Students evacuated from Gaza to study at UK universities

The first students evacuated from Gaza are set to arrive in the UK to study at some of the UK’s top universities following government support to help them leave Gaza.  

The cohort includes those who have received the prestigious Chevening scholarship, which “recognises the leaders of tomorrow from all over the world” and supports them to pursue one-year masters degrees in the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) said. 

It also includes those with fully funded university places for both masters and undergraduate courses who will take up their places at UK universities this academic year.   

The DfE said the move “recognises their potential role as leaders in the reconstruction of Gaza and the building of a better future for Israelis and Palestinians”. 

It added it will ensure Gazan students can “benefit from the UK’s world-class higher education sector, experience the UK’s culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK”. 

Since informing the students last month, the UK government has worked to assist them in leaving Gaza. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The conflict in Gaza has had an appalling impact on education, with many children entirely unable to access schooling. Despite that, students in Gaza have shown incredible resilience and unwavering determination to pursue their studies against an appalling backdrop of death, destruction and famine. 

“Talented students who have been awarded scholarships to UK universities need to be able to start their courses this Autumn so I am very grateful to our partners, including the Government of Jordan, for working with us these past weeks to help them leave to take up their places.”

She added: “Our support also reflects the UK’s commitment to the future of postwar Gaza and its reconstruction, where educating the next generation will play a vital role.”

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said: “These students have lived through an appalling ordeal, with many losing loved ones and having their studies torn apart by the devastating impact of war. I am relieved that we have been able to help them reach the UK and take up their places at our universities, where they can continue their education in safety. 

“Education offers hope and opportunity and we are determined to ensure that all young people, whatever their circumstances, are able to benefit from it.”