Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028 in the UK

Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028 – Are you from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine and hoping to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom? The Saïd Foundation Scholarship Programme supports outstanding students from these countries who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries or region.

The scholarship provides funding for eligible one-year Master’s degree programmes at UK universities. Benefits include tuition fees, living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees, and one economy return flight. The Foundation typically awards approximately 20 to 30 new scholarships each year.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year are open and will close on 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. Applicants must also submit three valid reference letters, evidence of their English-language proficiency and the other required documents with their scholarship application.

This guide explains the scholarship’s benefits, eligible applicants, academic requirements, English-language scores, required documents, application procedure and selection process.

Scholarship Summary

Detail	Information
Scholarship name	Saïd Foundation Scholarships
Host country	United Kingdom
Funding organisation	Saïd Foundation
Study level	Postgraduate Master’s
Eligible nationalities	Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian
Study duration	Normally one year
Funding type	Fully funded
Eligible universities	UK partner universities, with limited exceptions
Number of awards	Approximately 20–30 new scholarships annually
Application opening	1 September 2026
Application deadline	30 October 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time
Evidence of course application deadline, where permitted later	29 January 2027
Expected interviews	March 2027
Expected final selection	By early June 2027

The Scholarship

The Saïd Foundation has supported educational opportunities since 1984. Its scholarship programme aims to help talented people develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to positive change in the Middle East.

The programme focuses on applicants from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. It seeks individuals who have strong academic backgrounds, demonstrate leadership potential and have a realistic plan for using their education to benefit their home country or region.

Unlike scholarships open to applicants from almost every country, the Saïd Foundation programme has a specific regional focus. Applicants must meet the nationality and residence requirements, in addition to the academic and professional criteria.

The Foundation primarily funds one-year Master’s degrees at its partner universities in the UK. It does not offer general undergraduate or PhD scholarships through this programme. Applicants may choose from a wide range of academic subjects, provided they can explain how their proposed studies are relevant to the development of their home country.

The Foundation typically awards around 20 to 30 new scholarships each year. Selection is competitive and considers academic achievement, the relevance of the proposed subject, leadership potential, commitment to the community and the applicant’s future career plans.

Successful candidates are expected to use their education to contribute to the development of the Foundation’s target countries after completing their studies. They must sign a binding undertaking reflecting this commitment.

Financial Benefits and Coverage

The Saïd Foundation offers fully funded scholarships for eligible Master’s degree students. The funding package includes the principal costs of studying and living in the UK.

The benefits include:

1. Tuition fees: The Foundation provides funding for tuition fees for the approved course. Applicants should understand that special funding arrangements apply to certain partner programmes, including some awards at Oxford and Cambridge and scholarships jointly funded with Chevening.
2. Living costs: The scholarship covers maintenance and living costs for the duration of the approved course. This support is intended to help scholars meet expenses such as accommodation, food and everyday necessities.
3. Arrival allowance: Scholars receive an allowance to help with expenses associated with arriving in the UK and settling into their studies.
4. Visa fees: Eligible visa costs are covered under the scholarship arrangements.
5. Immigration Health Surcharge: The scholarship covers the healthcare surcharge associated with the relevant UK student immigration arrangements.
6. Return flight: Scholars receive one economy return flight. This supports travel to the UK for the start of their studies and the return journey after the course.

What is not covered?

Although the scholarship is fully funded for the approved scholar, it does not mean that every expense connected with the applicant’s family or personal circumstances will be paid.

The Foundation does not provide financial support for a scholar’s spouse or children. It advises successful applicants to travel to the UK unaccompanied.

Applicants should also understand that the exact funding arrangement may vary for scholars selected through joint programmes or special university partnerships. For example, some Saïd Foundation and Chevening joint awards divide funding responsibilities between the two organisations.

Before accepting an award, successful applicants should review the terms provided to them so they understand the expenses covered, the payment arrangements and their responsibilities.

Eligible Courses and Universities

The Saïd Foundation primarily supports one-year Master’s degree programmes at participating UK universities. There are no general restrictions on academic subject areas, but applicants must explain why their chosen field is relevant to the development of their home country.

