Gaza Students With Italy Scholarships Remain Trapped Amid Evacuation Delays
Dozens of Gaza students who won scholarships to study in Italy remain trapped in the war-torn territory. Bureaucratic delays have prevented their evacuation despite meeting scholarship requirements.
Students Face Delays
More than 200 Palestinian students have reached Italian universities through a government evacuation programme. Italy launched the university corridor project in 2025 to help students from Gaza continue their education.
However, around 50 scholarship recipients remain in Gaza, according to organisations supporting the students. Many universities in Gaza have suffered severe damage or complete destruction during the conflict.
Italy evacuated 246 scholarship recipients to Italy and San Marino between September 2025 and June 2026. However, no further evacuations have taken place since June 1.
Students say unclear rules and limited information have increased their anxiety. One student waiting in Gaza said he fears losing an opportunity earned through years of hard work.
Italian authorities have also faced questions over language requirements. In July, Italy’s university ministry called for greater flexibility for students from conflict zones.
Dreams Put on Hold
Some evacuated students have already started university studies in Italy. Nada Abunada and Mohamed Arafat began economics studies at Sapienza University in Rome in November 2025. Both students achieved scores above 99 percent in high school. However, the war destroyed their plans to continue studying in Gaza.
Other students face similar problems with evacuation procedures. Some accepted applicants without scholarships reportedly remain excluded from evacuation arrangements. Students also face difficult family decisions. Some mothers may have to choose between continuing their education and remaining with their children.
The situation extends beyond Italy. Students seeking education in Turkey, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands also report unexplained delays. For students still in Gaza, every delay carries serious risks. They want authorities to recognize their academic achievements and provide safe passage.
Their message remains simple. They want the chance to continue their education rather than watch their dreams disappear while waiting.
