By Eniola Amadu
UK ministers have approved plans to help a further 30 students from Gaza travel to Britain to begin university courses next month.
The move, however, still depends on clearance from Israeli authorities before any evacuation can proceed.
This latest approval brings the total number of students the government intends to assist to 39, following last week’s pledge to secure the safe passage of nine Chevening scholars.
READ ALSO: UK elections chief urges democracy lessons for children from age 11
The Chevening programme, funded primarily by the UK government, enables outstanding candidates to undertake one-year master’s degrees at British universities.
All 40 identified students already hold fully funded scholarships.
A Home Office source described the process as “complex and challenging”, explaining that student names must first be cleared by Israeli authorities. Once approved, they would travel to a third country—most likely Jordan—for biometric checks, as such services are unavailable in Gaza.
Campaigners welcomed the government’s decision but warned that affected students still face uncertainty due to limited direct communication.
Dr Norah Parr of the University of Birmingham, who has been coordinating support, said:
“We are relieved that the government has agreed to assist a larger group of students and enable their arrival in time for the autumn term. But we remain worried about the lack of transparency and clear guidelines. At our last count, at least 53 students had full funding and university support.”
Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, representing Sheffield Central, who spearheaded calls for intervention and secured the backing of over 100 MPs in a letter to ministers, praised the announcement.
“Stranded, many students feared that they would die under Israel’s bombs before being able to take up their university places. Our message to the students was that they are not alone.
READ ALSO: UK food inflation climbs as egg, butter prices soar
“And I’m relieved to share the news that the government will offer almost all funded scholarship students the same assistance with safe routes out of Gaza. This is the right decision.” she wrote on X.
