Oxford University Launches Support Schemes for Students and Academics from Gaza and the West Bank

University introduces scholarships and digital resources to aid displaced students and academics amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Oxford University has announced several initiatives to assist students and academics from Gaza and the West Bank, as part of its commitment to advancing education and supporting higher education rebuilding efforts in the region. These schemes include a scholarship program for displaced graduate students and improved access to digital resources for academics.

The Palestine Crisis Scholarship Scheme, launched by the University, aims to provide full scholarships for graduate students displaced by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. These scholarships, available for the 2025-26 academic year, will offer comprehensive support for course fees, living expenses, and additional arrival costs. Open to all one-year full-time and two-year part-time master’s courses across all subject areas, this initiative reinforces Oxford’s dedication to supporting students from displacement backgrounds worldwide.

Oxford University’s commitment to supporting refugee scholars is long-standing. The new Palestine Crisis Scholarship Scheme builds on previous efforts, including scholarships for displaced students from various global conflict zones. In 2023, Oxford was awarded University of Sanctuary status for its efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for sanctuary seekers.

Additionally, Oxford has renewed its CARA Fellowships for academics at risk, increasing its funding and subscription to support the operations of the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA). Oxford is also part of CARA’s UK Universities and Research Network, which brings together UK higher education and research institutions to support persecuted and at-risk academics and protect academic freedoms globally.

Beyond scholarships, Oxford University is extending its Bodleian Libraries’ online services to students and scholars from Palestinian universities. This includes access to SOLO (Search Oxford’s Libraries Online), Scan and Deliver (an electronic document delivery service), and Digital Bodleian, offering access to over a million images of rare manuscripts, books, and other historical items. The portal, available in both Arabic and English, has been specifically designed to be accessible to students and academics in or displaced from Palestinian institutions.

Richard Ovenden, Librarian of the Bodleian and Head of Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) at Oxford, emphasized the importance of extending these resources. “We are delighted to extend access to our online services to students and scholars in, or displaced from, Palestinian universities,” Ovenden said. “This initiative aims to make a significant difference to those facing challenges in higher education.”

Oxford University Press (OUP) has also contributed to the cause by providing free access to its journals and most online resources through Research4Life, a cross-publisher initiative supporting lower-income countries. Earlier this year, OUP granted emergency access to Research4Life content for institutions and healthcare professionals in Gaza and the West Bank.