Applications are now open for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28, a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for eligible students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine who want to complete a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
For the 2027/28 cycle, applications opened on 1 September 2026 at 9:00 a.m. UK time and will close on Friday, 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. The Saïd Foundation normally awards approximately 20–30 new scholarships each year.
The scholarship is genuinely comprehensive. The standard award includes tuition fees, full maintenance/living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees, and one economy return flight. Different funding arrangements apply to recipients studying at Oxford or Cambridge and to joint Saïd Foundation/Chevening Scholars.
Applicants looking for other major Master’s opportunities can also explore Scholarships Central’s Master’s Scholarships directory and Fully Funded Scholarships directory.
Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 Overview
| Scholarship Detail | 2027/28 Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Saïd Foundation Scholarship |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Course duration | Normally one year |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Scholarships offered | Approximately 20–30 annually |
| Eligible nationalities | Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian |
| Academic requirement | Equivalent to UK 2:1 or above |
| Final-year students | Eligible |
| Work/voluntary experience | Required, but no minimum number of years |
| Age limit | None |
| IELTS minimum | 6.0 overall and 6.0 in every band |
| Duolingo minimum | 105 overall and 105 in every sub-score |
| Applications opened | 1 September 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | 30 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Later university-application evidence deadline | 29 January 2027 |
| Interviews | March 2027 |
| Final selection | May 2027 |
| Results | Beginning of June 2027 |
The Foundation confirms these eligibility rules, application dates, interview schedule and final-selection timetable for the current competition.
What Is the Saïd Foundation Scholarship?
The Saïd Foundation Scholarship supports talented students and professionals who are expected to use their postgraduate education to contribute to positive development in the Middle East.
The Foundation has offered educational scholarships and training opportunities since 1984 and focuses its main postgraduate scholarship programme on candidates from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. It describes the programme as being aimed at outstanding people with leadership potential who can become drivers of positive change in their countries and communities.
The Foundation reports that it has supported hundreds of postgraduate scholars at leading UK universities over the history of the programme.
Unlike scholarships selected only on grades, the Saïd Foundation considers academic strength together with leadership, community engagement, career plans, the value of the selected subject to the applicant’s country, and the applicant’s realistic ability to use the knowledge gained in the UK after returning to the region.
How Many Saïd Foundation Scholarships Are Available?
The Foundation states that it normally awards approximately:
20–30 new scholarships each year.
There is not a published fixed quota for each of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine on the current general scholarship page.
Applicants should therefore view the programme as a competitive regional scholarship rather than assume that a predetermined number of awards is reserved for each nationality.
Saïd Foundation Scholarship Benefits
The standard Saïd Foundation Scholarship is described by the Foundation as fully funded.
Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers the recipient’s tuition fees for the approved Master’s degree.
Applicants should note that separate funding arrangements operate for students selected for Oxford, Cambridge or the joint Saïd Foundation/Chevening route.
Full Living and Maintenance Costs
The Foundation provides full maintenance/living costs for the duration of the approved course.
The Foundation does not present the scholarship as one universal fixed cash stipend in its current general FAQ. The exact funding arrangement can therefore depend on the scholar’s award circumstances.
Arrival Allowance
Successful Scholars receive an arrival allowance to assist with costs associated with starting their studies in the UK.
Visa Fee
The standard scholarship includes the relevant visa fee.
Healthcare Surcharge
The scholarship also covers the applicable healthcare surcharge fee associated with the student’s UK immigration arrangements.
Economy Return Flight
The standard package includes:
one economy return flight.
What Does the Scholarship Not Cover?
The Foundation does not provide financial support for a Scholar’s spouse or children and advises recipients to travel to the UK unaccompanied.
Applicants planning to move with family members should therefore calculate family visa, accommodation, travel and living costs independently.
Students comparing the Saïd Foundation package with other UK awards can also read Scholarships Central’s Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 guide.
Saïd Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must hold one of the following nationalities:
- Syrian
- Jordanian
- Lebanese
- Palestinian
The Foundation also accepts dual nationals, provided the applicant holds Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality and uploads the relevant passport or national ID demonstrating that nationality.
Residency Requirements
As a general rule, applicants should be permanently resident in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or Palestine.
There are several important exceptions and clarifications.
