The Saïd Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine by providing educational opportunities in the United Kingdom through its scholarship program. This initiative offers one-year master’s degree scholarships to exceptional candidates who possess strong leadership potential and are prepared to enact meaningful change in their home countries.
With a broad range of subjects available for study, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their chosen program aligns with their vision for contributing to the development of their nation. The Foundation emphasizes merit and community service in its rigorous selection process, aiming to identify individuals who can effectively utilize their UK education upon returning to the Middle East.
To be eligible for a Saïd Foundation scholarship, candidates must meet specific criteria, including holding an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher, possessing relevant work or volunteer experience and demonstrating a clear career path following their studies.
Additionally, candidates must meet English language requirements, which can be fulfilled through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The application process requires the submission of necessary documents by the deadline of October 31, 2024, ensuring that all candidates are properly considered. Through this initiative, the Saïd Foundation aims to nurture the next generation of leaders who are committed to fostering development and positive change in their communities.
Scholarship Overview
The Saïd Foundation aims to attract candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, with no restrictions on the subjects of study. Applicants are required to clearly articulate how their chosen program will facilitate the development of their home nations. The selection process is rigorous and places significant emphasis on merit, academic excellence and a commitment to community service. The Foundation seeks to identify individuals who possess the practical skills necessary to utilize their UK education effectively upon their return to the Middle East. For further details regarding the application process, please refer to the information provided below.
Degree Level
The Saïd Foundation Scholarships for the academic year 2025/2026 are available for individuals pursuing master’s level programs at universities across the UK.
Available Subjects
Under this scholarship program, applicants may select from a wide range of subjects, as the scholarship is open to all fields of study.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Saïd Foundation Scholarships offer several significant advantages:
- Financial Freedom: Recipients can focus on their academic pursuits without financial concerns. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa application fees and even health surcharge fees.
- World-Class Education: Scholars gain access to prestigious institutions known for their academic excellence. The scholarship provides an opportunity to obtain a degree from a top UK university, enhancing educational credentials.
- Career Launchpad: The program extends beyond academics by offering pathways to valuable career opportunities and laying the groundwork for future professional success.
Eligible Nationalities
The Saïd Foundation Scholarships are available to international students from the following countries:
- Syria
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Palestine
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Saïd Foundation scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Educational Background: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a UK 2:1 degree or higher. Students currently in their final year of undergraduate studies are also eligible to apply.
- Relevant Experience: Candidates should have work and/or volunteer experience related to their field of study and should demonstrate a clear career trajectory following the completion of their studies and subsequent return to their home country or region.
- Leadership Potential: Applicants must exhibit leadership qualities within their chosen field or sector.
- University Application: Candidates should have applied for a course at a university that partners with the Foundation or must provide valid exceptional reasons for applying to a non-partner institution.
English Language Requirements
Candidates applying for a Saïd Foundation scholarship are required to meet specific English language proficiency standards:
- An overall IELTS score of at least 6.0, with no individual band scoring below 6.0.
- A Duolingo test is also accepted; please refer to the provided information for equivalent scores.
- A TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 80, including a minimum score of 20 in each band.
It is important to note that some universities may have higher English language requirements. Therefore, candidates must also fulfill the English language criteria of their chosen university.
Application Procedure
To apply for a Saïd Foundation scholarship, candidates must submit the necessary documents along with their online application. It is crucial to ensure that all required documents are submitted at the time of application. The only exceptions are university offers or proof of having applied to chosen courses (in cases where applications do not open until after October 31) and English language test certificates, which can be uploaded to the online application portal after submission.
The Saïd Foundation remains committed to fostering educational opportunities that enable individuals from the Middle East to gain knowledge and skills that can be applied to their communities upon their return. Through its scholarship program, the Foundation seeks to empower the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to driving positive change in their home countries. For more information about the scholarship and application process, please refer to the details outlined above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Eligible candidates must be from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine, hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher and demonstrate relevant work or volunteer experience. They must also show leadership potential and have a clear career path upon completion of their studies.
What subjects can I study with this scholarship?
There are no restrictions on academic subjects; candidates can choose any master’s program available at participating UK universities.
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa application fees and health surcharge fees, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns.
What are the English language requirements?
Candidates must meet specific English language proficiency standards, including an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall (with no band lower than 6.0) or an equivalent score in other accepted tests such as TOEFL or Duolingo.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
To apply, candidates must complete an online application and submit the required documents. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of October 31, 2024.
Can I apply if I am still completing my undergraduate degree?
Yes, candidates who are in their final year of undergraduate studies are eligible to apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Do I need to apply to a specific university?
Candidates must apply for a course at a partner university of the Saïd Foundation or provide valid reasons for applying to a non-partner institution.
What is the selection process like?
The selection process is rigorous and evaluates candidates based on their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to community service. The Foundation aims to identify individuals who can effectively leverage their UK education upon returning to their home countries.
