The Saïd Foundation has been offering educational scholarships and training opportunities since 1984. With a mission to foster development in the Middle East, the Foundation invests in exceptional individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, supporting them to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. These scholarships aim to empower future leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities.

Eligible Courses and Universities

The Saïd Foundation supports applications for one-year master’s degree programmes in the UK. While there are no restrictions on academic disciplines, applicants must clearly demonstrate how their chosen course will contribute to the development of their home country.

Applicants are required to apply to one or more of the Foundation’s partner universities. Applications to non-partner universities will only be considered if the course is not available at a partner university, and the reason must be explained clearly in the application.

Undergraduate or PhD programmes, or study at institutions outside the UK, are not eligible for this scholarship.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships are awarded based on merit. Applications are reviewed by the Saïd Foundation team, trustees, and independent experts. Key selection criteria include:

• Academic excellence

• Relevance of chosen subject to home country development

• Leadership potential

• Commitment to community service

• Clear career goals and plans for return to the region

• Ability to apply UK-acquired knowledge for local impact

Application Timeline for 2026/27

• Applications open: 1 August 2025 at 9:00 AM (UK time)

• Applications close: 31 October 2025 at 5:00 PM (UK time)

• Eligibility check and assessment: November 2025 – January 2026

• Deadline to submit proof of course application: 30 January 2026

• Interviews: March 2026

• Final selection and results: June 2026

Application Assessment Process

After submission, applications undergo an eligibility check. Only those meeting all eligibility criteria proceed to assessment. Candidates not meeting the requirements will be notified in December 2025.

Eligible applications are assessed by Saïd Foundation staff and external reviewers. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in March 2026. Final decisions will be made by the Board of Trustees in May, and selected scholars will be informed by early June 2026.

Required Application Documents

All documents must be submitted with your online application:

• High school certificate or marksheet

• University transcripts and graduation certificate (or latest transcripts if still studying)

• Valid passport or national ID card from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine

• English language test certificate (IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEFL iBT)

• Offer letter(s) or proof of application to UK university courses

• Three reference letters (academic, professional, voluntary)

• Up-to-date CV (max. 2 pages, no photo)

Flexibility will be shown to candidates applying from Gaza.

Reference Letter Guidelines

Applicants must provide three different reference letters:

• Academic referee: A former lecturer who can assess academic ability and potential for graduate study.

• Professional referee: A current or recent employer who can comment on your work, leadership skills, and relevance to your chosen field.

• Voluntary/extracurricular referee: A supervisor of a volunteer or community activity who can speak to your commitment and achievements.

References must be written in English, signed, and provided on official letterhead where possible. They must include the referee’s contact details and specifically support your Saïd Foundation scholarship application.

References written for other purposes will not be accepted. Late submissions are not allowed.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet both the Foundation’s and their chosen university’s English requirements. The Foundation accepts:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall and 6.0 in each band

• Duolingo English Test: Minimum 105 in each band

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 overall, 20 in each band

Only certificates dated after 1 October 2024 will be accepted. A valid certificate must be submitted with your application — screenshots are not accepted.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Saïd Foundation scholarship, you must:

• Be a national and resident of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine (Syrian applicants residing abroad due to conflict may be eligible)

• Hold or be in the final year of a degree equivalent to a UK 2:1

• Have relevant professional or voluntary experience

• Demonstrate leadership potential

• Apply to a partner university or provide strong justification for a non-partner institution

• Meet English language requirements

• Upload all required documents before the deadline

Begin Your Journey

Applications for the 2026/27 Saïd Foundation scholarships open on 1 August 2025. This is a unique opportunity to gain world-class education in the UK and return home equipped to lead positive change in your community.

For more details on how to apply, partner universities, and guidance for referees, visit the official Saïd Foundation website.

How to Apply
Interested applicants can start their application by clicking here.

Make sure to submit your application before the deadline at 5:00 PM (UK time) on Thursday, 31st October 2025.