Prime Highlights:
- 34 Palestinian students with fully funded scholarships have arrived in the UK after months of planning and support.
- Education leaders describe their journey as a “surreal journey from devastation to opportunity,” showing resilience and hope.
Key Facts:
- The students arrived in London and Manchester from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, with some continuing to Northern Ireland and Scotland.
- The cohort includes Chevening Scholarship recipients pursuing master’s degrees, while some PhD students were unable to leave Gaza with their families.
Key Background:
A group of 34 Palestinian students, all recipients of fully funded scholarships, has arrived in the UK after months of anticipation and efforts by academics, politicians, and supporters. The students landed in London and Manchester on three flights from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, with several continuing onward to Northern Ireland and Scotland to begin their studies.
The students’ arrival marks the first successful evacuation of Palestinian scholars from Gaza this year, following extensive campaigning on behalf of over 100 students holding offers from UK universities. Supporters hope this first group will create a lasting pathway so more Palestinian students can study in the UK in the future.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson welcomed the students, highlighting the resilience and determination of the cohort. “These students have lived through the most appalling ordeal. Many have lost loved ones, and their education has been disrupted by almost two years of war. Yet, they have not given up. They have chosen to respond to loss with learning, despair with determination, and war with hope,” she said.
The group includes recipients of the Chevening Scholarship, the UK government’s flagship program aimed at nurturing future global leaders through one-year master’s degrees. However, two PhD students were unable to join the evacuation, as their young children and spouses were not permitted to leave Gaza with them. Supporters say the women made the difficult decision to stay with their families despite having the opportunity to study abroad.
Nora Parr, a University of Birmingham researcher coordinating support for the students, described the arrival as “the beginning of a new chapter in what has been a surreal journey from devastation to opportunity.” She added that efforts are ongoing to refine the UK’s educational support scheme, including the inclusion of post-doctoral scholars and family-friendly provisions.
The students’ arrival comes shortly after the UK joined Canada and Australia in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted that education will be key in rebuilding Gaza and supporting its next generation.
This shows the students’ strength and the UK’s support for education in conflict areas, giving hope to young scholars from Gaza.
