The Saïd Foundation Scholarship supports eligible Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Applications for the 2027/28 cycle are open, with the Foundation accepting applications until 30 October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time. Each year the Foundation selects around 20–30 scholars to receive fully funded support at partner UK universities. The scholarship is aimed at applicants who can combine strong academic results with a clear plan to use their studies back home or across the region.
The award is fully funded for selected scholars and is designed for applicants who combine strong academics, relevant experience, leadership potential and a clear plan to contribute to their home country or the wider region after study. Applicants must apply for an eligible course at a partner UK university and meet the Foundation’s current English-language and documentation rules. Funded costs typically include tuition fees, living costs, an arrival allowance and travel support, though applicants should always confirm the latest terms directly with the Foundation. Preparing academic records, an English test certificate and three reference letters early gives candidates the best chance of submitting a complete application before the deadline.
Saïd Foundation Scholarship Details
The scholarship is administered by the Saïd Foundation and is intended for one-year master’s programmes at eligible partner universities in the UK. The Foundation’s 2027/28 application window opened on 1 September 2026 and closes at the end of October.
The Foundation normally selects approximately 20–30 scholars each year. Applicants should use the current application guidance because course eligibility, partner institutions, English-language requirements and document rules are controlled by the Foundation for each cycle.
Host | Saïd Foundation |
|---|---|
Study level | Master’s |
Study country | United Kingdom |
Duration | One-year master’s programme |
Funding | Tuition, living costs and other verified support |
Eligible nationalities | Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian |
Application deadline | 30 October 2026, 5:00 PM UK time |
Stay Updated with Scholar Gem
Follow Scholar Gem for verified scholarship, fellowship, and education updates.
Always recheck the official source before submitting an application.
Scholarship Benefits
The Foundation describes the award as fully funded. For selected scholars, support includes university tuition fees, full maintenance and living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare-surcharge costs, and one economy return flight.
The support is structured for the scholarship period of the approved one-year master’s course. Separate funding arrangements apply to Oxford, Cambridge and Chevening partner scholars. The Foundation does not fund family members’ costs.
Also Check: Applicants considering another UK funding route can review the Bath Global Excellence Scholarship already published on Scholar Gem.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship, applicants must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality and normally be resident in one of the Foundation’s target countries. The Foundation will also consider Syrians residing elsewhere due to the circumstances in Syria. They should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or be in the final year of undergraduate study.
Candidates must also show relevant work or voluntary experience, a clear career path after returning home or to the region, leadership potential, an application to an eligible course at a partner university, and compliance with the Foundation’s English-language requirements. For 2027/28, only English certificates dated after 1 September 2025 are considered, and the chosen university may set a higher requirement.
Applicants can also compare the Bath Diamond Scholarship and Imperial Female Future Leaders Scholarship. Their course, nationality and funding rules are separate from the Foundation’s criteria.
Requirements and Required Documents
The current application requires academic records, identity documentation, an English-language test certificate, evidence of course applications or offers, an up-to-date CV and three reference letters. Applications submitted without three valid references are not considered. The CV must be no longer than two sides and contain no photo.
University offers received after scholarship submission can be uploaded later. If a selected course has not opened for applications before 30 October 2026, the permitted university evidence must be uploaded by 29 January 2027; this is not an extension for the scholarship application or missing references.
How to Apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship
Applications are submitted through the official Saïd Foundation scholarship portal linked from the current application page. Applicants should read the eligibility, English-language, reference and document guidance before starting.
The scholarship form and supporting materials must be complete before the closing time. The Foundation asks applicants to use their own authentic voice and not use generative AI to write application responses. Applicants should also apply separately to the eligible UK master’s programmes they list in the scholarship application.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for the 2027/28 scholarship cycle is Friday, 30 October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time. Late or incomplete applications should not be expected to progress through the eligibility assessment.
The Foundation’s timetable then moves through assessment, interviews and final selection, with successful scholars expected to begin their eligible UK master’s programme in the 2027/28 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the questions applicants ask most often about eligibility, funding and required documents for this scholarship.
The Saïd Foundation Scholarship is limited to Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian nationals starting a one-year master’s degree, so most questions below focus on that eligibility line and on what the tuition-and-living-cost funding does and does not cover.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
The current scholarship is for eligible Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian applicants who meet the academic, experience, leadership, course and English-language requirements.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Foundation states that selected scholars receive tuition, full maintenance and living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare-surcharge support, and one economy return flight.
How many reference letters are required?
Applicants must submit three reference letters with the scholarship application.
Can the scholarship fund a PhD?
No. The programme is for eligible one-year master’s degrees, not undergraduate or doctoral study.
Can I supply missing references in January?
No. All three references must be uploaded before scholarship submission. The 29 January 2027 allowance concerns university evidence under the specified course-opening exception.
Can Syrians outside Syria be considered?
Yes. The Foundation says it will consider Syrians residing elsewhere due to circumstances in Syria. All other published eligibility requirements still apply.
Conclusion
The Saïd Foundation Scholarship is a comprehensive funding opportunity for eligible applicants from the Foundation’s target nationalities who want to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Candidates should verify their course and documentation requirements, arrange all three references early and submit before 30 October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time.
