Time is Running Out for Gaza Students with UK Scholarships
Forty students from Gaza who have secured full scholarships to attend top universities in the UK this September are at risk of losing their opportunities due to visa delays caused by the ongoing conflict. Advocates are urging British authorities to step in and help facilitate their safe departure. Below are the stories of some of these students.
"I Am Driven by Desperation and Hope"
Abdallah, 27, received a Chevening scholarship, a program funded by the UK, to pursue a Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary University of London.
"Just two weeks after earning my medical degree in 2023, the war began. I chose to stay and work in local hospitals, treating the injured while my own family was at risk.
"Over time, I realized that medical care alone cannot repair a nation in such deep crisis. We need long-term solutions. That’s why I applied to study data science and AI abroad.
"My motivation comes from both despair and hope. Gaza is experiencing an extreme mental health crisis, with nearly everyone affected by trauma, displacement, or loss. Yet our mental healthcare system is in ruins.
"To tackle this challenge, I need advanced training. After completing my degree, I plan to return and help develop data-based healthcare systems that support mental well-being."
"My Work, My Voice, and My Life Matter"
Israa, 31, a Palestinian doctor, was granted a scholarship to undertake a PhD in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where she previously earned a Master’s in International Public Health.
"Studying abroad was a life-changing experience that broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to helping vulnerable communities. I returned to Gaza willingly to serve, heal, and make a difference. Months later, the war erupted.
"Now, I focus on aiding women, adolescents, and displaced families. My doctoral studies were supposed to begin in October 2024, but the start date was postponed to this October. I urge swift action to help students and professionals like me leave Gaza—not just for our safety, but for the future we represent.
"I’m more than a doctor or a student. I’m a survivor, a woman, a wife, and a person who has dedicated herself to health equality. Every day is uncertain. The sooner efforts are made to evacuate us, the better."
"Losing This Scholarship Would Be Devastating"
Khulud, 28, another Chevening scholar, was set to begin a Master’s in Dental Health at University College London after completing her dental degree at the University of Palestine in 2022. The conflict has put her academic journey in jeopardy.
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