Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28: Apply for a Prestigious Master’s Study Opportunity in the UK

Applications are now open for the Saïd Foundation Scholarships 2027/28, offering an exceptional opportunity for talented students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue postgraduate studies at leading universities in the United Kingdom.

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship Programme supports ambitious individuals who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, professional or voluntary experience, and a clear commitment to contributing positively to their home countries and regions after completing their studies.

For the 2027/28 academic year, eligible candidates can apply for master’s degree programmes beginning in autumn 2027. The scholarship programme is designed to identify individuals with the potential to become future leaders and change-makers in their respective fields.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all eligibility requirements, English language requirements, reference guidelines, and document requirements before beginning their applications.

The application deadline is 5:00 PM UK time on Friday, 30 October 2026.

About the Saïd Foundation Scholarship Programme

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship Programme provides opportunities for outstanding students from selected countries in the Middle East to access high-quality postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.

The programme focuses not only on academic achievement but also on the applicant’s wider potential. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate a combination of academic excellence, leadership qualities, relevant professional or voluntary experience, and a clear vision for their future careers.

A particularly important aspect of the scholarship programme is the Foundation’s interest in applicants who intend to use their education, knowledge, skills, and professional experience to contribute to their communities, countries, and regions.

Candidates should therefore demonstrate how their proposed master’s degree relates to their previous experience and future career ambitions.

The Saïd Foundation looks for individuals who can show:

• Strong academic ability.
• Leadership potential.
• A commitment to their chosen professional field.
• Relevant work and/or voluntary experience.
• A clear career pathway.
• The potential to create positive change.
• A strong connection between their proposed studies and future goals.
• A commitment to returning to and contributing to their home country or region.

The scholarship is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Why Apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28?

Studying for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom can provide students with access to internationally recognised universities, advanced academic resources, professional networks, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship offers eligible students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education while developing the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their chosen sectors.

Applicants should view the scholarship as more than simply an academic opportunity. The selection process places significant emphasis on the applicant’s future potential and ability to use their education to make a meaningful contribution.

Candidates who can clearly connect their academic background, work or voluntary experience, proposed master’s programme, and long-term career ambitions are likely to present a stronger and more coherent application.

Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Saïd Foundation Scholarship, candidates must meet all the required eligibility criteria.

Applicants should carefully assess their eligibility before investing time in completing the online application.

1. Nationality and Residency Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following nationalities:

• Syrian.
• Jordanian.
• Lebanese.
• Palestinian.

Candidates are generally expected to permanently reside in one of the eligible countries.

However, the Foundation recognises the exceptional circumstances affecting Syria. As a result, Syrians residing outside Syria may also be considered.

Applicants with dual nationality should ensure that they provide the appropriate documentation demonstrating their connection to an eligible nationality.

2. Academic Qualification Requirements

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) degree or higher.

Candidates who are currently in the final year of their undergraduate studies may also apply.

Final-year students should submit all academic transcripts available at the time of application.

Academic performance is an important consideration, but applicants should also demonstrate how their academic background has prepared them for their intended postgraduate programme.

3. Relevant Work or Voluntary Experience

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

The Foundation is interested in understanding how an applicant’s previous experiences relate to the master’s programme they intend to pursue.

Relevant experience may include:

• Professional employment.
• Internships.
• Research experience.
• Community engagement.
• Voluntary work.
• Civil society activities.
• Leadership initiatives.
• Extra-curricular projects.
• Professional training relevant to the chosen field.

Candidates should clearly explain the relevance of their experience and demonstrate how postgraduate education will help them progress toward their long-term career goals.

4. Clear Career Path and Future Plans

Applicants must demonstrate that they have a clear career path after completing their studies.

A strong application should explain:

• Why the applicant has chosen a particular master’s degree.
• How the programme relates to previous academic and professional experience.
• What skills and knowledge the applicant expects to gain.
• How the degree will contribute to future career ambitions.
• How the applicant intends to contribute to their home country or region after graduation.

The Foundation places importance on applicants who have a realistic and well-developed understanding of their future professional direction.

5. Leadership Potential

Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field or sector.

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior job title or managing a large organisation. Applicants may demonstrate leadership through a variety of experiences.

Examples may include:

• Leading community initiatives.
• Managing projects.
• Mentoring others.
• Taking responsibility in professional settings.
• Creating innovative solutions.
• Organising voluntary activities.
• Leading student organisations.
• Advocating for positive change.
• Developing initiatives that benefit communities.

