“I applied to five of the UK’s top universities and received offers from all of them. I chose the University of Glasgow as my first choice, and I now hold an unconditional offer there to study Electronic and Software Engineering,” says Ahmad Zohair Abu Daqqa. He’s describing a situation that many young people would envy, but at present it looks as if this opportunity will fall through. Ahmad Zohair Abu Daqqa lives in Gaza and has been unable to find any source of financial support for his studies.
“I need to secure tuition and living costs urgently,” he explains. “I am racing against a very tight deadline, at real risk of losing everything I have worked for.”
Most university students from outside Scotland are funded by their families, supported by their governments, or given loans which enable them to meet these expenses. But because of the war in Gaza, its students have no access to these options.
“I’ve wanted to study engineering since I was about 11 years old,” says Ahmad. “I want to study Electronic and Software Engineering because it combines both software and hardware, discipline, creativity, and problem-solving all at once. What appeals to me about this field is the process of breaking down complex problems, designing each component intentionally, and then integrating everything into one coherent system. Every technical obstacle feels less like a setback and more like an invitation to think more clearly.”
The SNP must deliver their promised Palestinian scholarship fund, says Iris Duane
Recognising the problem that Palestinian students face, First Minister John Swinney promised in April that he would set up a scholarship fund for them if re-elected. We reached out to him to find out what progress has been made, but received no reply. Green MSP Iris Duane, however, told us on Thursday that she had met with him about the matter that day.
“For many Palestinian students currently stuck in Gaza, a place in a Scottish university is not just a lifeline, it’s hope,” she said.
“People are still being killed and barely surviving in the ruins of their homes in the ongoing genocide being carried out. It is vital that these students are given the support and safe passage that they need to come and study here in Scotland now, not next year or in the future … Many universities across Scotland have long been proud of their sanctuary status, and we must provide the support needed for that status to be carried forward.”
“People who have been subjected to any form of conflict, living under some of the most horrific circumstances, and in the case of Palestinians, having their entire lives destroyed by the ongoing genocide that the state of Israel is inflicting on Gaza, deserve any opportunity for freedom and a chance to rebuild their futures somewhere safely.”
She added: “The SNP must maintain the commitment they made and take action to make it possible, and the UK Government must ensure that safe routes of passage will be offered to vulnerable Palestinians.”
Searching for a solution
Time is running out for Ahmad Zuhair Abu Daqqa, but he is determined to apply his problem-solving abilities to the funding issue.
“I’ve spent months reaching out to universities, organisations, and individuals, contacting more than 260 academics and organisations and sending over 1,500 messages, and I’m still searching for the right opportunity,” he says.
“[I’ve been] attempting to build simple digital tools and solutions to help organise and support my own search for universities and scholarships.”
“What I hope to achieve, ultimately, is to build something that was never there for me: real access to education and skills, at a high level, for people in Gaza and other places where resources simply aren’t there. I’ve loved learning since I was young, and that never changed, even through everything I’ve been through. I don’t want other people from Gaza to go through this same isolation, the closed doors, the feeling that opportunities just aren’t meant for people like us. That’s the vision I hold onto beyond just surviving each day.”
He has tried to make contact with MSPs and the Scottish and UK Governments, as well as administrators and senior figures within the university. He wants the opportunity to demonstrate what he’s capable of and make a real contribution to the academic community. With all universities in Gaza destroyed by bombing, he has no prospect of entering further education at home – and even if it were not for the war, Glasgow would be his ideal place to study.
“It’s one of the top universities in the UK… and its engineering school is well known for its strength,” he points out. “The programme I want to study there combines both hardware and software, exactly the kind of engineering I’ve always wanted to pursue.”
“The campus itself is also incredible, with diverse facilities and a real sense of community. Glasgow is known for being a supportive university for Palestinian students, and I know there’s a community of Palestinian students there already, which means a lot to me. The student body is diverse in interests and backgrounds, and the city itself is beautiful and known for being great for students.”
“Beyond all of that, Glasgow has been my dream since I was young. I’ve researched everything about it, the departments, the buildings, student life, to the point where it feels personal, not just academic. It’s the place where I’ve always imagined starting this next chapter of my life.”
Scotland also risks missing an opportunity
Ahmad Zuhair Abu Daqqa has always been a high achiever, finishing high school with a 96.7% average across all his exams, even though the war was already underway at that time. He and his family have been displaced five times and are living in a tent, but he has still managed to take multiple professional courses related to his subject, showing an aptitude and determination that could be benefiting Scotland, too, and helping to build valuable international connections.
“I’m not the only one in this position. There are other students from Gaza who hold real, hard-earned university offers, some to Glasgow itself, and are at risk of losing them simply because of funding and the circumstances of the war, not because of merit.”
If anyone is able to help Ahmad, you can get in touch with him here.
