The UK government has announced a significant adjustment to its visa rules, allowing eligible Palestinian students from Gaza to bring their partners and children under the age of 18 when they travel to study in Britain. This change affects students who hold fully-funded scholarships (such as Chevening Scholarship awards) or are embarking on long-term postgraduate research.
Previously, most international students from Gaza – although granted university places or scholarships — were required to travel alone under standard student-visa rules, with no family dependents permitted. This new policy brings the rules more in line with existing provisions for research-degree students and acknowledges the exceptional circumstances faced by scholars from a conflict-affected territory. According to the government's official guidance, the change allows those eligible dependents (partners/spouses, and children under 18) of qualifying students to apply for a 'student dependent' visa provided funding requirements and other criteria are met.