Candidates should provide specific examples demonstrating their leadership experience and potential.

6. Application to an Eligible University Course

Candidates must apply for an eligible master’s programme at a Saïd Foundation partner university.

Applicants may apply to a non-partner university only if they have legitimate exceptional reasons for doing so.

Candidates should therefore research their proposed universities and programmes carefully before submitting their scholarship application.

The proposed course should be relevant to the applicant’s:

• Academic background.
• Professional experience.
• Career ambitions.
• Long-term goals.
• Intended contribution to their home country or region.

Applicants should be prepared to justify their choice of university and programme.

English Language Requirements for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship

English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship.

Applicants must meet the Foundation’s English language requirements and must also ensure that they meet the requirements of their chosen UK university.

Candidates should note that university requirements may be higher than the minimum requirements established by the Foundation.

It is therefore the applicant’s responsibility to check the specific English language requirements of each university and programme they intend to join.

IELTS Academic Requirement

Applicants may meet the Foundation’s English language requirement by achieving:

• An overall IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0.
• A minimum score of 6.0 in each individual band.

Applicants should ensure that their IELTS certificate remains valid and meets the Foundation’s date requirements.

Duolingo English Test Requirement

The Foundation also accepts the Duolingo English Test.

Applicants must achieve:

• A minimum overall score of 105.
• A minimum score of 105 in each required band.

Candidates should ensure that their chosen university also accepts the Duolingo English Test before relying on this qualification.

TOEFL iBT Requirements

The TOEFL iBT is also accepted, although the score requirements depend on when the test was taken.

For tests taken before 21 January 2026, applicants must achieve:

• A minimum overall score of 80.
• A minimum score of 20 in each band.

For tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards, applicants must achieve:

• A minimum overall score of 4.5.
• A minimum score of 4.0 in each band.

Applicants should carefully verify the applicable requirements and ensure they submit the correct official certificate.

Important Rules Regarding English Language Certificates

Only English language certificates dated after 1 September 2025 will be accepted.

If an applicant’s certificate was issued before this date, they will need to take another approved English language test in order to be considered for the scholarship.

Importantly, applicants must provide evidence that they meet the Foundation’s English language requirement at the time of application.

Candidates cannot submit their English language test results later.

This means that applicants who fail to upload a valid English language certificate meeting the Foundation’s requirements when submitting their application will not be considered.

Applicants must provide:

• An official copy of their English language test certificate.

The Foundation does not accept:

• Screenshots of test results.

Applicants should therefore arrange their English language testing well before the scholarship deadline to avoid last-minute complications.

Saïd Foundation Scholarship Reference Requirements

References form an important part of the Saïd Foundation Scholarship selection process.

Each candidate must submit three different reference letters from three different referees.

All references must be uploaded to the online application before the application is submitted.

The Foundation will not accept references submitted:

• After an application has been submitted.
• After the scholarship deadline has passed.

Candidates are personally responsible for obtaining their reference letters.

The Saïd Foundation does not collect references directly from referees on behalf of applicants.

Applicants who submit fewer than three different references will not be considered for the scholarship.

The Three Types of Required References

Applicants are expected to provide three different types of references:

1. Academic reference.
2. Professional reference.
3. Voluntary or extra-curricular reference.

Applicants should select referees carefully and provide them with sufficient information about their scholarship application.

Referees must know the applicant personally and professionally or academically.

Relatives and close personal friends should not be used as referees.

Academic Reference

The academic referee must be an academic who has taught the applicant.

The reference should provide detailed information about the applicant’s academic abilities.

Ideally, the academic referee should comment on:

• The applicant’s academic performance.
• Academic strengths.
• Intellectual ability.
• Research potential where relevant.
• Final position within the class, where possible.
• Capacity to undertake advanced academic work.
• Potential to successfully complete a demanding postgraduate programme in the United Kingdom.

For example, where possible, the referee may indicate the applicant’s ranking within a class, such as their position among a specific number of students.

Professional Reference

The professional referee may be:

• A current employer.
• A recent employer.

The professional reference should explain the applicant’s work experience and professional abilities.

The referee should ideally discuss:

• The applicant’s role and responsibilities.
• Professional achievements.
• Relevant experience.
• How the applicant’s experience relates to the proposed master’s programme.
• Leadership skills.
• Leadership potential.
• Capacity to contribute to positive change in their field.

