Following the closure of the Visa Application Centre in Gaza and borders remaining closed under Israeli control, two UCL master’s offer holders remain stuck in Gaza.
Ola, a Chevening Scholar with an offer to study Education and International Development MA at the University, told UCL Action for Palestine (AFP), “Losing this scholarship would shatter years of hard work and the hope I carry for hundreds of displaced and refugee and brilliant children who I taught in tents under the burning sun and heavy rain, who dream of a better future.
“I promised them to be their voice, to rebuild schools and create the strong education system they desperately need. Without this chance, that promise will be lost.”
Khulud, a public health advocate and dentist with an offer to study Dental Public Health MSc, also told UCL AFP, “This scholarship means everything to me. It is a path to safety, to growth, and to becoming part of the solution for my people who are living under siege, with no access to proper health services.”
Ola and Khulud are part of the 40+ students admitted to UK universities who are reportedly trapped in Gaza over biometric requirements and a lack of safe evacuation routes.
Over 3000 students across 140+ universities have signed an open letter to Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and MENA Minister Hamish Falconer to ensure their safe passage to the UK, and defer biometric requirements until they safely reach the country.
The letter exposes some of the devastating circumstances faced by these students:
“Scholar Abeer’s home was destroyed, and she, along with Malak, Majd, Khulud and Shaymaa, have been displaced multiple times.”
“Karam [was] interviewed with shrapnel embedded in his head and leg.”
“Malak’s neighbours were completely martyred in a targeted strike, and Abeer lost her brother Mohammed to a fatal wound. She described the sensation as her heart stopping, and felt her life had lost all meaning.”
“Yet in the face of such devastation, these students remain hopeful. For many, an education represents an opportunity to move from a state of survival to a life of rebuilding – rebuilding their futures, their communities and their dreams,” the letter adds.
The letter highlights previous cases where the Home Office has agreed to waive biometric requirements and streamlined visa pathways, such as for Ukrainian and Afghan nationals, arguing the same exceptions should be made for students in Gaza.
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, said: “It is really important that we keep the life-changing opportunity of higher education open for students whose lives are being overturned by conflict.
“The dedication these students have shown and their determination to keep learning despite incredibly difficult circumstances demonstrates how hugely motivated they are to take advantage of everything that UCL can offer them, to shape a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
“Any action the government can take to help them find ways around the barriers that the situation in Gaza presents would be hugely welcome and of very great benefit.”
