ALBAWABA - The University of South Wales recently sparked anger on social media among pro-Palestine activists after a Palestinian woman shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) the institution's rejection of her application via email.
The rejection letter read, "Dear Haya, Thank you for your recent application to study at the University of South Wales. Regrettably, no applications from Palestine are being considered at this time, therefore, your application has been withdrawn."
Haya wrote in response, "It seems we've officially become outcasts."
She added under the post, "Ik that posting about this might not change anything and the opportunity is gone,but Palestinians have faced all kinds of racism and staying silent is unjust. As a girl in Gaza and might not live until tomorrow,idc if this rejection was about me but it was about my entire country."
University of South Wales rejects Palestinian's application
X users flooded Haya's post with comments in her defense, showcasing their support and alternative institutions that could potentially accept her application in the United Kingdom.
A social media user wrote, "I am so, so sorry this is happening. Their behaviour is despicable. Please, if it suits your needs, try applying to Nottingham Trent, and if you receive a similar response I will pass your issue on to staff and student council members and whoever else it takes to pressure them."
Another wrote criticizing the University of South Wales, "@UniSouthWales this is a shameful response. It smacks of discrimination against Palestinians. Surely in the absence of a reason, you can see this. How was this decision reached?"
In June 2025, Cardiff University was accused of "spying" on pro-Palestine students and staff who participated in protests and giving the information it received to the South Wales police, triggering privacy and censorship concerns from locals and fellow students, as reported by The New Arab.
