Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL)

Award details

HESPAL aims to create the next generation of senior academics who can maintain international quality standards at Palestinian universities and develop renewed and sustainable links between Palestinian and UK universities.

The scheme will upgrade academic staff in Palestinian universities through a Masters or PhD Scholarship programme.

The British Council Palestine and King's College London hold an agreement to jointly support up to 2 Master's Scholarships and 1 PhD Scholarship at King's College London each year. 

Award value

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.

NB: Scholarships do not cover the costs for any accompanying family.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet HESPAL eligibility requirements: 

• be a resident citizen 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 must meet King's eligibility requirements for the Master's Scholarship:

• Have a bachelor's degree from a Palestinian university with a minimum grade of very good (and equivalent to at least a 2.1 Bachelor's Degree from the UK)
• have IELTS certification appropriate for the course and university (normally at least 6.5, sometimes higher depending on the subject).

Applicants must meet King's eligibility requirements for the PhD Scholarships, which are typically: 

• A minimum of bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in an appropriate subject for a PhD candidate. 
• have IELTS certification appropriate for the course and university (normally at least 6.5, sometimes higher depending on the subject).

King's entry requirements vary according to subject. Visit www.kcl.ac.uk/study for the latest entry requirements.

Application process

Applicants must complete the HESPAL application form in collaboration with their Palestinian university. Palestinian universities will then nominate their selected candidates and send all nominee applications to the British Council Palestine. The British Council Palestine will check applications for eligibility and co-ordinate the selection of applications with King's College London, and they will also be responsible for the final placement of scholars.   

NB: candidates who are interested in studying at King's College London must also submit an admissions application to King's College London using the online application system "King's Apply", and be able to secure an admission offer for their chosen degree programme.

For further information about the Scholarships, timelines, and how to apply, please visit the HESPAL Website. 

 

Student Testimonial

Sujud Suboh, MSc in healthcare technologies

"I chose Kings College London due to its scholarship website, it's ranking and reputation, in addition to the diverse program offer.

Having a postgraduate degree will help me start my academic career after graduation and having a degree from King's will increase my chances getting a good job and getting higher paid.

I found out about the funding scheme through the educational website and scholarship department at my home university, An-Najah National University.

My advice that I would give to a prospective student looking to apply for funding would be, work hard and make an effort because this opportunity deserves it.

Through your preparation and application journey you will learn many different skills and you will meet amazing people. Life in London and King's College London, in particular, deserves you to put a plan together and make the first step, no hesitation."