HESPAL

Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians 

Founded in 2010, the Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) programme aims to create the next generation of senior academics who can maintain international quality standards at Palestinian universities, develop renewed and sustainable links between Palestinian and UK universities, and create lasting professional networks to sustain scholar’s longer-term career.

HESPAL is led by the British Council working in partnership with UK and Palestinian universities and funding partners, including:

  • The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development
  • Pears Foundation
  • Amjad & Suha Bseisu Foundation 
  • The UK Department for Education

Since its inception, HESPAL has awarded 244 scholarships to Palestinian academics and researchers (134 female, 110 male), enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies (184 master's degrees and 60 PhDs) in the United Kingdom.

HESPAL 2024/2025 updates

In the academic year 2024/2025, 13 promising Palestinian scholars were awarded HESPAL scholarships to pursue their MA or PhD studies in the UK, beginning in October 2024. The new scholars joined 8 continuing PhD scholars from previous years, making a total of 21 HESPAL scholars studying in the UK.

An additional track was launched in 2024 within the HESPAL scholarships, dedicated specifically to Gazan University academics and scholars. This initiative provides opportunities for MA and PhD studies at UK partner universities, with programmes commencing in January or March 2025. In January 2025, 2 awarded Gazan scholars (1 MA, 1 PhD) joined the HESPAL cohort. 

Watch our graduates share their experiences with HESPAL:

What are the goals of the HESPAL program?

Over the next three years  (2025-2028), the goal is to provide more than 60 scholarships for promising Palestinian scholars to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

When can I apply for the HESPAL for the 2025/2026 academic year?

Applications for the academic year of 2025/2026 are now closed. The new application cycle for the 2026/2027 academic year is expected to open in November 2025. Please check back for further updates.

What does the scholarship cover?

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

  • Academic fees (in the form of a fee waiver offered by participating UK partner universities).
  • Living allowances for scholars covering the period of 12 months for master’s degree scholars and 3 years for PhD scholars (or the duration specified by the programme and approved by the British Council – subject to availability of funds).
  • Arrival and thesis allowance.

Scholars are expected to cover all other expenses including travel costs, visa fees, health insurance, IELTS examination fees, and any other unperceived costs.

What are the candidates' eligibility criteria?

Applicant must:

  • Be a Palestinian resident of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip).
  • Be currently employed by one of the Palestinian partners universities.
  • Be nominated by their employer Palestinian university.
  • Have a written commitment to return to work for their Palestinian university after the completion of their studies, for a duration agreed upon with their university.
  • Have a valid English language IELTS certificate with an appropriate grade for their selected course of study – other certified English exams might be accepted.
  • Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
  • Individuals displaced are encouraged to apply.

How to apply?

Applicants nominated by their Palestinian universities must follow the process outlined in the application guidance notes and submit their HESPAL application by the specified deadline. The process includes:

  1. Identifying the UK partner universities and preferred programme of study 
  2. Applying directly to at least three programmes offered by UK partner universities.
  3. Submitting the HESPAL online application and uploading the required supporting documents.      

Click here to go to HESPAL application.

What are the required documents along with the application?

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 letter from Palestinian home university.
  • Proof of employment at home university.
  • Valid IELTS score report or proof of your booked exam.

* Final HESPAL awardees will be required to submit a signed copy of contract with their home university, confirming that they will be employed there upon completion of their scholarship and return to Palestine.

Participating UK universities

HESPAL UK partner universities for the 2025 cycle can be found under the Downloads section at the bottom of this page. 

Participating Palestinian universities

All Palestinian universities in the West Bank and Gaza accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

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