Erasmus Student Network Ireland (ESN Ireland) and Erasmus Student Network (ESN) International call on Ireland’s Minister for Justice and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently prioritise the outstanding visa appeals of Palestinian students from Gaza who have secured places and scholarships at Irish higher education institutions for the 2026/27 academic year, including examining whether these cases can be reviewed through an expedited process, with a view to enabling eligible students to take up the educational opportunities they have already secured.
According to a joint statement published by six civil-society and human-rights organisations on 1 September, at least 103 Palestinian students with fully or partially funded scholarships at Irish higher education institutions have been affected by study visa refusals, impacting students due to attend several institutions across Ireland. We welcome the fact that some students have received visas and have been able to travel to Ireland. However, many others remain unable to take up their places, demonstrating the need for urgent decisions on their outstanding appeals.
ESN Ireland and ESN International will continue working with student representatives, higher education stakeholders and civil-society organisations to advocate for access to education and mobility for students affected by conflict.
Read the joint statement below:
Follow ESN