Applicants without professional experience may submit an additional academic or voluntary reference instead.

Voluntary or Extra-Curricular Reference

The voluntary or extra-curricular referee should be someone who can comment on the applicant’s involvement in community service, voluntary activities, or other relevant initiatives.

The referee should discuss:

• The applicant’s role.
• The duration of their involvement.
• Their level of commitment.
• Responsibilities undertaken.
• Contributions made.
• Notable achievements.
• Evidence of leadership or initiative.

This reference provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment beyond academic and professional environments.

Guidance for Saïd Foundation Scholarship Referees

All reference letters must meet the Foundation’s requirements.

References should:

• Be written in English.
• Be signed by the referee.
• Be provided on official headed paper where possible.
• Include the referee’s telephone number.
• Include the referee’s email address.
• Clearly support the applicant’s Saïd Foundation Scholarship application.

References written for other purposes will not be accepted.

For example, applicants should not simply upload a generic employment recommendation or university reference that was prepared for an unrelated purpose.

The reference should specifically support the applicant’s scholarship application.

Applicants who progress to the interview stage should also be aware that the Saïd Foundation may contact referees to verify the information provided.

Candidates are encouraged to provide each referee with the Foundation’s official guidance for referees to ensure that the letters meet all requirements.

Required Documents for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28

Applicants must upload all required documentation as part of their online application.

Preparing these documents early is strongly recommended because incomplete applications may not be considered.

The following documents are required.

1. High School Certificate or Marks

Applicants must provide:

• A copy of their high school marks.
• Or a copy of their high school certificate.

Candidates should ensure that the document is clear and readable before uploading it.

2. University Transcripts and Graduation Certificate

Applicants must provide:

• University academic transcripts.
• Graduation certificate.

Candidates currently in the final year of their undergraduate programme should upload all transcripts they have received up to the date of application.

3. Passport or National Identification Document

Applicants must submit a copy of:

• Their current passport.

Alternatively, applicants may provide:

• A national identification card.

Candidates holding dual nationality should ensure that they submit documentation connected to their nationality from:

• Syria.
• Jordan.
• Lebanon.
• Palestine.

4. English Language Test Certificate

Applicants must provide an official copy of their English language test certificate.

The certificate must meet the Foundation’s minimum requirements and date requirements.

Applicants should remember that screenshots of test results are not accepted.

5. University Offer Letters or Evidence of Application

Applicants should provide:

• Offer letters from their chosen UK universities.

The offers should relate to a master’s degree programme beginning in autumn 2027.

Applicants who have not yet received an offer may provide evidence that they have applied to their chosen programme.

There is an important exception for university applications that do not open before the scholarship deadline.

If course applications do not open until after 30 October 2026, applicants may submit the relevant university application documents after submitting their scholarship application.

These documents must be uploaded to the online application portal by 29 January 2027.

6. Three Reference Letters

Applicants must upload all three required reference letters.

The application must include references covering the required areas, including:

• Academic experience.
• Professional experience.
• Voluntary or extra-curricular involvement.

Applications submitted without three reference letters will not be considered.

7. Updated Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide an up-to-date CV.

The CV must:

• Be no longer than two pages.
• Not include a photograph.

Candidates should ensure that their CV is concise, relevant, and professionally formatted.

A strong CV should clearly present:

• Educational background.
• Work experience.
• Voluntary experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Relevant achievements.
• Professional skills.
• Activities relevant to the proposed field of study.

How to Apply for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28

Applications are submitted online through the Saïd Foundation’s scholarship application system.

Before beginning the application, candidates should carefully review all available guidance.

A recommended application process includes the following steps.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application, confirm that you meet the requirements relating to:

• Nationality.
• Residency.
• Academic qualifications.
• Relevant experience.
• Leadership potential.
• Career plans.
• University course eligibility.
• English language proficiency.

Step 2: Research Eligible Master’s Programmes

Identify master’s degree programmes that align with your:

• Academic background.
• Professional experience.
• Career objectives.
• Long-term contribution plans.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the Foundation’s partner universities.

Step 3: Take an Approved English Language Test

Applicants who do not already possess an eligible English language certificate should register for an approved test as early as possible.

Candidates should ensure that their score meets both:

• The Saïd Foundation’s minimum requirement.
• The requirement of their chosen university.

