By Lenny Osler, News Editor
A Palestinian student set to enrol at the University of Bristol has found her evacuation from Gaza delayed, as dangerous and unstable conditions continue to prevent her from taking an English language test required, under Home Office regulations, to allow the University to sponsor her student visa.
Isra’a Abunssir, due to begin a Master’s in Education at the University of Bristol this week, said the University told her she must take the Duolingo English Test to enable visa sponsorship and evacuation.
Due to unstable internet connection and a lack of external test centres in Gaza, she remains unable to take the examination.
The University maintain the test results are legally required, under Home Office regulations, to prove Isra’a’s English language proficiency.
However, University policy specifies that under exceptional circumstances, alternative evidence may be acceptable in place of the exam.
Isra’a said the University allowed her to take Duolingo’s online test - rather than an in-person examination at a test centre - given these exceptional circumstances.
The hopeful student said she submitted evidence of her work in English, and gave three professional references - all of which have not been accepted.
Isra’a lives on the ‘yellow line’, which separates the Palestinian-controlled part of Gaza from the areas occupied by Israel since October 2025.
She said it is a ‘high-risk border area’ with ‘daily artillery attacks and sniper fire.’
‘A remotely proctored one-hour exam requires a continuous internet connection, stable electricity, and a quiet environment, none of which I can guarantee where I live.’
Isra’a said these safety concerns were ‘acknowledged’ by the University - which maintains it is legally unable to waive the requirement.
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Isra’a said the School of Education, the University department where she hopes to study, has been ‘advocating’ for her case.
She also said she had taken leave from her job at CLS Learning Solutions - a US company operating in Gaza - to study for the test.
After failing to secure visa sponsorship and attempting to return to work, Isra’a said her manager had hired a replacement.
Isra’a told Epigram:
‘I feel completely lost. I have lost my job, and I don't know whether the scholarship opportunity that I fought so hard for will finally become a reality.
‘I have invested so much time, effort, and hope into this journey, and right now I feel uncertain about what will happen next.’
A University of Bristol spokesperson said:
‘We are unable to comment on individual applications or admissions decisions. We recognise that some applicants may be facing exceptionally challenging personal circumstances, and our admissions teams work closely with students wherever possible to provide guidance and support and help them understand and meet the requirements of their course and visa.
‘All applicants who require a student visa must meet the English language requirements set by the UK Home Office. Where these requirements cannot be met, the University is unable to confirm admission.’
The UK Home Office has been contacted for comment.
Featured image: Isra’a Abunssir
