HESPAL

Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians 

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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