“This is the worst day in my life”: Gazan woman denied visa to study a Masters in UCC

A Gazan woman, Meera, described being denied a student visa as “the worst day in my life,” despite being accepted for a master’s program at University College Cork (UCC). She said her application faced delays tied to requirements for biometric security clearance that are effectively unavailable where she is living due to ongoing war conditions. She said she wants to study in Canada/Ireland to focus on strengthening systems that can prevent humanitarian crises, but fears the delays and denial will cost her her education.