Applicants temporarily living outside their home country for study or work can still apply if they are normally resident in one of the Foundation’s target countries.
The Foundation says it is more flexible with Syrian applicants because of current circumstances in Syria.
Palestinians living in Israel may apply, and Palestinian candidates who were normally resident in Gaza but have been displaced to other countries since 2023 are also eligible to apply.
These rules are important because eligibility depends on more than simply holding one of the four nationalities.
Can Dual Nationals Apply?
Yes.
An applicant may hold another nationality in addition to Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality.
However, the application must include a passport or national ID proving nationality from one of the Foundation’s four target countries.
Academic Requirement
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a:
UK Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1).
The Foundation provides country-specific guidance to help candidates understand what this may mean in different education systems.
Saïd Foundation GPA Requirements by Country
The following figures are Foundation guidance rather than guaranteed conversion rules:
| Country | Approximate UK 2:1 Comparison |
|---|---|
| Jordan | 75–91%, or GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 |
| Lebanon | 80–89% |
| Palestine | 80–89% / Very Good |
| Syria – private universities | Generally 80–89% / Very Good |
| Syria – state universities | Generally 70–79% / Very Good |
The Foundation explicitly warns that exact comparisons between education systems are difficult and says a lower-ranking degree may be accepted in some cases. Applicants must also independently satisfy the entry requirements of their chosen UK university.
Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?
Yes.
Applicants who are still completing their undergraduate degree may apply if they are in their final year.
They should upload all academic transcripts available at the time of application.
Is Work Experience Required?
Yes, but the rule is more flexible than many scholarship articles suggest.
Applicants must have work and/or voluntary experience relevant to their proposed field of study. However, the Foundation does not specify a minimum number of months, years or hours of experience.
The key issue is relevance.
Applicants should be able to show that their experience connects logically with their chosen Master’s degree and longer-term career plan.
Leadership Potential
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field or sector.
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior job title.
Evidence can come from professional responsibilities, community projects, voluntary work, initiatives, organisational roles or other examples showing the applicant’s ability to influence, organise or create positive change.
Is There an Age Limit?
No.
The Foundation explicitly states that there is no age limit for applicants.
Eligible Degrees
The main Saïd Foundation Scholarship supports:
one-year Master’s degree courses in the United Kingdom.
Are All Academic Subjects Eligible?
There is no general subject restriction.
However, the applicant must explain why the selected subject is relevant and how it will help them contribute to the development of their home country or region.
Therefore, “all subjects” does not mean course choice is irrelevant.
The course must fit the applicant’s previous experience, career trajectory and intended impact.
Are Two-Year Master’s Degrees Eligible?
No.
The Foundation explicitly says it does not accept applications for two-year Master’s programmes in the UK under the standard scholarship route.
Are PhD Programmes Eligible?
No.
The main Saïd Foundation Scholarship programme does not fund PhD study.
Are Undergraduate Degrees Eligible?
No.
Undergraduate study is not supported through this main UK postgraduate scholarship scheme.
Can You Study Outside the UK?
No.
The standard scholarship is for approved Master’s study at universities in the United Kingdom.
Can Distance-Learning Master’s Students Apply?
Only in exceptional circumstances.
The Foundation may consider a distance-learning Master’s degree from a UK university if the applicant provides a detailed explanation showing why they cannot travel to the UK.
Distance-learning programmes lasting more than two years will not be considered.
Saïd Foundation Partner Universities
Applicants are expected to apply to one or more Saïd Foundation partner universities.
The current official partner list includes institutions such as:
University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University for the Creative Arts, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, Goldsmiths University of London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University College London, University of Leeds, University of Leicester, London School of Economics, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, Royal College of Art, Royal Holloway University of London, SOAS University of London, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, University of Warwick and University of York.
Because partnerships can change, applicants should verify the current list directly before choosing courses.
View the official Saïd Foundation partner-university list
Can You Apply to a Non-Partner University?
Potentially, but only in a limited situation.
The Foundation will consider study at a non-partner university only when the proposed course is not offered by one of its partner institutions.
Applicants taking this route must provide a strong justification in the scholarship application. An unexplained non-partner choice may prevent the application from being considered.
The safer strategy is therefore to search the Foundation’s partner universities first.
