HESPAL - Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians

These scholarships are offered by the British Council Palestine in partnership with the University of Southampton. They are for junior academics employed by Palestinian universities who want to study for a full-time master’s degree at the University of Southampton. The scholarship is available for all master’s programmes at the University. 

HESPAL aims to contribute to the creation of Palestine’s next generation of senior academics, develop sustainable institutional links between Palestinian and UK universities, and support professional networks to sustain the scholar’s longer-term career.

This scholarship covers: 

  • your tuition fees
  • a monthly living allowance for up to 12 months
  • an arrival allowance
  • a thesis allowance
  • an additional allowance for 2026, to contribute towards your visa, health insurance and/or travel costs

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship you must:

  • be Palestinian from the Gaza Strip (including displaced Gazans)
  • apply for a postgraduate master’s programme
  • be employed by or part of the academic staff at a Gazan university
  • be nominated by your Gazan university
  • meet the University of Southampton’s academic and English language requirements 

Women, displaced academics, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Applications are through the British Council’s partner Palestinian universities for the 2026 cycle (all universities in Gaza), which nominate candidates.

Nominated scholars must:

For full details about timelines, eligibility, and supporting documents, please visit the HESPAL website and the Application Guidance Notes

Help and advice

Contact us

Have a question about this scholarship? Our friendly scholarships team can support and guide you.
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