UK Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships

 UK Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships

The Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–28 offer fully funded opportunities for eligible students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine to pursue one-year Master’s degrees at universities in the United Kingdom.

For the 2027/28 intake, applications opened on 1 September 2026 and the scholarship deadline is 5:00 p.m. UK time on Friday, 30 October 2026. The Foundation expects to award approximately 20–30 new scholarships.

This is a highly competitive scholarship aimed at academically strong candidates who can demonstrate leadership potential, relevant work or voluntary experience, clear career goals and a credible commitment to contributing to the development of their home country or region.

Important: This scholarship is not open to applicants from all countries. Eligibility is specifically focused on candidates holding Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality and meeting the Foundation's residence and academic requirements.

Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027–28 at a Glance

Scholarship detail	Information
Scholarship	Saïd Foundation Scholarship
Study destination	United Kingdom
Degree level	One-year Master’s
Funding	Fully funded
Eligible nationalities	Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine
Subjects	No general subject restrictions
Application opens	1 September 2026
Application deadline	30 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
University application evidence deadline	29 January 2027, where applicable
Interviews	March 2027
Final selection	May 2027
Successful candidates notified	Beginning of June 2027
Expected awards	Approximately 20–30 new scholarships

The Foundation's official timetable confirms these dates for the 2027/28 cycle.

What Is the Saïd Foundation Scholarship?

The Saïd Foundation has provided educational scholarships and training opportunities since 1984. Its scholarship programme is designed to support talented people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine and encourage development in the region.

For the 2027/28 cycle, the Foundation primarily supports one-year Master's degree programmes in the UK.

The scholarship is not simply based on academic grades. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate how their proposed studies connect with their professional goals and how the knowledge and skills gained in the UK could contribute to their home country or region.

That makes the scholarship particularly relevant for applicants who can present a convincing connection between:

Academic preparation → chosen Master's programme → career plans → contribution to home country or region.

What Does the Saïd Foundation Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides funding for major costs associated with studying in the UK.

According to the Foundation, funding includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Full maintenance and living costs for the duration of the eligible Master's course
• Arrival allowance
• UK visa costs
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• One economy-class return flight

The Foundation states that a separate funding arrangement applies to scholars selected to study at the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge, as well as Saïd/Chevening joint scholars.

Does the scholarship cover family members?

No.

The Foundation does not provide financial support for accompanying spouses or children and advises scholars to travel to the UK unaccompanied.

Who Can Apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship?

Applicants generally need to satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Nationality

You must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese or Palestinian nationality.

2. Residence

Applicants should normally be permanently resident in one of the Foundation's target countries.

The Foundation has additional flexibility for Syrian applicants because of circumstances in Syria. Palestinians normally resident in Gaza who have been displaced to other countries since 2023 may also be eligible.

Dual nationals may apply if they hold one of the eligible nationalities.

3. Academic qualification

You should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK 2:1.

Students currently in the final year of their undergraduate degree can also apply, provided they meet the other requirements.

4. Relevant experience

Applicants must have some work and/or voluntary experience relevant to their proposed field of study.

There is no minimum number of years or hours of work or voluntary experience required.

5. Leadership potential

The Foundation looks for applicants who can demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field or sector.

6. Clear career direction

You should have a clear career path after completing your Master's degree and be able to explain how the programme fits into that plan.

7. Eligible UK Master's programme

You must have applied for an eligible Master's course at a Saïd Foundation partner university, unless there is a legitimate reason for selecting a non-partner university.

8. English-language requirement

You must meet the Foundation's English-language requirement and also satisfy the requirements of your selected UK university.

English Language Requirements

For the 2027/28 scholarship cycle, the Foundation accepts the following minimum scores:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in each band
• Duolingo English Test: 105 overall and 105 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: minimum 80 overall and 20 in each band for tests taken before 21 January 2026
• TOEFL iBT: minimum 4.5 overall and 4.0 in each band for tests taken from 21 January 2026 under the Foundation's current scale

English-language certificates must be dated after 1 September 2025 for the 2027/28 scholarship.

A crucial point for applicants: you must submit your English-language certificate with your scholarship application. It cannot simply be added later.

Your chosen university may also require a higher English-language score.

What Subjects Can You Study?

There are no general restrictions on academic subjects under the Saïd Foundation scholarship programme.

However, applicants must explain why their chosen field is relevant and important to the development of their home country or region.

Possible areas include:

• Business and Management
• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Public Health
• International Development
• International Relations
• Law
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• Agriculture
• Technology
• Public Policy
• Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Urban Planning
• Transport and City Planning
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Refugee and Migration Studies
• Media and Communications
• Political Science
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Languages and Linguistics

This is an illustrative range rather than a fixed list published by the Foundation.

Which UK Universities Are Eligible?

Applicants should apply to one or more of the Foundation's partner universities.

The supplied 2027/28 scholarship information lists universities including:

• 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 and Political Science
• 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
• University of York

The Foundation's current partner information confirms that candidates should apply to its UK partner universities. A non-partner university may only be considered when the proposed course is not available at a partner institution, and the applicant must provide a strong justification.

Do You Need a University Offer Before Applying?

No.

You do not need to have received a university offer before submitting the Saïd Foundation scholarship application.

However, if applications for your selected university course are already open, you should apply and provide evidence of that application.

If your chosen course does not open for applications until after the scholarship deadline, you can still submit the Foundation application. You should indicate that the course is not currently open and then apply when applications open.

Evidence of your application to your first-choice course must be provided by 29 January 2027 in the applicable circumstances.

Required Documents

Prepare your documents early. The Foundation states that the required documents must generally be submitted with the scholarship application.

