ADDITIONAL financial support is to be provided to help Palestinian students take up scholarships at Queen’s University Belfast.

It comes a few months after Queen’s vice-chancellor Ian Greer announced the extension of the existing Copty Scholarship from one to four students to support academics and students at risk across the world.

As some of those accepted on the programme found they could not afford to travel to Northern Ireland to take up the offer, Queen’s Palestine Assembly has urged the university to intervene to enable them to do so. 

The assembly said the students were facing thousands of pounds of costs, including for a UK student visa, an immigration health surcharge and the cost of travel from Gaza.

“Ibrahim Aldalis, a civil engineer from Gaza, said it was ‘life-changing’ to be offered a Copty Scholarship,” the assembly said.

“He completed his application from a crowded tent, with limited access to electricity, internet and essential supplies.

“However, the news was bittersweet — Ibrahim said while this scholarship is a dream come true, it doesn’t cover the crucial expenses he faces before even starting his studies.

“He said the ongoing war has severely impacted his family’s financial situation, making it impossible for him to afford the necessary travel arrangements and initial living costs.”

In a statement, Queen’s said it was aware of the financial challenges.

“Queen’s has already extended the scholarship scheme for this year, and has proposals in place that will see an additional allocation of £7,000 of financial support per student for this academic year, only to support visa fees and travel,” they said.