Mariam al-Najar, a 24-year-old student from Khan Younis in Gaza, recently received news that could transform her life. After a two-week wait following her application for a scholarship at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio in Italy, she finally got the email she had hoped for. This acceptance marked a beacon of hope during an otherwise bleak period in her life, offering her a renewed sense of purpose amidst the turmoil surrounding her.
A New Chapter in Education
Mariam’s scholarship acceptance was a significant milestone, granting her the chance to pursue a master’s degree in economics and management. “This acceptance was like a ray of light,” she expressed, acknowledging how it revitalized her spirit in a time of despair. For Mariam, obtaining this scholarship wasn’t merely about further education; it represented a potential escape from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
However, receiving the acceptance letter opened up a multitude of challenges. Between 2025 and 2026, Italy became a primary destination for evacuating Palestinian students from Gaza due to its more affordable living costs—tuition fees averaging around €10,200 per year. In contrast, pursuing higher education in the UK can cost up to 60,000 pounds annually. For Mariam, though the tuition fees were manageable, the real hurdle was navigating travel restrictions imposed by Israel, which have intensified amidst the ongoing conflict.
Navigating Challenges to Reach Italy
Mariam initially felt excitement after securing a visa, but her hopes were quickly tempered by the reality of travel bureaucracies. Despite her efforts to coordinate with various organizations to facilitate her journey, restrictions on movement due to the military situation have left her uncertain about her ability to leave Gaza in time for the autumn term. “It feels as if this journey has transformed into a daunting challenge,” she said, fearing that bureaucratic hurdles could delay her much-anticipated academic pursuits.
With the destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza, Mariam is not alone in her plight. Many students have received similar acceptance letters but face the grim possibility of never being able to act on them. The struggle to escape besieged Gaza is not only about academics; it symbolizes a broader fight for future opportunities. “Every application represents a student with a dream trying to secure their future,” Mariam lamented, echoing sentiments felt across the region.
Efforts for Change through Advocacy
Initiatives like Gaza40+ have emerged to assist students like Mariam in maneuvering through these complexities. With over 1,200 Palestinian students registered for aid, the initiative aims to provide the necessary support for those needing to continue their education outside Gaza. Since its inception, Gaza40+ has successfully helped numerous students leave for their studies, but navigating the bureaucratic landscape remains a significant barrier.
While the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to ease the travel process, inconsistencies in policies and the need for additional requirements—such as proving proficiency in Italian for those seeking evacuation—add layers of complexity. These challenges, combined with the dire circumstances many students live under, create a profound obstacle to education. According to advocates, it’s essential for governments, universities, and international organizations to collaborate and create reliable pathways for these students to reach their educational goals.
In conclusion, for Mariam and countless others, scholarships symbolize a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Yet this light can feel painfully distant when logistical hurdles stand in the way. As directed efforts continue to support these students, the hope remains that one day, opportunities for education will no longer be hindered by external circumstances.