingness of academic institutions to assist where possible but also highlighting how private support has filled gaps that government policy has been reluctant to stretch further.

For the nine students now preparing to leave, the decision represents an important breakthrough, but for many others the situation remains uncertain. Campaigners continue to press the government to extend its support to all eligible candidates, arguing that education is a lifeline for young people in conflict areas and that Britain’s commitment to international scholarships must be upheld even as ministers warn that resources are finite and priorities must reflect national interests alongside international obligations.