Saïd Foundation Master’s Scholarships

The Saïd Foundation Master's Scholarships 2027–2028 are fully funded postgraduate opportunities designed to support outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

The Foundation aims to develop future leaders who can use their academic knowledge and professional experience to contribute positively to their communities and the wider Middle East.

Successful applicants can pursue eligible one-year Master's programmes at participating universities across the United Kingdom.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, relevant experience and applicants' commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries or region.

The Foundation works with several UK university partners, offering opportunities across a broad range of academic disciplines.

Participating Universities

Examples of university partners include:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Edinburgh
• Durham University
• University of Exeter
• University of Southampton
• University of Warwick
• University of Sussex
• SOAS University of London

Available Fields of Study

The Foundation does not impose a general restriction on academic subjects. Applicants may explore eligible programmes in fields such as:

• Engineering and Technology
• Computer Science and Data Science
• Business and Management
• Public Health
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• International Development
• Economics
• Social Sciences
• Humanities and Related Disciplines

Applicants must explain how their chosen subject relates to their professional goals and the development needs of their home country or region.

• Hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality.
• Normally be permanently resident in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine.
• Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or higher.
• Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.
• Have relevant employment or voluntary experience.
• Demonstrate leadership potential.
• Have a clear career plan connected to contributing to their home country or region.
• Apply for an eligible Master's course at a Foundation partner university.
• Meet the Foundation's English-language requirements.
• Satisfy any additional admission requirements of the selected university.
• Submit all required documents before the scholarship deadline.

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Full maintenance and living expenses for the course duration.
• One economy-class return flight.
• UK visa fees.
• UK Immigration Health Surcharge.
• An arrival allowance.
• Financial support for eligible one-year Master's studies.
• Opportunities for academic and professional development.

Additional Funding Arrangements

Separate funding arrangements may apply to scholars selected for the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge or the joint Saïd Foundation/Chevening scholarship scheme.

• High school marks or certificate.
• University transcripts.
• Undergraduate graduation certificate, where already completed.
• Valid passport or national identity card.
• Accepted English-language test certificate.
• UK university offer letters or evidence of course applications.
• Three different reference letters.
• Updated CV, no longer than two pages and without a photograph.

Reference Requirements

The Foundation normally requests:

• One academic reference.
• One reference from a current or recent employer.
• One reference connected to voluntary activities.

Alternative combinations may be accepted in certain circumstances, but three valid reference letters are mandatory.

• Academic excellence.
• Relevance of the chosen Master's programme.
• Contribution of the proposed studies to the applicant's home country.
• Demonstrated leadership potential.
• Commitment to community development.
• Relevant professional or voluntary experience.
• Clear career objectives.
• Ability to apply the knowledge gained in the UK after graduation.
• Quality of the scholarship application.
• Interview performance for shortlisted applicants.

• Pursue a Master's degree at a recognised UK university.
• Receive financial support for tuition and living costs.
• Develop professional and leadership capabilities.
• Access international academic networks.
• Gain specialised knowledge in your chosen field.
• Strengthen future career opportunities.
• Contribute to development in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine.
• Join the Foundation's wider community of scholars and alumni.