HESPAL - Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians

Type: Scholarship

Organization: The British Council in partnership with various UK universities

Countries: united kingdom (UK)

Degree levels: Master

Funding:

The scholarship covers the main expenses for selected scholars, including:

• Academic tuition fees, through fee waivers offered by participating UK partner universities.
• Living allowance for the 12 months duration of master’s programmes.
• Arrival allowance and thesis allowance.
• Additional allowance (for 2026 scholars) to contribute toward visa, health insurance and/or travel costs.

Scholars are expected to cover all other expenses and any unforeseen costs.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the HESPAL 2026 cycle, applicants must be:

• Palestinian from the Gaza Strip (including displaced Gazans).
• Applying for a master’s (MA) programme only — PhD applicants are not eligible.
• Employed by or part of the academic staff at a Gazan university.
• Nominated by their Gazan university.

Applicants will be required to provide a valid English-language certificate accepted by the UK university to which they are applying.  

Women, displaced academics, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Support for applicants with disabilities will be provided where programme capacity and available funding allow.

Deadline: February 27, 2026

Notes:

The following documents must be uploaded and submitted with the HESPAL application:

• One recent passport sized photo.
• Copy of Passport (or ID).
• An official copy of the academic certificate for all higher education qualification including BA, MA or/and PhD (in English).
• Nomination and proof of employment letter from home university.
• A valid English-language certificate accepted by the UK university to which applicants are applying.

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