Irish universities raise concerns over rising visa refusals for Gaza students

Irish universities have raised concerns about the rising number of visa refusals for students from Gaza.

In an opinion piece published in the Irish Times on 24/08/2026, Emma Stokes, outgoing vice-president of global engagement at Trinity College Dublin and president-designate of the National College of Ireland, said: "We can -and should- do better" to enable students from Gaza to study in Irish universities, particularly in light of recent visa refusals.

She explained that Trinity prepared to welcome nine students from Gaza for the 2026-2027 academic year, secured full scholarships so they met the financial requirements for student visas and followed Ireland’s obligations under the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region to put in…