You should prepare:

• High school marks or certificate
• University transcripts
• University graduation certificate
• Current transcripts if you are still completing your undergraduate degree
• Current passport or national ID card
• English-language test certificate
• Master's offer letter, if already available
• Evidence that you have applied to your selected Master's course
• Three reference letters
• Updated CV of no more than two pages
• Other personal and academic information requested by the online application form

The Foundation specifically confirms that applications without the required three references will not be considered.

The Three Reference Letters

Your references should normally include:

1. One academic reference
2. One reference from a current or recent employer
3. One reference related to voluntary activities

References must be uploaded before submitting the application. Late references are not accepted.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check your nationality, residence, academic qualification, relevant experience, English-language result and leadership profile.

Step 2: Research Master's courses

Identify suitable one-year Master's programmes beginning in autumn 2027.

Prioritise courses offered by Saïd Foundation partner universities.

Step 3: Apply to the university

Submit applications to your selected UK university or universities according to their individual admission deadlines.

Do not wait unnecessarily for the scholarship deadline because university application deadlines vary.

Step 4: Prepare your scholarship documents

Collect your transcripts, certificates, identification document, English test certificate, CV and other required materials.

Step 5: Secure three references

Contact your referees early. Do not leave references until the final days before the scholarship deadline.

Step 6: Complete the Saïd Foundation application

The Foundation allows candidates to provide details of up to three proposed postgraduate courses in order of preference.

Step 7: Upload all required documents

Check every section before submission, particularly your references and English-language certificate.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline

The 2027/28 scholarship deadline is:

30 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

Step 9: Complete any outstanding university applications

If your chosen course was not yet open when you submitted the scholarship application, apply when it opens and provide the required evidence by 29 January 2027.

Step 10: Prepare for the interview

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in March 2027.

Important Dates for the 2027/28 Scholarship

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 and assessment	Early November 2026 – end January 2027
Evidence of university application	29 January 2027
Interviews	March 2027
Final selection	May 2027
Successful candidates notified	Beginning of June 2027

These dates are confirmed by the Foundation's current timetable.

How Are Applicants Selected?

The Saïd Foundation evaluates applications competitively.

Important factors include:

• Academic excellence
• Relevance of the proposed subject to the applicant's home country
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to serving the community
• Future career goals
• Ability to use knowledge gained in the UK after returning to the region
• Overall quality and feasibility of the proposed study plan

The Foundation uses its staff and external experts during assessment, while its Board of Trustees makes the final selection.

How to Make Your Application Stronger

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically make an application competitive.

A stronger application should tell a coherent story.

Connect your Master's degree to a real problem

Do not simply explain that you want an internationally respected degree.

Explain what problem you want to solve, why your proposed programme gives you the right skills and how those skills can be applied after graduation.

Show evidence of leadership

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior job title.

Community projects, professional initiatives, volunteering, entrepreneurship, student leadership and other measurable contributions can help demonstrate leadership potential.

Make your career plan specific

Avoid vague statements such as "I want to help my country."

Instead, explain the professional area you intend to work in, the problem you want to address and how the proposed degree supports that plan.

Choose your course strategically

The best course is not necessarily the university with the biggest international reputation.

Choose a programme that genuinely fits your academic background, professional experience and long-term contribution goals.

Official Application and Verification Links

Applicants should verify all requirements directly with the Saïd Foundation before submitting an application.

• Official Saïd Foundation Scholarship Application
• Saïd Foundation Eligibility Criteria
• Required Documents
• English Language Requirements
• Scholarship Timetable
• Official Scholarship FAQs
• Saïd Foundation Partner Universities

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027–28?

They are fully funded scholarships for eligible candidates from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine to pursue eligible one-year Master's degrees in the UK.

Who can apply?

Applicants must generally hold eligible nationality, meet the residence requirement, have a 2:1-equivalent undergraduate degree or be in their final year, have relevant work or voluntary experience, demonstrate leadership potential and satisfy the Foundation's other requirements.

Can applicants from other countries apply?

The programme is specifically targeted at candidates from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. Applicants must hold one of these nationalities and satisfy the Foundation's residence requirements.

Are there restrictions on academic subjects?

No general subject restrictions apply. However, applicants must explain the relevance of their chosen subject to their home country or region.

How many scholarships are offered?

The Foundation states that it offers approximately 20–30 new scholarships annually.

Do I need a university offer before applying?

No. You can apply for the scholarship before receiving a university offer, although you should apply to the university course if applications are already open.

Can I apply to a non-partner university?

Yes, but only where the proposed course is not available at a Foundation partner university. You must provide a strong justification.

Is work experience required?

Some relevant work and/or voluntary experience is required, but there is no minimum number of years or hours.

Is there an age limit?

No. The Foundation does not impose an age limit.

Can I apply for a PhD?

No. The Foundation's current scholarship programme supports eligible one-year Master's studies and does not consider PhD applications.

Can I apply for a two-year Master's degree?

Generally, no. The Foundation does not accept applications for two-year Master's programmes in the UK.

Final Advice for Applicants

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027–28 is a highly competitive opportunity, so eligible applicants should not treat the deadline as the starting point of their preparation.

Start with the fundamentals: confirm eligibility, select a realistic Master's programme, apply to the university, secure your three references, obtain the required English-language certificate and build a convincing career-and-impact narrative.

Most importantly, do not submit an incomplete application. The Foundation specifically requires key documents and references at the time of application, and late references cannot be accepted.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is straightforward: research your course, prepare your documents and submit the official Saïd Foundation application before 5:00 p.m. UK time on 30 October 2026.

CareerLift Global will continue to track major international scholarships, graduate opportunities and career programmes for students and professionals worldwide.

 

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