51 Bright Palestinian Students Receive Scholarships in Egypt

When war disrupts lives, education must remain a lifeline. Working alongside the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and in coordination with the Embassy of Palestine in Egypt, GlocalShift Foundation is ensuring that talented young people affected by conflict can continue their education and realise their potential.

The scale of this challenge is evident in the number of Palestinian students who have sought higher education opportunities in Egypt despite mounting financial and humanitarian pressures. According to the Palestinian embassy in Egypt, approximately 13,000 Palestinian students are currently enrolled in universities across Egypt. Access to higher education, however, comes with a significant financial burden. Annual tuition fees range between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the field of study, the university, and the country in which students obtained their secondary education. When combined with accommodation and living expenses, these costs place higher education beyond the reach of many students.

The war on Gaza has further compounded these challenges. Many students have lost financial backing as a result of displacement, widespread destruction, and the collapse of household livelihoods. As a consequence, those who once relied on family support to continue their studies now face the risk of interruption at a time when education remains one of the few pathways to stability, dignity, and future recovery.

Yannick de Pont, CEO of GlocalShift Foundation, stated: “The war on Gaza has placed an immense burden on people who have lost almost everything. Much of this suffering remains unseen, particularly the struggles of Gazan students studying abroad. Many have lost all financial support as their families’ livelihoods have been destroyed, leaving them to endure profound hardship in silence.”

He added, “Standing with these students and supporting them to complete their studies is essential. It offers continuity, purpose, and hope at a time of profound disruption, while also investing in the future generation needed to rebuild Gaza.”

‍

Investing in Future Medical and Scientific Capacity

As a locally driven organisation, GlocalShift Foundation coordinates closely with Egyptian universities, the Embassy of Palestine in Egypt, and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education to ensure its interventions respond to urgent and evidence-based needs. Based on ongoing assessments and consultations, the programme prioritises Palestinian students in medical and scientific fields.

This focus reflects the critical role these students will play in Gaza’s future recovery, particularly amid the destruction of healthcare systems and the growing shortage of qualified professionals. By supporting continuity in education and preventing forced dropout, the programme protects essential human capital and invests in the next generation needed for rebuilding.

The Embassy of Palestine in Egypt emphasised this importance, stating: “Supporting Palestinian students in medical and scientific disciplines is an investment in Palestine’s future capacity. Ensuring they can continue their education today strengthens our ability to recover and rebuild tomorrow.”

For students, the impact is deeply personal. Abdulakrim Sabah, a second-year medical student at Zagazig University, shared: “I have spent many sleepless nights worrying about how I would pay my tuition fees, especially as I am now in my second year and have achieved strong academic results. This scholarship is a turning point in my life. I hope to see support extended to Gazan students everywhere, not only in Egypt.”

In response to the unprecedented demand for educational support, preparations for the next intake of students are already underway. The Scholarships to Return and Rebuild programme aims to provide an additional $350,000 in support, with the first intake already benefiting 51 students. Through this continued commitment, the programme aims to nurture confident, community-minded, and professionally skilled young people who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to recovery and rebuilding efforts.

‍