HESPAL 2026/2027 applications are now open! 

 

15 Years of Exchange, Commitment, Empowerment.

Founded in 2010, the HESPAL programme is a unique scholarship scheme supporting the capacity-building of academics and the institutional development of higher education institutions in Palestine. It also aims to foster renewed and sustainable links between Palestinian and UK universities and create lasting professional networks to sustain scholar’s longer-term career.

This year, the programme marks its 15th anniversary.

Since its inception, HESPAL has awarded 256 scholarships to Palestinian academics and researchers (141 female, 115 male), enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies (196 master's degrees and 60 PhDs) in the United Kingdom.

HESPAL cohort 2025/2026

For the academic year 2025/2026, 12 promising Palestinian scholars were awarded the HESPAL scholarships to begin their MA studies in the UK this October.

These scholars come from six universities across the West Bank and Gaza, joining an existing group of 23 HESPAL scholars already studying in the UK across 13 universities. Ten of these MA students are expected to complete their studies end of September, while one scholar from Gaza will finish in January 2026. Twelve other HESPAL scholars are continuing their PhD studies as part of the programme.

The new cohort will pursue master’s degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including STEM, medical studies, urban planning, and emerging technologies.

Watch our graduates share their experiences with HESPAL:

HESPAL objectives are to:

  • Contribute to the creation of Palestine’s next generation of senior academics.
  • Develop sustainable institutional links between Palestinian and UK universities.
  • Support professional networks to sustain the scholar’s longer-term career.

Applications for the HESPAL 2026/2027 academic year are now open exclusively for MA applicants from Gaza. Please make sure to submit your application before 27 February 2026.

Learn more about the HESPAL application process by clicking the link  to the HESPAL Guidance Notes, under the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

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.

 

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.

Applicants nominated by their Gaza 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.

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.

HESPAL UK partner universities for the 2026 cycle can be found under the Downloads section at the bottom of this page. 

All universities in Gaza.

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