Travel barriers keep Gaza students from reaching universities abroad

Mariam al-Najar, 24, from Khan Younis in Gaza, had been waiting for news that could change her life. When an email confirming her acceptance into a master's program in economics and management at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio in Italy arrived two weeks after she applied, she felt her years of study had finally paid off.

"Getting into the university was like an unexpected ray of light, giving me back a sense of being alive and hope," Mariam told Al Jazeera. "I applied for the scholarship in a state of deep despair and never thought I would be accepted."

The scholarship is not just a chance for Mariam to pursue higher education at a prestigious university; it also opens hope for a new future amid Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. However, winning the spot is only the beginning of the challenges ahead.

Italy is the main destination in the 2025–2026 program to evacuate Palestinian students from Gaza. About 229 students left Gaza before May 2026, along with a group of around 40 others in June 2026. Lower living and tuition costs than many other European countries make Italy a popular choice—about 10,200 euros ($11,773) per year, compared with 30,000–60,000 pounds ($40,408–80,820) in the UK.

For Mariam, cost is not the immediate obstacle. The hardest part is figuring out how to reach Italy amid Israel's blockade. After securing a visa, she contacted several organizations that might help with the journey, but Israel's travel restrictions, tightened after the U.S.–Israel war with Iran, have so far prevented her from leaving Gaza. This threatens her ability to arrive in time for the fall semester.

"Every day that passes in Gaza feels like losing an opportunity," Mariam said. "Many students have been denied visas more than once, and there are still barriers preventing them from studying abroad. After years of effort and hope, losing this chance has become a nightmare I fear will come true."

Professor Giovanna Citti from the University of Bologna said: "The main barrier for Gaza students is not securing a scholarship but the ability to leave Gaza and complete procedures to reach Italy. Even after being accepted, students still need an exit permit and, in many cases, must transit through Israel and Jordan."

She stressed: "Humanitarian corridors require intense diplomatic negotiation because obtaining a permit to leave Gaza is extremely difficult. Students are academically qualified and highly motivated. The problem is not their capacity to study but creating a clear, reliable route for them to get to their universities."

As more students find themselves in similar situations, initiatives supporting scholarships and travel have emerged. Gaza40+ currently has more than 1,200 Palestinian students registered as needing educational support outside Gaza; over 500 have received acceptance offers from European universities. Every day, the organization records 5–10 new student or volunteer registrations. To date, Gaza40+ has helped 120 students and 20 relatives leave Gaza to continue their studies.

According to Gaza40+, the lack of consistent humanitarian corridors out of Gaza is the biggest challenge. Some countries that were once more accommodating are now changing their policies. In Italy, students have recently been required to prove Italian language proficiency before being considered for evacuation—a new barrier amid the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Nasser Taha, a representative of Gaza40+, said: "Students are not losing opportunities because of a lack of academic ability or commitment. They lose them because of circumstances beyond their control. There needs to be closer coordination between governments, universities, and international organizations to ensure Gaza students can reach their schools and not lose their educational opportunities."

Doaa Fawzi Hamdan, a student at the University of Bologna, faces a similar situation. Despite completing all necessary paperwork amid power shortages, weak internet, and constant displacement, she has not yet received her Italian visa. "The hardest part is receiving the university's acceptance but not knowing whether I can get there in time. We are not asking for special treatment. We just want the chance to go to school and start learning like students everywhere else in the world," Doaa said.