If you are looking for a life-changing opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the UK, the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026/27 is one of the most prestigious awards available. This highly competitive scholarship is designed for outstanding students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, offering them the chance to study at some of the top universities in the UK without financial worries. With rising demand for queries like UK scholarships for international students (18K searches), fully funded scholarships 2026 (11K), and Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026/27 (5.4K), this program has become a key focus for ambitious students worldwide.
The Saïd Foundation has been funding postgraduate scholarships for decades, with the mission of nurturing future leaders and change-makers who can contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries. It not only covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, but also provides mentoring, academic guidance, and access to a powerful alumni network. For motivated graduates with leadership potential, this scholarship is more than financial support — it is an investment in their personal and professional future.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026: benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, and a step-by-step application guide. Whether you are searching for UK postgraduate scholarships 2026, scholarships for Middle Eastern students in the UK, or how to get a fully funded Master’s degree in the UK, this article will give you all the answers you need.
Benefits of Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026
The scholarship is fully funded and offers wide-ranging support to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their studies and personal development:
- Full tuition fees at the international student rate (covered directly by the Foundation).
- Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and day-to-day expenses.
- Return airfare from your home country to the UK at the start and end of your studies.
- Visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fully covered.
- Arrival allowance to help you settle in the UK.
- Pastoral support and mentoring from the Foundation during your study period.
- Access to a prestigious network of alumni and leaders in various fields.
- Enhanced career opportunities upon return to your home country.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply successfully for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026/27, you must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine, and be permanent residents there. Syrian candidates living abroad due to conflict are still eligible.
- Age: Typically under 40 years old at the time of application.
- Academic qualifications: Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or higher. Final-year undergraduate students may also apply.
- Field of study: Only one-year Master’s programs are eligible. PhDs, undergraduate, and two-year Master’s programs are not covered.
- University requirement: Applicants must apply to up to three UK universities, preferably partner universities of the Saïd Foundation. Justification is required for non-partner universities.
- English language proficiency: Provide valid English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo). Certificates must be dated after 1 October 2024.
- Commitment to home country: Applicants must show strong intention to return and contribute to the development of their communities after completing their studies.
- Leadership potential: Proven leadership skills, community engagement, or voluntary work experience are highly valued.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Valid passport or national ID from an eligible country.
- Degree certificate and official academic transcripts.
- High school certificate.
- English language test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo) dated after October 2024.
- Proof of application to one or more eligible UK Master’s programs (or evidence that applications will be submitted later).
- Three reference letters (academic, professional, or voluntary/community). Letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and in English.
- A professional CV (maximum 2 pages, usually without a photo).
- Any relevant work or volunteering certificates (optional but strengthens your application).
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply For Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026
Here’s a detailed application process for the Saïd Foundation Scholarship 2026:
1. Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that you meet nationality, academic, and English requirements.
- Ensure your chosen Master’s program is one-year and eligible under the scheme.
2. Select Your Universities and Courses
- Choose up to three Master’s programs at Saïd Foundation partner universities (or non-partners with justification).
- Popular choices include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, and others.
3. Prepare Required Documents
- Gather transcripts, certificates, references, proof of course applications, and English test results.
- Ensure reference letters are signed and on official letterhead.
4. Submit Your Online Application
- Applications open 1 August 2025 and close on 31 October 2025 (5:00 PM UK time).
- Submit via the Saïd Foundation Scholarship portal.
5. Upload Proof of Course Applications
- If your selected universities have not opened applications yet, you must upload proof of application by 30 January 2026.
6. Wait for Shortlisting and Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in March 2026.
- Interviews focus on your academic background, leadership experience, and future goals.
7. Final Selection
- Successful applicants will receive scholarship offers by June 2026.
- Begin preparing for your move to the UK for the September/October 2026 intake.