Saïd Foundation - Said Foundation Scholarship

Said Foundation Scholarship

You will receive a full scholarship scholarship for a one-year Master’s programme in the United Kingdom. It covers your tuition fees, all living costs for the entire duration of your studies, a one-off arrival allowance, visa fees and health insurance surcharge, as well as a return economy-class flight. The scholarship is valid for the entire year of your Master’s programme. In rare cases, where your tuition fees are very high, the Foundation may also award a partial scholarship. The scholarship is awarded by the Saïd Foundation, a UK-based charity that supports people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. The Foundation also runs a joint programme with Chevening (a UK government scholarship programme): each year, up to 12 scholarship holders are jointly funded, with the Foundation covering tuition fees and Chevening funding living costs and flights.

Who can apply

• Nationality and residence: You are a national of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine and are permanently resident in one of these countries. Syrians living elsewhere may also apply due to the situation in Syria.
• Degree level: You are applying for a one-year Master’s degree programme. Bachelor’s and PhD programmes are not eligible for funding.
• Where you study: You are applying for a degree programme at one of the Foundation’s partner universities in the UK, such as Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, Edinburgh or the LSE. You may only choose a non-partner university if none of the partner universities offer your chosen degree programme.
• Your bachelor's grade: You hold a Bachelor’s degree from the UK at the level of 2:1 or higher, or you are in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree. A 2:1 corresponds to a very good upper second-class honours degree.
• Field of study: You are free to choose any topic, but you must explain how your field of expertise will contribute to the development of your home country.
• Experience and leadership: You have professional or voluntary experience in your field of study, have a clear career plan for the period following your return, and can demonstrate leadership potential.
• English: You must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each section, and the certificate must have been issued on or after 1 October 2020. Some universities require higher scores.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online portal on the Saïd Foundation’s website, not through a university. The application period begins on 1 September and ends on 30 October at 5 British time. You must include three letters of recommendation with your application; otherwise, your application will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in March, and final decisions will be made by early June.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is restricted to certain nationalities: only people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine are eligible to apply, meaning that the pool of applicants is smaller than for open scholarships for the UK. However, as these are full scholarships at leading universities, the scheme attracts highly qualified applicants, and good grades alone are not sufficient. If you clearly meet the requirements 2:1, can demonstrate leadership qualities and relevant experience, and explain how your studies will benefit your home country, your prospects are good. Prepare your references and university applications well in advance.