Our story
Scholarships for Ghazza (SFG) is a Palestinian-led mentorship program that helps students from Gaza apply for higher education scholarships. With Israel destroying all of Gaza’s universities, students are left with no place to continue their education. Yet, for generations, Palestinians have valued education as a path to hope and opportunity.
That’s why SFG exists—to guide students through the application process and help them secure scholarships to study abroad.
Why our initiative matters
Introduce hope
This initiative aims to provide a sense of hope and purpose to students whose educational journeys have been abruptly brought to a halt by the genocide. By connecting them with mentors and educational opportunities, the program helps them reconstruct pathways toward the future.
Assist in navigating the application process
Mentors work closely with students to curate university applications and develop strong personal statements, CVs, and recommendation letters that highlight their academic achievements and experiences.
Provide English language training
Mentors work with students to improve their English proficiency and help them prepare for standardized English language exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo.
Facilitate access to higher education
The program supports Gh4zzan students in their pursuit of scholarships, university applications, and admission into higher education programs abroad.
Scholarships for Ghazza
Despite facing genocide, starvation, displacement, the loss of loved ones, and the daily struggle to access basic necessities, Gaza’s students refuse to give up. Many risk their safety just to find an internet connection and meet their mentors. They are intelligent, hardworking, and determined to build a better future, no matter the odds.
SFG connects them with academic mentors who teach them how to write personal statements, apply for universities, request fee waivers, choose courses, and improve their English.
Since starting, SFG has helped nearly 500 students, and we plan to support another 500 in the next five months. While we don’t provide scholarships, we guide students toward existing opportunities and help them tell their stories in a way that aligns with scholarship goals.
To keep this work going, we offer small financial support for application fees, visa costs, English tests, and essential internet and electricity access.
What SFG mentors do
SFG mentors guide students through every step of the university and scholarship application process. They help students:
- Navigate applications and meet eligibility requirements.
- Write and refine CVs, personal statements, and scholarship essays.
- Conduct Mock Interviews to prepare for actual scholarship interviews.
- Communicate with universities and scholarship boards.
- Boost their English language confidence to communicate better.
Mentors connect with their mentees primarily through WhatsApp Group, with support from an SFG organizer. They exchange documents, provide feedback, and ensure students stay on track. Mentors can also join weekly support calls with the organizing team for guidance.
Each mentor follows a structured set of guidelines to assist students while maintaining professional and considerate relationship. Their role is not to complete applications for students but to empower them with the skills and confidence to do it themselves.
Student testimonials
Ola Abu Ramadan, current SFG mentee“I truly couldn’t have submitted my applications so confidently without my mentor, Beth. She helped me refine my essays, organize my university choices, and structure my ideas to best fit my specialization. No matter how last-minute the edits were, she was always there—committed, supportive, and incredibly kind. Her experience in writing and handling pressure was invaluable. I’m beyond grateful for her guidance and for this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Ahmed, for introducing me to the wonderful Beth!”
Shaimaa Al Qasass, current SFG mentee“My mentorship with Shraeya has been amazing! She’s insightful, supportive, and truly believes in me. She helped me refine my essays, gain clarity on how to present myself, and even connected me with a professor in my field. That level of trust and encouragement pushes me to give it my all—I won’t let her efforts go to waste! Huge thanks to Ahmed and the entire SFG team for making this possible.”
Saher Alregeb, recipient of French Excellence Scholarship“As a Mechatronics Engineer with diverse technical and leadership experience, I initially believed my strong academic background, certifications, and expertise were enough to secure a scholarship. I wasn’t sure the mentorship program would add much to my application—but I was wrong. Through Scholarships for Ghazza, I learned how to refine my CV, structure a compelling personal statement, and present my achievements effectively. The small details—clear storytelling, avoiding overly complex language, and maintaining a natural flow—made a huge difference. Having a foreign mentor review my documents provided a fresh perspective I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. I was fortunate to secure the France Excellence Scholarship, and I now see how much the program has grown, offering scholarship databases, English improvement communities, and continuous engagement with mentors and peers. This program saves students the hassle of navigating the process alone and significantly strengthens their applications.”
Ibrahim Elhout, recipient of French Excellence Scholarship“As a computer engineering graduate pursuing my MBA at IUG, with over seven years of experience in IT project management, I knew I had the qualifications for a scholarship but needed guidance to refine my application. Through Scholarships for Ghazza, I was connected with a wonderful mentor who provided invaluable support—proofreading my essays, helping me structure my ideas, and answering my questions as an experienced researcher. Her continuous feedback and responsiveness made a huge difference. Having someone with more experience to guide you through the process is essential, as many flaws are unseen from your own perspective. Thanks to this mentorship, I secured the French Excellence Scholarship for students from Palestine.”
Join us
Are you an academic or scholar supporting Palestine?
Do you want to have an impact on Gazan students and help them improve their skills in applying for and gaining scholarships? Become an academic mentor for Gazans!