Saïd Foundation - Said Foundation Masters Scholarship

Said Foundation Masters Scholarship

You will be undertaking a one-year Master’s degree programme in the UK. You will not have to pay anything yourself. The scholarship covers 100% of your tuition fees, your full living costs for the entire duration of your studies, a one-off arrival allowance, your visa and health insurance fees, and a return economy-class flight. The Saïd Foundation has been supporting students from the Middle East since 1984. It runs the programme in collaboration with partner universities in the UK, including the University of Nottingham. In some years, it co-funds up to 12 scholarship holders in partnership with the Chevening Programme.

Who can apply

• Nationality and home: You are a national of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine and live in one of these countries. Syrians living abroad due to the situation in Syria may also apply.
• Degree: You hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a British 2:1 (upper second-class honours) or better, or you are in the final year of your bachelor’s degree.
• Level and field: You are applying for a Master’s degree programme involving lectures. You are free to choose your field of study, but you must demonstrate that it contributes to the development of your home country. Bachelor’s and PhD programmes are not eligible for funding.
• University: You are applying to one or more of the Foundation’s partner universities in the UK, such as the University of Nottingham.
• English: You will achieve an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section, plus any higher level required for your degree programme.
• Leadership and experience: You can demonstrate leadership skills in your field and have relevant professional or voluntary experience.
• Return plan: You have a clear career plan and are committed to returning to your home country to put what you have learnt into practice there.

How to apply

First, apply for a suitable Master’s programme at a partner university. You should then submit your scholarship application via the Saïd Foundation’s online platform. The application period begins on 1 September and ends on 30 October at 5 British time. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in March, and final decisions will be made by the following June.

How realistic are your chances?

Only applicants from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine are eligible, which means the pool of applicants is smaller than for open scholarships offered by the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, this is a full scholarship awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership qualities and a credible plan for returning home after your studies, so eligible candidates are still in competition with one another. If you clearly meet the criteria, demonstrate how your field of study will benefit your home country, and apply early with a confirmed place at university, your prospects are good.