Saïd Foundation Scholarships for Master’s Study

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Saïd Foundation is offering scholarships to outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue one-year master’s degree courses at universities in the United Kingdom. The programme aims to develop future leaders who can contribute to positive social and economic development in their home countries. The scholarship supports talented applicants who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, relevant experience, and a clear commitment to using their education to create positive change in the Middle East.

About the Saïd Foundation Scholarship

The Saïd Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine through education and professional development. The scholarship programme provides an opportunity for successful candidates to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK. There is no general restriction on academic subject, but applicants must clearly demonstrate how their chosen course will enable them to contribute to the development of their home country. The programme therefore considers not only academic achievement but also leadership potential, career plans, professional experience, and the applicant’s anticipated contribution after completing their studies. What Does the Scholarship Support? The programme supports eligible students pursuing one-year master’s degree courses at UK universities. Applicants can select a field of study that aligns with their academic and professional goals. However, the chosen subject should have a clear connection to the applicant’s plans to contribute to the development of their country. Candidates are generally expected to apply to one or more of the Foundation’s partner universities. Applications to non-partner universities may also be considered when an appropriate course is not available at a partner institution. Who Is Eligible for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship? Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, residency, academic, professional, and leadership requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

- Hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, or Palestinian nationality. - Reside in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine. - Meet the Foundation’s residency requirements, with exceptions available for Syrians displaced by current circumstances. - Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:1, or be in the final year of an appropriate undergraduate degree. - Have relevant work or voluntary experience. - Demonstrate leadership potential. - Have clear career plans. - Meet the required English language standards. - Show how the proposed master’s degree can contribute to the development of their home country. Nationality and Residency Requirements The scholarship is specifically intended for individuals connected to Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Applicants must normally hold the nationality of one of these countries and reside in one of the eligible countries. The Foundation recognizes the displacement circumstances affecting Syrians and provides exceptions for Syrians who have been displaced due to current circumstances. Applicants should therefore carefully review the applicable residency requirements when preparing their application. Academic Requirements Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability.

They must either:

- Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, or - Be in the final year of an undergraduate programme that is expected to meet the equivalent academic standard. Academic transcripts are required as part of the supporting documentation. Applicants should demonstrate that their previous academic background provides a suitable foundation for the proposed master’s degree. Work and Voluntary Experience Relevant professional or voluntary experience is another important component of the selection process. Applicants should demonstrate experience that supports their career objectives and shows their ability to contribute to their communities or countries. Experience does not necessarily have to come exclusively from paid employment. Relevant voluntary work can also demonstrate commitment, responsibility, leadership, and community engagement. Leadership Potential The programme seeks applicants with the potential to become future leaders and contributors to development in the Middle East. Applicants should therefore demonstrate examples of: - Leadership. - Community involvement. - Professional responsibility. - Initiative. - Problem-solving. - Positive impact. - Commitment to their country’s development. A strong application should explain not only what the applicant has achieved but also how these experiences have shaped their future goals. Career Plans and Contribution to Home Country A central part of the scholarship application is the applicant’s future career plan.

Candidates should clearly explain:

- What they want to achieve professionally. - Why the selected master’s course is important for their career. - What development challenges they want to address. - How their education will help them create positive change. - How they intend to use their knowledge and experience in their home country. The connection between academic study, career plans, leadership, and national development should be clear. Choosing a Master’s Degree There is no general restriction on academic subject. Applicants can therefore consider master’s programmes across different disciplines, provided they can demonstrate the relevance of the chosen field to the development of their country. For example, a candidate might select a course that strengthens their ability to contribute to areas such as public policy, education, healthcare, economic development, environmental sustainability, technology, social development, or other relevant sectors. The most important consideration is the applicant’s ability to explain the development impact of the chosen field. UK University Requirement Applicants are generally expected to apply to one o