Saïd Foundation English Language Requirements
Applicants must already meet the Foundation’s minimum English-language requirement when they submit the scholarship application.
This is a strict eligibility condition.
IELTS Academic Requirement
The minimum is:
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in every band.
Duolingo English Test Requirement
The minimum is:
105 overall and 105 in every sub-score.
TOEFL iBT Requirement
For TOEFL iBT tests taken before 21 January 2026, the minimum is:
- 80 overall
- 20 in every section
For tests taken from 21 January 2026, the Foundation states:
- 4.5 overall
- 4.0 in every section
Applicants using TOEFL should carefully check the current test scoring format and the Foundation’s live guidance before submitting.
Does an English-Medium Degree Exempt You From the Test?
No general exemption is provided simply because a previous degree was taught in English.
The Foundation’s current guidance requires applicants to provide a valid accepted English-language test result when they apply. The certificate cannot normally be added later.
Therefore, this scholarship should not be advertised as a “without IELTS or English test” scholarship.
IELTS itself is not the only accepted test, but valid evidence through an accepted route is mandatory.
English Test Validity for 2027/28
Only English-language certificates dated after 1 September 2025 will be accepted for the 2027/28 scholarship round.
Applicants with older results need to retake an accepted test.
Screenshots Are Not Accepted
The Foundation requires a copy of the actual English-language test certificate.
Screenshots of test results are not accepted.
University English Requirements May Be Higher
Meeting the Foundation’s minimum English requirement does not necessarily satisfy the selected university.
A partner university may require:
- a higher overall IELTS score;
- higher individual band scores;
- a different TOEFL threshold;
- a specific accepted test.
Applicants must satisfy both the Saïd Foundation requirement and the university’s own English requirement.
Required Documents for Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28
The Foundation publishes a specific document checklist.
Applicants need to submit:
- High-school marks/certificate.
- University transcripts and graduation certificate; final-year applicants submit transcripts available to date.
- Current passport or national ID.
- Accepted English-language test certificate.
- UK university offer letter(s) or evidence that the applicant has applied.
- Three valid reference letters.
- An up-to-date CV of no more than two pages, with no photograph.
This is important because generic scholarship checklists often omit the high-school certificate, three-reference rule or two-page/no-photo CV requirement.
Which Documents Can Be Added Later?
Almost all eligibility documents must be available when the application is submitted.
The main exception is:
- later university offers; or
- evidence of applying to courses whose application systems were not open before the scholarship deadline.
These later documents must be uploaded by:
29 January 2027.
Missing English certificates and missing references cannot simply be added after the scholarship deadline.
Three Reference Letters Are Mandatory
References are one of the most important parts of the Saïd Foundation application.
Candidates need:
three different reference letters from three different referees.
The preferred combination is:
- one academic reference;
- one professional reference;
- one voluntary/community reference.
If a professional referee is genuinely unavailable, the Foundation may accept a second academic or voluntary reference. However, three different reference letters are still required.
Academic Reference
The academic referee should be an academic who has taught the applicant and can comment meaningfully on academic ability and capacity to complete demanding postgraduate study.
A detailed academic reference is stronger than a generic confirmation that the applicant attended a university.
Professional Reference
The professional referee should ideally be a current or recent employer who can discuss relevant professional experience, ability, potential and leadership.
Voluntary Reference
The voluntary referee should be able to discuss the applicant’s community, charitable or extracurricular activities and the impact of that involvement.
Reference Letter Format
The Foundation’s referee guidance says references should be:
- written in English;
- signed;
- ideally on official headed paper;
- accompanied by the referee’s telephone number and email;
- written specifically for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship.
Generic references prepared for another scholarship or university should not be used as substitutes for a proper Saïd Foundation reference.
Can References Be Submitted After the Deadline?
No.
The applicant—not the Foundation—is responsible for collecting and uploading all three letters before submitting the scholarship application.
The Foundation will not collect references from referees and will not accept missing references after submission or after the deadline.
This is one of the most important application rules to remember.
Do You Need a UK University Offer Before Applying?
No.
Applicants do not need to already hold a university offer by 30 October 2026.
However, if applications for the selected Master’s degree are already open, the Foundation expects the applicant to have applied and provide evidence, such as an application ID.
