What is the definitive ruling regarding the permissibility of a notional combining of prayers for students, and is it permissible to combine prayers due to studying and education, and what is the ruling on traveling to Western countries for study despite the presence of intermingling?

The lands of Muslims cannot be measured against Western lands, no matter how great the degree of corruption. One who is keen on preserving their religion chooses what is beneficial for their faith. It is encouraged to focus on worldly sciences that Muslims need, and if acquiring them is not possible except by residing in the lands of disbelievers, then there is no harm, provided certain conditions are met. The general rule is that it is not permissible to combine prayers except for an excuse, and merely studying is not a permissible excuse for combining prayers. However, if the student needs to combine prayers and cannot perform the prayer at its appointed time, they may have a dispensation according to those who permit combining prayers for any need. The general rule is the obligation to perform each prayer at its appointed time. If separating them is difficult and involves hardship, then combining them is permissible according to some scholars, to alleviate hardship.