Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Saïd Foundation Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity empowering outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. This fully funded scholarship supports any academic field that contributes to the development of your home country, targeting candidates with leadership potential to drive positive change.
The application window is open from August 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, with no application fee. Eligible candidates must hold nationality and residency in one of the target countries (Syrians residing elsewhere due to circumstances are also eligible), meet academic and English language requirements, and apply to a partner university (or justify a non-partner choice). Check more MS and PhD positions
Key Details
- Eligible Countries: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine
- Number of Scholarships: 20-30 new scholarships annually
- Program: Fully funded one-year master’s degrees in the UK
- Fields of Study: Any field contributing to home country development
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (5:00 PM UK time)
- Application Fee: None
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (6.0 per band)
- Duolingo: 105 overall (105 per band)
- TOEFL iBT: 80 overall (20 per band)
- Certificate must be dated after October 1, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality and Residency: Hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, or Palestinian nationality and permanently reside in one of these countries. Syrians residing elsewhere due to current circumstances are also eligible.
- Academic Background: Have a UK 2:1 equivalent undergraduate degree or higher (final-year students may apply).
- Experience: Demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience tied to your field of study, with a clear career path for returning to your home country or region.
- Leadership Potential: Show potential to lead and effect change in your chosen field.
- University Application: Apply to an eligible course at a partner university (or justify a non-partner choice).
- English Language Proficiency: Meet the Foundation’s English language requirements (see below).
Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)
English Language Requirements
You must provide a valid English language test certificate dated after October 1, 2024, with your application. Acceptable tests and minimum scores are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, with at least 6.0 in each band.
- Duolingo: Overall 105, with at least 105 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 80, with at least 20 in each band.
Note: You must also meet your chosen university’s English language requirements, which may be higher. Check these directly with the university. Screenshots of test results are not accepted; you must submit the official certificate.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the 2026/27 Saïd Foundation Scholarships follow a structured timeline:
- Application Window:
- Opens: 9:00 AM (UK time), August 1, 2025
- Closes: 5:00 PM (UK time), October 31, 2025
- Eligibility Check and Assessment: November 2025 – January 2026
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility. Ineligible candidates are notified by email in December 2025.
- Course Application Deadline: Provide evidence of applying to your chosen courses by January 30, 2026.
- Interviews: March 2026
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews. Non-shortlisted candidates are notified in early March 2026.
- Final Selections: Announced by early June 2026.
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Funding
The Foundation provides fully funded scholarships which include tuition fees, full maintenance/living costs for the duration of your course, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees and one economy return flight.
A separate funding arrangement is in place for students who are selected to study at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, and for Chevening partner scholars.
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Required Documents
You must submit the following documents with your online application by October 31, 2025:
- High School Marks/Certificate: Proof of secondary education.
- University Transcripts and Graduation Certificate: Final-year students should submit transcripts to date.
- Passport or National ID: Must reflect Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, or Palestinian nationality.
- English Language Test Certificate: Must meet the Foundation’s requirements and be dated after October 1, 2024.
- University Offer Letters or Application Evidence: Submit by January 30, 2026, if course applications open after October 31, 2025.
- Three Reference Letters: One academic, one professional, and one voluntary/extra-curricular (details below).
- CV: Maximum two pages, no photo.
Note: Applications missing any required documents, including three reference letters, will not be considered. Flexibility is offered for candidates applying from Gaza.
Also check: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Doctoral Scholarship Opportunities)
Reference Letters
You must provide three distinct reference letters from:
- Academic Referee:
- Must be an academic who has taught you.
- Should comment on your academic ability, class position (e.g., 1st out of 15), and potential for postgraduate study in the UK.
- Professional Referee:
- A current or recent employer.
- Should discuss your role, experience, leadership skills, and potential for impact in your field.
- If you lack professional experience, a second academic or voluntary reference is acceptable.
- Voluntary/Extra-Curricular Referee:
- Someone familiar with your voluntary or community service.
- Should detail your role, duration, commitment, and notable achievements.
Important:
- Referees must not be relatives or close personal friends.
- Letters must be uploaded with your application by October 31, 2025. Late submissions are not accepted.
- The Foundation does not collect references on your behalf.