If the selected course is not yet open, applicants may state that the course is not currently open for applications and provide proof of their university application later.
That evidence must reach the Foundation by:
29 January 2027.
Does the Saïd Foundation Pay University Application Fees?
No.
The Foundation states that it cannot pay UK university application fees or request fee waivers on behalf of scholarship applicants.
Applicants who cannot afford a university application fee should contact the university directly to ask whether any institutional assistance or waiver route is available.
How to Apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28
Step 1: Confirm Nationality and Residency Eligibility
Make sure you satisfy the nationality and residency rules before preparing the application.
Step 2: Check Your Academic Qualification
Confirm that your Bachelor’s degree is broadly comparable to a UK 2:1 or that you are currently completing the final year of your undergraduate degree.
Step 3: Choose a Relevant One-Year Master’s Degree
Search the Foundation’s partner universities and select a one-year Master’s degree that clearly relates to your academic background, professional experience and future career plans.
Step 4: Apply to the UK University
If the Master’s programme is already accepting applications, submit the university application and retain evidence of submission.
Remember that the scholarship application and university admission application are separate processes.
Step 5: Complete the English Test Before Applying
Obtain a valid IELTS Academic, Duolingo or TOEFL result that satisfies the Foundation’s threshold and falls within the accepted certificate period.
Step 6: Collect Three References
Request your academic, professional and voluntary references early.
Do not wait until October 30 because applications without three valid uploaded reference letters will not be considered.
Step 7: Prepare All Required Documents
Check the high-school certificate, university records, ID, English certificate, university evidence, references and two-page photo-free CV before starting final submission.
Step 8: Complete the Online Scholarship Application
Submit the application through the Foundation’s official online system.
Apply through the official Saïd Foundation application page
Step 9: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications close at:
5:00 p.m. UK time on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Applicants should avoid leaving submission until the final hours.
Saïd Foundation Selection Criteria
Scholarships are awarded on merit.
The Foundation states that decisions consider:
- academic excellence;
- usefulness of the proposed subject to the applicant’s home country;
- leadership potential;
- commitment to serving the community;
- future career goals;
- practical ability to use the knowledge gained in the UK after returning to the Middle East.
A strong application should therefore connect four elements clearly:
past experience → selected Master’s course → future career → measurable contribution to the home country or region.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A competitive application should avoid generic claims.
Instead of simply writing that you are passionate about leadership or want to help your country, demonstrate:
a real problem → what you have already done → what skills you still need → why the selected Master’s provides those skills → what you will do after returning.
This approach directly reflects the Foundation’s published emphasis on leadership, community service, career planning and practical post-study impact.
Your course selection should also make sense. A highly ranked UK programme is not enough by itself; you need to explain why that specific degree is useful to your future contribution.
Return and Development Commitment
The Saïd Foundation places considerable emphasis on post-study impact.
Successful Scholars must sign a binding undertaking to use the knowledge and skills gained through their scholarship to work toward the development of the Foundation’s target countries after completing their studies.
Applicants should therefore have a credible career pathway connected to Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine or the wider region.
Priority for Applicants Without Previous International Study
Applicants who previously studied outside their home country are still eligible.
However, the Foundation says priority is given to candidates who have not previously had the opportunity to study outside their home country.
Previous international education therefore does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but it can be relevant to prioritisation.
Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 Timeline
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 September 2026, 9:00 a.m. UK time |
| Scholarship deadline | 30 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Eligibility checks and assessment | Early November 2026–end of January 2027 |
| Ineligible applicants informed | December 2026 |
| Course-application evidence deadline | 29 January 2027 |
| Interview shortlisting | By March 2027 |
| Interviews | March 2027 |
| Trustees make final selections | May 2027 |
| Final results | Beginning of June 2027 |
The Foundation says eligible applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and external experts before interview shortlisting. Final selections are made by its Board of Trustees.
Saïd Foundation Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in:
March 2027.
Candidates should be prepared to explain:
- why they selected their proposed Master’s programme;
- how their previous education and experience prepared them;
- evidence of leadership;
- community involvement;
- future career plans;
- how the degree will create practical value after their return.
These areas align directly with the Foundation’s published selection criteria.
When Will Results Be Announced?
