What is the ruling on a female student traveling alone by plane to study abroad, and what is the ruling on her traveling with one or two other female students under such circumstances?

A woman is not permitted to travel except with a mahram, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "It is not lawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a distance of one night unless she has with her a man who is her mahram." Those who permitted a woman to travel without a mahram in the company of a safe group generally restricted this to the obligatory Hajj. As for the opinion that permits her travel with a safe group for any journey of obedience, it is almost abandoned, and a safe group is not realized by one or two female students.

Going abroad for study should only be undertaken if the specialization is suitable for a woman and is not available in her own country. In such a case, a mahram must accompany her to reside with her and look after her affairs.