Step 4: Contact Your Referees Early

Candidates should contact their three referees well in advance.

Referees should be given sufficient time to write detailed and personalised letters.

Applicants should provide referees with:

• Information about the scholarship.
• Their proposed master’s programme.
• Their career goals.
• The Foundation’s referee guidance.

Step 5: Prepare All Supporting Documents

Create a checklist of all required documents and ensure that each document is complete and readable.

This should include:

• High school certificate or marks.
• University transcripts.
• Graduation certificate where applicable.
• Passport or national ID.
• English language certificate.
• University offer or evidence of application.
• Three reference letters.
• Updated two-page CV.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application

Applicants should complete all sections carefully and provide accurate information.

Responses should clearly demonstrate the connection between:

• Past experiences.
• Proposed studies.
• Leadership potential.
• Career ambitions.
• Future contribution to the home country or region.

Step 7: Review Your Application Before Submission

Before submitting, applicants should check:

• All required sections are complete.
• All documents have been uploaded.
• Three references are included.
• The English language certificate meets the requirements.
• The CV does not exceed two pages.
• Information is accurate and consistent.
• Documents are clear and readable.

Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 Deadline

The deadline for applications for the 2027/28 Saïd Foundation Scholarships is:

5:00 PM UK time on Friday, 30 October 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications.

Technical difficulties, missing documents, delayed references, or incomplete English language certificates could prevent an application from being considered.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline.

Applicants who need to submit university offers or evidence of university applications after the scholarship submission date, where permitted, must upload these documents by:

29 January 2027.

Tips for a Strong Saïd Foundation Scholarship Application

Because the Saïd Foundation Scholarship is competitive, applicants should approach the application strategically.

Here are some important tips.

1. Demonstrate a Clear Connection Between Your Past and Future

Your academic history, professional experience, proposed master’s degree, and future career plans should form a logical story.

Avoid presenting a master’s programme that appears unrelated to your previous experiences without providing a convincing explanation.

2. Show Evidence of Leadership

Do not simply state that you are a leader.

Provide concrete examples of situations where you:

• Took initiative.
• Led a project.
• Solved a problem.
• Influenced others.
• Created positive change.
• Took responsibility.
• Contributed to your community or organisation.

3. Choose Referees Who Know Your Work Well

A senior person with an impressive title is not necessarily the best referee.

Choose individuals who know your academic, professional, or voluntary contributions well enough to provide detailed examples of your strengths and achievements.

4. Explain Your Long-Term Impact

The Foundation is interested in applicants who can use their education to make meaningful contributions.

Clearly explain what you intend to do after completing your master’s degree and how your education will support positive change in your country or region.

5. Do Not Leave Documents Until the Last Minute

Some documents, particularly:

• English language certificates.
• University transcripts.
• Reference letters.
• University applications.

May take time to obtain.

Create a personal application timeline and begin preparing early.

6. Follow Every Instruction Carefully

Failure to meet a technical requirement can result in an application not being considered.

Pay close attention to:

• Document deadlines.
• Reference requirements.
• English language requirements.
• CV length.
• Accepted document formats.
• University application requirements.

APLLY HERE

Official Application Link

Interested and eligible applicants can begin their scholarship application through the official Saïd Foundation application portal.

Applicants can also learn more about the scholarship programme through the official Saïd Foundation website.

Before applying, candidates are encouraged to carefully review the official guidance on:

• Eligibility criteria.
• English language requirements.
• Reference letters.
• Required documents.
• Frequently asked questions.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28.

Conclusion

The Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 represents an important postgraduate study opportunity for talented and ambitious students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine who are committed to advancing their education and contributing to positive change in their communities and regions.

The scholarship selection process considers more than academic qualifications. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate relevant professional or voluntary experience, leadership potential, a clear career pathway, and a strong understanding of how their chosen master’s degree will contribute to their future goals.

Candidates should begin preparing early, particularly by securing their English language test certificate, identifying appropriate master’s programmes, contacting suitable referees, and gathering all required documentation.

With the application deadline set for 5:00 PM UK time on Friday, 30 October 2026, eligible candidates should carefully review the requirements and submit a complete and well-prepared application before the deadline.

A strong application should tell a clear and compelling story about who you are, what you have achieved, why you want to pursue postgraduate education in the UK, and how you intend to use the knowledge and experience gained to make a meaningful contribution to your home country or region.

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