Scholarships for students from Gaza
Published 15 September 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-students-travelling-to-the-uk-from-gaza/scholarships-for-students-from-gaza
There are students in Gaza who have full scholarships to study in the UK who are unable to travel to begin their studies this autumn because of the situation there.
Support with visas
As set out by the Home Secretary in her oral statement to Parliament on 1 September 2025, the Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for all the Chevening scholars from Gaza.
The Home Office is in the process of doing the same for students in Gaza who have been awarded fully funded scholarships and places at UK universities so they can start their studies in autumn this year (no later than 31 December 2025).
Prioritisation
We are prioritising those with fully funded, verifiable, scholarships starting in the autumn term, on the basis that the Home Office is assured that they meet the requirements of the Student visa rules. This decision has been made for full scholarship students due to their potential role in rebuilding Gaza in the future.
The government has outlined plans to support the departure from Gaza of a group of Chevening scholars, so they can take up university places in the UK in the autumn for the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
We are extending this support to students in Gaza with full scholarships, meaning students who have their course fees and living costs fully funded by an official financial sponsor, as specified in the Immigration Rules.
Student eligibility
To be eligible to come to the UK under this approach, students must submit a Student visa application, which will need to be sponsored by their university, and pay associated fees.
Students must:
- be aged 18 or over
- meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules
- have an offer for a course starting no later than 31 December 2025
-
be supported by a fully-funded and verified scholarship that covers both:
- course fees
- living costs
Security checks
Robust security checks will be undertaken on all individuals who enter the UK through this process. Biometrics will be collected as part of the visa application process and prior to the final decision on granting entry to the UK as a student.
Next steps
The government is doing everything it can to support this process. It is important to note that a student’s journey out of Gaza and onwards to the UK cannot be guaranteed, and timelines remain uncertain.
This process is highly dependent on factors outside the UK government’s control.
The government will work with the devolved governments and universities to identify eligible students, and to ensure students receive the support they need for the duration of their studies.
We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.