The Board of Trustees is expected to make final selections in May 2027, with shortlisted candidates informed of their outcome by the beginning of June 2027.
The Foundation does not normally provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants because of application volume.
Saïd Foundation and Chevening Partnership
The Saïd Foundation also partners with Chevening to jointly support up to:
12 Scholars each year.
Applicants who want to be considered for a joint Saïd Foundation/Chevening Scholarship must:
- meet the requirements of both programmes;
- submit a Saïd Foundation application; and
- apply separately to Chevening before the Chevening deadline.
For joint Scholars, the Saïd Foundation pays the tuition fees while Chevening funds allowances and flights.
For the separate Chevening application rules, see Scholarships Central’s complete Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 guide.
Can You Bring Your Family?
You may have personal family arrangements, but the Saïd Foundation does not provide funding for spouses or children.
The Foundation advises Scholars to travel to the UK unaccompanied.
Applicants considering family accompaniment should independently check UK immigration rules and calculate all dependant costs before accepting an award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 open?
Yes. Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
Is the Saïd Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Foundation describes its standard scholarship as fully funded and covers tuition, full maintenance/living costs, an arrival allowance, visa and healthcare surcharge fees, and one economy return flight.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Approximately 20–30 new scholarships annually.
Which countries are eligible?
The main target nationalities are Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine, subject to the Foundation’s residency requirements and exceptions.
Can Pakistani or Indian students apply?
Not through the standard Saïd Foundation Scholarship solely on Pakistani or Indian nationality. Applicants need Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality under the published criteria.
Is there an age limit?
No.
Is work experience compulsory?
Some relevant work and/or voluntary experience is required, but the Foundation does not require a specific minimum number of years or hours.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students can apply and should upload their available transcripts.
Is IELTS mandatory?
IELTS specifically is not the only accepted test. The Foundation also accepts eligible Duolingo and TOEFL results, but a valid accepted English-language test certificate must be provided with the application.
What IELTS score is required?
At least 6.0 overall with 6.0 in every band.
Can I apply without an English test and provide it later?
No. The English certificate must be included when the scholarship application is submitted.
Does an English-medium Bachelor’s degree waive the test?
The Foundation’s current rules still require valid evidence meeting its English-language requirement; an English-medium degree by itself is not presented as a blanket exemption.
Do I need a university offer before applying?
No. However, if the selected course is already open, you should normally have applied and provide evidence.
How many references are required?
Exactly three different reference letters must be uploaded before submission.
Can I submit references after October 30?
No. Late references are not accepted.
Can I apply for a two-year Master’s degree?
No, not through the standard UK Master’s scholarship programme.
Can I apply for a PhD?
No. The main Saïd Foundation Scholarship supports one-year UK Master’s degrees rather than PhDs.
Can I apply to a non-partner university?
Only if the proposed course is not available at a partner university, and you must provide a convincing justification.
Can I bring my spouse or children?
The Foundation does not cover their costs and advises Scholars to travel unaccompanied.
When are interviews held?
Interviews take place in March 2027.
When are final results announced?
By the beginning of June 2027.
Official Saïd Foundation Scholarship Links
Applicants should use the Foundation’s own pages for final verification.
Official Saïd Foundation 2027/28 application page
Official scholarship benefits and selection criteria
Official 2027/28 application timetable
Official English-language requirements
Official required-documents checklist
Official partner-university list
Related Scholarships on Scholarships Central
Applicants considering other fully funded Master’s opportunities should also explore:
Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 Complete Guide
Master’s Scholarships directory
Fully Funded Scholarships directory
Fully Funded Scholarships Still Open
Final Thoughts
The Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 is a particularly valuable opportunity for eligible Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian applicants because it combines full tuition with living support, visa and healthcare costs, an arrival allowance and an economy return flight.
However, the application is stricter than the simple “fully funded Master’s” headline suggests. Candidates need an appropriate one-year UK Master’s course, relevant work or voluntary experience, a valid English-language test, three references submitted before the scholarship application, all required documentation, and a convincing plan for using their UK education to contribute to their country or region.
The most important deadline is 30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. Applicants whose university courses are not yet open can provide qualifying university-application evidence later, but that separate deadline is 29 January 2027. Missing references or English-test evidence cannot simply be postponed to January.