Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026 in the UK | Fully Funded

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026/27 is a distinguished opportunity for talented students from the Middle East (especially Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine) to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom, fully funded. With a legacy of supporting regional development and leadership, this scholarship enables recipients to access world-class education while committing to making positive contributions in their home countries.

Below is everything you need to know: eligibility, benefits, timeline, application process, partner universities, and tips to increase your chances of success.

About the Saïd Foundation Scholarships

• The Saïd Foundation (founded by Wafic Saïd) has funded education and training since 1984.

• Its scholarship programme specifically supports one-year master’s programs in the UK (i.e., postgraduate, taught courses).

• There are no restrictions on academic discipline, but applicants must clearly explain how their chosen course will contribute to development in their home country.

• The scholarship is available to nationals of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine, residing in those countries (with some flexibility for Syrians abroad).

Key Dates & Timeline (2025–2026)

What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)

A Saïd Foundation scholarship is fully funded and typically includes:

• Full tuition fee waiver at a partner UK university.

• Living / maintenance allowance to cover accommodation, food, and general expenses.

• Arrival allowance (one-time) for establishing in the UK.

• Visa & immigration health surcharge fees covered.

• Return economy airfare from home country to UK and back.

• In some cases, healthcare / insurance support as part of the package.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply successfully, you generally must satisfy the following:

1. Nationality & Residence

   • Must hold Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, or Palestinian nationality.

   • Must reside in one of those countries. The Foundation may consider Syrians living elsewhere due to conflict.

2. Academic Qualification

   • Bachelor’s degree (or in final year) equivalent to UK upper second-class (2:1) or better.

3. English Language Proficiency

   • Meet the English requirements of your chosen UK university and the Foundation’s expectations (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL).

4. Work / Voluntary Experience

   • Relevant professional or voluntary experience is expected, showing leadership initiative.

5. Clear Career Plan & Commitment to Home Region

   • You must demonstrate how your study will help contribute positively to your home country/region upon return.

6. Course & University Eligibility

   • Must apply to a partner UK university (though non-partner applications may be accepted if your course is not offered by a partner, but you must justify your choice).

   • Associated with taught master’s courses of one year (some two-year courses may be considered only in exceptional cases).

7. Exclusions

   • Undergraduate and PhD programs are not eligible.

Eligible Universities & Partner Institutions

Several UK universities partner with the Saïd Foundation to host scholars. Some highlighted ones:

• Goldsmiths, University of London — offers fully-funded scholarships under this scheme.

• University of Leicester — offers the scholarship for taught master’s from September 2026.

• King’s College London — participates, covering tuition fees and other costs.

• Imperial College London — offers the scholarship with a cost-sharing structure (Foundation + university) covering tuition, maintenance, visa, etc.

• University of Nottingham — also a partner university under this scholarship scheme.

If your desired university is not listed, you can still apply, but you must clearly explain why you chose a non-partner institution in your application.

Application Process & Steps

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Apply to UK Master’s Program(s)

   • Before or concurrently with your scholarship application, you must have applied (or be applying) to at least one eligible master’s program at a partner (or justified non-partner) UK university.

2. Register & Fill Saïd Foundation Application

   • When applications open (1 August 2025 at 9:00 AM UK time) through the Saïd Foundation portal.

3. Upload Required Documents
   These typically include:

   • Academic transcripts & certificates

   • Proof of English language scores

   • Curriculum Vita (CV)

   • Personal statement / study plan

   • Two or three references (academic / professional)

   • Copy of passport or national ID

   • Evidence of having applied to your preferred UK university course(s)

4. Eligibility Check & Assessment

   • Applications are initially screened for eligibility. Those meeting criteria move forward to assessment.

5. Interviews

   • Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in March 2026.

6. Final Selection & Offers

   • Trustees and external assessors make final decisions by early June 2026.

7. Notification & Acceptance

   • Successful applicants will receive full scholarship offers and instructions for next steps (visa, relocation, registration).

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Craft a clear and compelling personal statement linking your course choice to home country impact.

• Acquire strong, specific reference letters (academic & professional) that speak to leadership, character, and potential.

• Demonstrate voluntary or community involvement — the Foundation values evidence of service.

• Ensure English test results are valid and meet thresholds early.

• Apply early and avoid last-minute technical errors.

• If applying to non-partner universities, provide a strong justification in your application.

• Be ready for the interview — prepare to speak clearly about your plans, motivation, and how you will apply your learning back home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Syrians living abroad apply?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances the Foundation considers Syrians regardless of their current country of residence.

Q: Does the scholarship support PhD studies?
A: No. The Saïd Foundation supports only master’s level postgraduate studies.

Q: How many scholarships are awarded per year?
A: Typically around 20-30 scholarships are awarded annually.

Q: Is work experience mandatory?
A: While many successful candidates have relevant work or voluntary experience, exceptional academic candidates without extensive experience may still be considered.

Q: Can I bring dependents (family) under the scholarship?
A: The scholarship covers only the scholar; support for dependents is typically not included.