UK Govt to Facilitate Evacuation of Gaza Scholars

Ifeyinwa Susan Francis

The UK Government is set to facilitate the evacuation of nine students from Gaza with full scholarships to study at British Universities.

This was made known by the BBC on August 20, 2025.

This was followed by months of pressure from MPs, academics, and campaigners, with several other students still stranded.

The Chevening Scholarships awardees received this new development on Wednesday. Although many Palestinians in Gaza with university places are still awaiting news.

More than 80 Palestinian students in total have offers at UK universities, including 40 who have secured full scholarships.

Dr Nora Parr, University of Birmingham researcher 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.”

Students can’t travel or start their studies because the Home Office requires biometric data for their visa.

Gaza’s UK-approved biometrics centre closed in October 2023, and they haven’t been able to reach other centres in nearby countries.

Other countries, including Italy, Ireland, and France, have already evacuated students

“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 dream”