Dozens of Palestinian students set to study at UK universities are currently unable to leave Gaza due to UK visa biometric data requirements. With no functioning visa centres in Gaza and no safe route to neighbouring countries, they are effectively blocked from taking up their places.

The government has now evacuated 34 students with fully funded scholarships, who arrived in the UK on 23rd September, but we know that dozens others, and those who do not have fully funded scholarships remain unable to travel to the UK.

NUS is calling on the UK government to:

• Evacuate all Palestinian students holding offers to study in the UK in 2025/26, regardless of whether their positions are fully funded

• Work with universities to remove barriers to students attending, including language tests which are impossible to obtain in Gaza, fees and other administrative barrier

• Allow dependants of the students to travel with them to the UK to ensure their safety

These students have earned their places. Other European nations have already stepped up. The UK must act now to evacuate all of the students. Our campuses and our movement are defined and enriched by students from across the globe. We will always advocate for - and stand with - our international community against any attempt to deny their rights, dignity, or access to education.

Education is a right - not a privilege reserved for those with access to embassies and biometric scanners. We will not stand by while our future classmates are denied their chance to learn, live, and thrive.

Join us in urging the Prime Minister and ministers to act.

In solidarity,

National Union of Students UK