Eligible subjects may include areas such as:

• Public health and health systems
• Medicine-related research and health sciences
• Engineering and technology
• Computer science and artificial intelligence
• Education
• Economics, finance and business
• International development and public policy
• Environmental science and sustainability
• Social sciences and humanitarian studies
• Agriculture and related disciplines

These are examples of possible fields, not a guarantee that every course qualifies. Applicants must select an eligible course at a partner university and explain how it will help them address a relevant development need.

The Foundation works with a range of UK institutions, including the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, East Anglia, Essex, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Loughborough, Nottingham, Oxford, Oxford Brookes, Southampton, St Andrews, Sussex and Warwick. Other participating institutions include Goldsmiths, King’s College London, University College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Partnership arrangements can change, so applicants should confirm the current partner list before selecting their courses.

Can applicants choose a university that is not a partner?

The Foundation may consider an application to a non-partner university only when the proposed course is not offered by one of its partner institutions. Applicants must provide a thorough justification in their scholarship application.

If an equivalent suitable course is available at a partner university, selecting a non-partner institution without a valid reason may result in the application not being considered.

The Foundation does not normally fund two-year Master’s programmes or courses at universities outside the UK. Distance-learning Master’s programmes may be considered only in exceptional circumstances, with a strong explanation of why the applicant cannot travel to the UK. Such courses must not take more than two years to complete.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the Foundation’s eligibility requirements to be considered for the 2027–2028 scholarship.

1. Eligible nationality: Applicants must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality. Dual nationals may apply if they hold one of these eligible nationalities and provide the required proof.
2. Residence requirement: Applicants must normally be permanently resident in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine. The Foundation allows flexibility for Syrian candidates living elsewhere because of the circumstances in Syria. Palestinians living in Israel may also apply. Palestinians who normally resided in Gaza and have been displaced to another country since 2023 are also eligible under the published conditions.
3. Academic qualification: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree, commonly known as a 2:1. Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree may also apply, provided they submit their transcripts to date.
4. Relevant experience: Applicants must have some work or voluntary experience relevant to their proposed field of study. There is no fixed minimum number of years or hours, but the experience must support the applicant’s academic and career plans.
5. Leadership potential: Applicants must demonstrate the potential to become leaders in their chosen field or sector. This may be shown through employment, volunteering, community projects, student activities or other meaningful responsibilities.
6. Clear career plans: Applicants must have a realistic career path for after completing their studies and returning to their home country or region. They should explain how their proposed degree will help them contribute to development.
7. Eligible university and course: Applicants must have applied to an eligible course at a Foundation partner university. An application to a non-partner university is considered only under the Foundation’s limited exception.
8. English-language proficiency: Applicants must meet the Foundation’s minimum English-language requirement and provide a valid test certificate with their scholarship application.
9. Complete application: Applicants must submit all required documents, including three valid reference letters, by the scholarship deadline. Missing required documents can make an application ineligible.

How are overseas qualifications assessed?

The Foundation provides the following guidance on undergraduate degree results that may be considered comparable to a UK 2:1:

• Jordan: Approximately 75–91%, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0.
• Lebanon: Approximately 80–89%.
• Palestine: Approximately 80–89%, or a result described as Very Good.
• Syria: Generally Very Good or a GPA of 80–89% from private universities, or 70–79% from state universities.

These are guidance ranges, not automatic conversion rules. The Foundation explains that universities use different grading systems and that equivalence cannot always be determined by applying one fixed calculation. In some circumstances, a lower-ranked degree may be accepted.

Applicants who are in their final year of undergraduate study can apply using their transcripts to date. They should be prepared to provide their final results when available.

There is no general age limit for the scholarship, and the Foundation does not require applicants to have a particular number of years of professional experience. The key is to demonstrate relevant experience, leadership potential and a credible plan for future contribution.

English-Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the Foundation’s English-language requirement when they submit their scholarship application. A degree taught in English does not automatically exempt a candidate from this requirement.

The Foundation currently accepts the following tests and minimum scores:

English test	Minimum score
IELTS Academic	6.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in each band
Duolingo English Test	105 overall and at least 105 in each band
TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026	80 overall, with at least 20 in each band
TOEFL iBT taken from 21 January 2026	4.5 overall, with at least 4.0 in each band

Only English-language test certificates dated after 1 September 2025 will be accepted for the 2027–2028 scholarship.

Applicants must upload the test certificate with the scholarship application. It is not possible to submit the required English-language evidence later, and screenshots of test results are not accepted.

