The Saïd Foundation Scholarships (2026)
About this opportunity
Fully Funded Masters scholarship for African students
The Saïd Foundation Scholarships provide one-year master’s degree opportunities in the UK for outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. These scholarships focus on empowering leaders with potential to drive positive change in their home countries through academic excellence and practical application of knowledge upon return. Scholarships cover a range of subjects, with priority given to those that support development in the target regions. Applications must be submitted through partner universities or, exceptionally, non-partner universities with justification provided. The selection process evaluates academic merit, subject relevance, leadership potential, community commitment, career goals, and the candidate’s ability to implement learning back home.
What it offers
- One-year master’s degree programmes in the UK across any academic subject, provided the course aligns with the candidate’s contribution to their home country’s development.
- Scholarships awarded on merit, covering selection based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and practical application of knowledge upon return to the Middle East.
- Opportunity to study at partner universities (full list available on the Foundation’s website) or, with approval, at non-partner universities if the proposed course is not offered by a partner.
Who can apply
Applicants must be outstanding individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. The scholarship is open to candidates applying for one-year master’s degree courses in the UK, with no restrictions on academic subjects—however, the chosen field must be relevant to the candidate’s home country’s development.
What you'll do
Candidates will engage in a one-year master’s degree programme at a UK university, chosen either through the Foundation’s partner institutions or, with justification, at a non-partner university. The scholarship aims to equip participants with skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their respective countries upon graduation.
How to apply
- Apply to one or more of the Foundation’s partner universities (preferred) or, if applicable, a non-partner university with a clear explanation of why the course is not offered by a partner.
- Submit a complete application through the Foundation’s official portal, including supporting documents as required.
- Ensure alignment with selection criteria, particularly demonstrating how the chosen subject will benefit their home country.
Good to know
- No undergraduate or PhD programmes are eligible for this scholarship.
- Study must be conducted in the UK only.
- Applications for universities outside the UK are not considered.
- Selection decisions are made by the Foundation’s officers, trustees, and external assessors based on a rigorous evaluation process.
- Further details on the application timeline and process are available on the Foundation’s official website.
Key details
What you get
- Tuition fees covered by the scholarship
- Living expenses (as per UK university standards)
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Access to academic resources and networking opportunities at partner universities
Documents needed
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Statement of purpose explaining how the chosen subject will benefit their home country
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL scores if required by the university)
- Passport or national ID
- Proof of leadership activities and community service
- University application documents (as required by the chosen institution)
How to apply
- Apply to one or more of the Foundation’s partner universities (preferred) or, if applicable, a non-partner university with justification for the course selection.
- Submit a complete application through the Foundation’s official portal, including supporting documents.
- Ensure alignment with selection criteria, particularly demonstrating how the chosen subject supports development in their home country.
- Complete the application process as outlined by the chosen university and the Foundation.
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