University of Glasgow and Cara Call for Urgent Action on Gaza Student Case

Global Education Barriers: Gaza PhD Student Faces Family Separation in the UK

Accessing global education becomes difficult for countries entangled in conflict and political barriers in humanitarian crises. These difficulties, created by the abovementioned factors, hold students from today from fully optimising their academic journeys. Support from universities and charities through their fledgling programs and scholarships hardly touches many poor and unfortunate students who still suffer problems of separation from family and agony from uncertainty; more inclusive and coordinated needs are urgently needed in international education policies. A striking example of these difficulties can be seen in the story of Manar al-Houbi, a PhD student from Gaza. She has spoken of her distress after her family was barred from entering the UK despite her study being fully covered by an academic scholarship, in a case that has attracted the interest of the entire higher education sector in the UK. The UK government's Gaza student visa issue has opened a can of worms on the treatment of scholars from conflict zones and the effects of immigration policies on academic freedom and inclusion.

Houbi received a prestigious scholarship from the Council for At Risk Academics (Cara), an organisation known for helping in crisis-affected regions and supporting scholars. The scholarship, which catered for her tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, was for both her and her dependents. Under the current UK visa rules for international students, most are not allowed to bring family members, but full-time PhD students like Houbi are exempt from this restriction, especially when supported through humanitarian scholarships from higher education institutions.

Even after complying with all requirements, Houbi received notification from the UK minister that the family was not able to travel with her. The UK Foreign Office's Gaza response cited difficulties in securing permissions from Israeli authorities. But according to Israeli officials, they had not blocked Houbi's departure from Gaza and that evacuations depend on requests made by receiving countries. This tends to raise questions about UK-Israel permissions for Gaza evacuation and the UK government's policy for Gaza student evacuations.

Houbi's case demonstrates the obstacles that Palestinian students will face in the UK, especially those students caught in the Gaza education crisis. Her home was destroyed in Rafah during the war, and she and her family are now living in a tent in Khan Younis. Her PhD research at Glasgow University concentrates on how media and education can help reduce violence against women and build peace, a mission she hopes to continue in Gaza after her studies.

The University of Glasgow has strongly supported Houbi. According to her academic supervisor, Professor Alison Phipps, Houbi was chosen under a scheme that expressly allows dependents with no scholar forced to decide between education and family. The support for the particular case manifests the broader support that the British universities provide for Gaza scholars and the conviction about access to education globally. Cara, the body that awarded Houbi her scholarship, has again repeated its readiness to help with evacuation and called on the UK government to move quickly. This charity plays a role in ensuring that there are scholarships for academics from Gaza and promoting opportunities through which students from war-ridden countries can study abroad. Its work is part of a wider effort regarding scholarships for at-risk academics that would uphold academic freedom and human rights through such scholarships.

The first report concerning the recent UK higher education news in 2025 details the fact that Palestinian scholars from Gaza arrived in Britain after research and lobbying by academics, politicians, and civil society. The process of FCDO and Gaza student rescue is still very complicated, but officials have stated that now more students are expected to come in the coming weeks. In the unfolding scenarios, the case of Manar al-Houbi raises the most critical questions of global education mobility, UK immigration in terms of crackdown on dependants, and the responsibilities of both governments and universities in support of refugees and academic opportunities. Hope persists, however, that scholars like Houbi will complete their studies without separation from families and that the UK's promises on humanitarian education pathways will be kept.

Editor’s Note:

The case of Manar al-Houbi has poignantly illustrated the increasing tension between humanitarian need and immigration policy in the UK higher education framework. Despite the UK continuing to present itself as a global leader in academic opportunity, the ruthless tightening of its visa restrictions, notably on the dependants, now risks undermining the very principles of inclusion and academic freedom these institutions profess to promote. Houbi, however, is not alone. Her case is emblematic of the problems faced more generally by Palestinian students and scholars from conflict-hit areas grappling with political impediments and humanitarian crises. After being awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara) and fulfilling all the requirements, Houbi's family remains in limbo between administrative delay and political uncertainty. The Committee's statement regarding the obstacles from the Israeli side has deepened the problem further, with the Israeli officials denying their interference in her exit. It is gravely worrying that a student entitled by a scheme explicitly allowing dependents should be forced to choose between academic advancement and family life. The intervention of imponderable Glasgow would be highly welcomed, but equally, Cara's prominent and continuous work must be applauded. Yet, nothing can make up for an imperative international education policy, firmly coordinated and inclusive, that comprehends displacement, conflict, and the necessity to create safe corridors for academics. With the arrival of more Palestinian scholars in the UK following month-long lobbying efforts, the government must rise to the challenge and pursue clarity and compassion. The promise of humanitarian education routes must be matched with tangible support and consistency in policy. 

Skoobzz believes that if the UK is indeed to remain a credible global destination for education, it must ensure that its systems do not penalise those who may need them the most.

FAQs

1. Why did the UK deny visas for Gaza student families?

The UK has tightened its immigration rules, and most international students are no longer allowed to bring family members. However, PhD students are usually exempt. In some cases, like those from Gaza, the UK government says it faces difficulties arranging safe travel, which has led to delays or refusals.

2. What is the Cara scholarship program?

Cara (Council for At Risk Academics) is a charity that helps scholars from countries affected by war or crisis. It offers scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and living costs, and supports students who are at risk in their home countries.

3. Who is Manar al-Houbi from Gaza?

Manar al-Houbi is a PhD student from Gaza who won a full scholarship to study at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on using media and education to reduce violence against women and promote peace. Her case gained attention when her family was not allowed to join her in the UK.

4. How is the University of Glasgow helping Gaza students?

The University of Glasgow has supported students like Houbi by offering academic guidance and standing by their right to bring dependents. Staff have spoken out about the importance of keeping families together and supporting scholars from conflict zones.

5. What is the UK government’s policy on student dependants?

Most international students are no longer allowed to bring dependents under new rules. However, full-time PhD students can still bring family members if their visa and scholarship allow it. The rules are strict and often hard to navigate.

6. Is Israel blocking Gaza students from leaving?

Israeli officials say they are not stopping students from leaving Gaza. They claim that it is up to the receiving countries, like the UK, to make formal requests for evacuation. The UK government says the process is complicated and slow.

7. What is FCDO doing to help Palestinian students?

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says it is working with universities to help eligible students leave Gaza and start their studies in the UK. Some students have already arrived, and more are expected soon.

8. How do Gaza students apply for UK scholarships?

Students from Gaza can apply through charities like Cara or directly to UK universities offering humanitarian scholarships. These programmes often require strong academic records and a clear need for support due to conflict or risk.

9. What is the role of Scottish education authorities in this case?

Scottish education leaders have shown support by asking the UK government to act quickly. They have called for meetings and pushed for better coordination to help students from Gaza reach Scotland safely.

10. How can UK universities support Gaza scholars?

UK universities can help by offering scholarships, academic support, and safe housing. They can also speak out on policy issues, work with charities, and help students deal with visa and travel challenges. Supporting scholars from conflict zones is part of their role in promoting global education and inclusion.