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A 24-year-old student from Gaza has secured a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at an Italian university, but faces significant obstacles in actually reaching her destination. Mariam al-Najar’s acceptance to the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio offered renewed hope after years of uncertainty, yet obtaining permission to leave Gaza has proven considerably more difficult than gaining university admission.
Between 2025 and 2026, approximately 269 Palestinian students were evacuated from Gaza to Italy, drawn by relatively affordable education costs compared to universities in the United Kingdom and other European nations. However, current travel restrictions imposed by Israel have severely limited new departures. According to academic experts, the primary challenge extends beyond academic acceptance to encompass the complex bureaucratic requirements for exiting Gaza and entering Italy, often requiring transit through multiple countries.
Al-Najar’s situation reflects a broader pattern affecting talented Gaza residents seeking educational advancement abroad. While visa approvals have been granted, Israeli travel restrictions—particularly those tightened during recent geopolitical tensions—have prevented students from departing. The combination of bureaucratic obstacles and security limitations has forced many to postpone or abandon their academic plans despite receiving scholarships.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it collaborates with universities to facilitate student travel, yet observers note that diplomatic negotiations remain necessary to secure exit permits from Gaza. For students like al-Najar, each delay represents lost educational opportunities and raises concerns about whether hard-won scholarships will ultimately materialize into completed degrees.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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