The minimum score required by the Foundation may also be lower than the score required by a particular UK university. Applicants must meet both the Foundation’s standard and the admission requirements of their chosen course.

For this reason, applicants should identify their preferred courses early and check which English-language tests and scores those universities accept.

Required Documents

Applicants must upload the required documents with their scholarship application. The Foundation states that applications submitted without the required reference letters or other mandatory documents will not be considered.

Prepare the following:

1. High school marks or certificate: A copy of your secondary school academic results or certificate.
2. University transcripts: Copies of your university transcripts showing your academic performance. Applicants still completing their undergraduate degree must provide all transcripts received to date.
3. University graduation certificate: Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies should provide their graduation certificate.
4. Passport or national identity card: Provide a copy of your current passport or national ID card. Dual nationals must submit identification showing their Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality.
5. English-language test certificate: Upload an accepted IELTS Academic, Duolingo or TOEFL iBT certificate that meets the required score and date conditions.
6. University course application evidence: Provide offer letters or evidence that you have applied for your selected UK Master’s courses. If your chosen course is not yet accepting applications, you may submit the scholarship application first and provide evidence later, subject to the Foundation’s deadline.
7. Three reference letters: All three valid references must be uploaded with your scholarship application. Applications cannot be considered without them, and the Foundation does not accept late references after the scholarship deadline.
8. Updated CV: Provide a current CV that is no longer than two pages and does not include a photograph.

Applicants should make sure that documents are legible and that the information matches their application. They should also check whether any documents require translation or additional certification.

What should the reference letters cover?

Because the scholarship considers academic merit, leadership and future development impact, referees should provide specific evidence of the applicant’s abilities and experience.

Choose people who know your academic work, employment or voluntary activities well enough to comment on your achievements, commitment, leadership potential and future plans. Give each referee enough time to prepare a meaningful letter and upload it before the deadline.

Do not wait until the final days to request references. The Foundation requires all three letters at submission, so a single missing reference can prevent the application from being considered.

How to Apply

The application process requires candidates to submit a scholarship application and apply to suitable UK Master’s courses. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check your nationality and residence status, undergraduate qualification, relevant experience, leadership potential and English-language results. Make sure you meet every requirement before preparing the application.

Step 2: Choose your Master’s courses

Identify up to three suitable courses at participating UK universities and list them in order of preference. Consider the course content, university, admission requirements and relevance to your future career.

For each course, prepare a clear explanation of why you have selected it and how the degree will contribute to development in your home country.

Step 3: Apply to the universities

Submit applications for your chosen Master’s programmes through the universities’ own admissions systems.

You do not need to hold an offer before submitting the Saïd Foundation scholarship application. However, if the course is open for applications, you should have applied and provide evidence of your application.

If your chosen course is not accepting applications by the scholarship deadline, enter the required wording, “course not currently open for applications,” in the relevant application ID field. You must then apply when the course opens and upload evidence that you have applied to your first-choice course by 29 January 2027.

Step 4: Prepare your documents and references

Collect your academic records, identification, English-language test certificate and CV. Request three references well in advance and ensure that each referee can submit a valid letter before the scholarship deadline.

Check that your CV is no longer than two pages and contains no photograph.

Step 5: Complete the online scholarship application

Visit the Saïd Foundation Scholarships application page to access the application instructions and online form.

Complete every required section, including your academic history, proposed course choices, relevant experience, leadership examples and future career plans. Explain why your selected course is important to your home country and how you intend to use the knowledge gained.

Upload all required documents, including the three references and English-language test certificate, before submitting the form.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

The application deadline is 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

Do not wait until the final day. The Foundation requires all three reference letters to be submitted with the application and does not accept them after the deadline. Check that every required document has been uploaded before submitting.

Step 7: Monitor your email and application

After submission, monitor your email, including your junk or spam folder, for updates.

The Foundation conducts an eligibility check and assessment before shortlisting candidates for interviews. If you receive an offer from a university after submitting your scholarship application, upload a copy of that offer through the application portal.

Application Deadline and Current Status

As of 9 October 2026, applications for the Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028 are open.

The key dates are:

• 1 September 2026: Applications opened.
• 30 October 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time: Scholarship application deadline.
• 29 January 2027: Deadline to upload evidence of having applied to a selected course where the course application was not open by the scholarship deadline.
• December 2026: Applicants who fail the initial eligibility check are expected to be notified.
• March 2027: Interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• By early June 2027: Final scholarship selections are expected.

