British Council - Higher Education Scholarship for Palestinians (HESPAL)

HESPAL scholarship for Palestinian academics

You will receive a full scholarship for a one-year Master’s programme at a UK university. It amounts to monthly living allowance of about 1,200 EUR for all 12 months. The UK partner university will waive your tuition fees. You will also receive a lump-sum allowance for your arrival and a lump-sum allowance for your dissertation. If you start in 2026, you will receive an additional grant to cover your visa, health insurance and travel costs. The programme is run by the British Council to help Palestinian universities train their own teaching and research staff.

Who can apply

• Where you come from: You are a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip. Displaced persons from the Gaza Strip may also apply. This call for applications is open exclusively to applicants from the Gaza Strip.
• Your job: You are a research assistant at a university in Gaza, and your university is nominating you for the scholarship.
• Degree level: You are applying for a one-year Master’s programme. No PhD students are funded under this study cycle.
• Field of study: The range of courses on offer covers numerous disciplines, including economics, political science, agricultural science, engineering, law, STEM subjects and medicine.
• Grades: You hold an excellent university degree, with a minimum grade of ‘High Upper Second Class’ (2:1) or ‘First’, or an equivalent international qualification.
• English: You hold a valid English language certificate that is recognised by your chosen UK university.
• Extra encouragement: Women, displaced academics and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Firstly, your university in Gaza must nominate you. You must then apply directly to at least three Master’s programmes at the British partner universities. You must also submit the HESPAL online application form together with your supporting documents. The application deadline for the academic year 2026/2027 is 27 February 2026. The British Council and the UK universities will jointly decide on the selection of participants.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is very limited. You must be a researcher based in Gaza, have been nominated by your own university, have excellent academic results and possess the required level of English. In the last round, only around 12 scholarships were awarded, so the pool of applicants is small but highly competitive. If you clearly meet these criteria and can provide proof of your nomination, your chances are good. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the February deadline.