Saïd Foundation

Fully funded

Saïd Foundation Scholarships

Saïd Foundation, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

The Saïd Foundation has offered scholarships since 1984 to outstanding people with leadership potential from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. Its aim is to empower people through education and support the development of the Middle East, with scholars expected to drive positive change in these countries.

The scholarships fund one-year master's degrees in the UK only. There are no subject restrictions, but you must show how your subject will help you contribute to your home country's development. Undergraduate, PhD and two-year master's programmes are not funded, and courses must start in or after September 2027 for the current round.

Candidates apply to one or more of the Foundation's UK partner universities: University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University for the Creative Arts, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, Goldsmiths University of London, Imperial College London, King's College London, University College London, University of Leeds, University of Leicester, London School of Economics, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, Royal College of Art, Royal Holloway University of London, SOAS, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, University of Warwick, University of York. A non-partner university is considered only if the course is not offered by any partner, with a justification in the application. Distance-learning master's may be considered in exceptional circumstances if completed within two years.

The Foundation also co-funds up to 12 joint Saïd Foundation/Chevening scholars each year: the Foundation pays tuition and Chevening pays allowances and flights. Candidates must apply separately to Chevening by its deadline.

Award Information

  • Hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality (dual nationals accepted, with proof of the qualifying nationality).
  • Be permanently resident in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine; temporary residence abroad for work or study is accepted. Syrians living elsewhere are considered, Palestinians living in Israel may apply, and Gaza residents displaced since 2023 are eligible.
  • Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher, or be in the final year of your degree. Guide equivalents: Jordan 75-91% (GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0); Lebanon 80-89%; Palestine 80-89% / Very Good; Syria Very Good or 80-89% (private universities) / 70-79% (state universities). A lower degree may be accepted in some cases.
  • Have work and/or voluntary experience relevant to your field (no minimum length) and a clear career path on return to your home country or region.
  • Demonstrate leadership potential in your field.
  • Have applied for an eligible course at a partner university (or have exceptional reasons for a non-partner university).
  • Meet the Foundation's English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 6.0 in each band; or Duolingo 105 overall and in each band; or TOEFL iBT 80 overall with 20 in each band (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each band (tests from 21 January 2026). Certificates must be dated after 1 September 2025, and you must also meet your university's requirement. A test is required even if your degree was taught in English.
  • No age limit.
  • Priority goes to candidates who have not studied outside their home country before.
  • Scholars sign a binding undertaking to work towards the development of the target countries after their studies.
  • Tuition fees.
  • Full maintenance/living costs for the duration of the course.
  • Arrival allowance.
  • Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees.
  • One economy return flight.
  • Separate funding arrangements apply at Oxford and Cambridge and for joint Chevening scholars.
  • No support for spouses or children; scholars are advised to travel unaccompanied.
  • University application fees are not paid.
  • 2027/28 applications open: 9am UK time, Tuesday 1 September 2026.
  • Applications close: 5pm UK time, Friday 30 October 2026.
  • Eligibility check and assessment: early November 2026 to end of January 2027; ineligible candidates notified in December 2026.
  • Deadline to upload evidence of course applications/offers: 29 January 2027.
  • Interviews: March 2027 (candidates not shortlisted are notified in March 2027).
  • Final selection by the Board of Trustees in May 2027; candidates informed by the beginning of June 2027.
  1. Choose a one-year master's course starting in autumn 2027 at a Saïd Foundation partner university and submit your university application (if it is already open).
  2. Take an approved English test and obtain the certificate before applying.
  3. Collect three signed reference letters (academic, professional and voluntary) written for this scholarship, and give referees the Foundation's Guidance for Referees.
  4. Complete the online application on the Foundation's portal and upload all required documents, including the references, before submitting. Write your answers yourself; do not paste text from generative AI tools.
  5. If your course does not open before the scholarship deadline, enter "course not currently open for applications" in the Study Plans section and upload proof of application by 29 January 2027.
  6. Upload any university offers received after submission through the portal.
  7. To be considered for a joint Saïd/Chevening award, also apply to Chevening before its deadline.

Questions: [email protected].

Official links

Documents you will need

  • High school marks/certificate.
  • University transcripts and graduation certificate (final-year students: all transcripts to date).
  • Current passport or national ID card from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine.
  • English language test certificate.
  • Offer letter(s) from your chosen UK universities for a master's starting in autumn 2027, or evidence of having applied.
  • Three reference letters (academic, professional, voluntary/extra-curricular) in English, signed, on headed paper where possible, with the referee's phone and email. A second academic or voluntary reference may replace the professional one if you have no work experience. Certificates are not accepted in place of references.
  • CV of no more than two sides, without a photo.

How selection works

  • Applications first go through an eligibility check; only fully eligible candidates are assessed.
  • Foundation staff, trustees and external assessors judge academic excellence, the usefulness of the subject to the home country, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, career goals and the practical ability to use the knowledge on return to the Middle East.
  • Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in March 2027; referees of interviewees may be contacted to verify references.
  • The Board of Trustees makes the final selection in May 2027.
  • No individual feedback is given; eligible unsuccessful candidates may reapply in future years.

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