The scholarship application deadline is approaching. Applicants who meet the nationality and residence criteria should begin preparing their documents and references immediately.

Selection Process and Application Tips

The Foundation assesses applications based on academic excellence, the usefulness of the chosen subject to the applicant’s home country, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, future career plans and the practical ability to use the knowledge gained in the UK.

The following tips can help you prepare a strong application.

1. Connect your course to a real development need. Explain the problem you want to help address and why advanced study in your chosen field is relevant.
2. Show evidence of leadership. Describe responsibilities you have held, decisions you have made and initiatives you have helped deliver. A title alone is not enough to explain your contribution.
3. Demonstrate relevant experience. Explain how your work or volunteering has prepared you for the proposed course and your future career.
4. Present a realistic career plan. Identify what you intend to do after graduating and how your skills could benefit your home country or region.
5. Choose suitable university courses. Make sure your selected programmes are eligible and explain why each is appropriate. If you select a non-partner university, provide a strong justification showing that the course is not offered at a partner institution.
6. Meet the English-language requirement early. Your certificate must meet the score and date requirements and must be submitted with your application. Do not assume that an English-taught degree will exempt you.
7. Organise your references well in advance. Three valid letters are mandatory. Give your referees enough time to prepare their letters and ensure they submit them before you complete the application.
8. Follow the document instructions. Check that your transcripts, certificates, identification, CV and other required documents are complete and legible. Ensure that your CV meets the two-page limit and contains no photograph.
9. Explain your commitment to returning and contributing. The Foundation expects scholars to use their education to support development in their home countries or region. Make this connection clear in your career plans.
10. Submit early. With the 30 October deadline approaching, waiting until the last day creates unnecessary risk. Complete your application as soon as your documents and references are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028?

Applicants must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality and normally reside in one of the Foundation’s target countries. Specific exceptions apply to certain Syrian and Palestinian applicants living elsewhere. Candidates must also meet the academic, experience, leadership and English-language requirements.

2. Is the scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Foundation covers tuition fees, living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees, and one economy return flight, subject to the applicable funding arrangements.

3. What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. All three references and the other required documents must be submitted with the application.

4. Can I apply while completing my undergraduate degree?

Yes. Final-year undergraduate students can apply if they provide all the transcripts they have received to date. They must meet the remaining eligibility requirements.

5. Do I need a university admission offer before applying?

No. You do not need to hold an offer when you submit the scholarship application. However, if your course is open for applications, you should already have applied and provide evidence. If the course is not yet open, you must follow the Foundation’s instructions and submit evidence of your application by 29 January 2027.

6. What English-language test score do I need?

The Foundation accepts IELTS Academic with at least 6.0 overall and 6.0 in each band, Duolingo with at least 105 overall and in each band, or TOEFL iBT with the applicable minimum score for the test date. Certificates must be dated after 1 September 2025 and included with the scholarship application.

7. Can I apply for any Master’s subject?

There are no general restrictions on academic subjects, but the course must meet the programme’s conditions and applicants must explain its relevance to development in their home country. The Foundation primarily supports one-year Master’s degrees at partner universities in the UK.

8. Can I apply for a PhD or undergraduate degree?

No. The Saïd Foundation’s scholarship programme described here supports Master’s degree study. It does not offer undergraduate or PhD scholarships through this programme.

9. Can the scholarship cover my spouse or children?

No. The Foundation does not provide financial support for scholars’ family members and advises scholars to travel to the UK unaccompanied.

10. When will successful candidates be selected?

Interviews are expected to take place in March 2027, and final selections are expected by early June 2027. Applicants will receive updates by email.

Conclusion

The Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028 provide a valuable opportunity for eligible applicants from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the UK. The programme covers tuition and living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees, and one economy return flight.

The scholarship is designed for more than academic excellence alone. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, relevant experience and a clear plan to use their education to contribute to their home country or region.

The deadline is 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. Prepare your academic records, English-language certificate, CV and three reference letters early, and explain clearly why your proposed course matters to your future career and community.

References

saidfoundation.org – Applying for a Saïd Foundation Scholarship

saidfoundation.org – Eligibility Criteria

saidfoundation.org – Required Documents

saidfoundation.org – English Language Requirements

saidfoundation.org – Scholarships Programme Partners