The UK is a prime destination for students from the Middle East, offering world-renowned universities, diverse cultures, and a rich academic environment. Numerous scholarships are available specifically for Middle Eastern students to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. This guide highlights the top scholarships available, their requirements, and how to apply.
1. Chevening Scholarships
Overview:
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world, including the Middle East, to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country.
- An undergraduate degree.
- At least two years of work experience.
- Meet the English language requirements.
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Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Arrival and departure allowances
- A thesis grant
- Study travel grant
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
Overview:
Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries, including many Middle Eastern nations, to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in the UK.
Requirements:
- Citizenship or refugee status of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- A first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honors standard.
- For PhD candidates, a relevant master’s degree.
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Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Airfare to and from the UK
- Stipend for living expenses
- Thesis grant
- Warm clothing allowance (if applicable)
- Study travel grant
3. Rhodes Scholarships
Overview:
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, enabling outstanding students from around the world, including the Middle East, to study at the University of Oxford.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of an eligible country.
- Age limit of 18 to 24 years.
- Academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Proven commitment to making a difference in the world.
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Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses to and from Oxford at the beginning and end of the scholarship
- Research and travel grants
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Overview:
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from any country outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of any country outside the UK.
- Academic excellence.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to improving the lives of others.
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Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance
- Airfare to and from the UK
- Family allowance (if applicable)
5. Clarendon Fund Scholarships
Overview:
The Clarendon Fund offers around 140 new scholarships each year to graduate students from all around the world, including the Middle East, to study at the University of Oxford.
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Requirements:
- Strong academic record.
- Admission to a full-time or part-time graduate program at the University of Oxford.
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Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual grant for living expenses
6. The Said Foundation Scholarships
Overview:
The Said Foundation provides scholarships for exceptional individuals from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine.
- An undergraduate degree.
- Proficiency in English.
- Strong academic and leadership potential.
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Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs to and from the UK
7. British Council GREAT Scholarships
Overview:
In collaboration with UK universities, the British Council offers GREAT Scholarships to students from various countries, including several in the Middle East, to pursue postgraduate study in the UK.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of an eligible country.
- Strong academic record.
- Admission to a participating UK university.
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Benefits:
- Scholarship worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees
8. University of Westminster Scholarships
Overview:
The University of Westminster offers several scholarships for international students, including those from the Middle East, to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of a developing country.
- Admission to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at the University of Westminster.
- Financial need and academic excellence.
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Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Flights to and from London
9. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Overview:
The University of Edinburgh offers scholarships for outstanding international students, including those from the Middle East, to pursue PhD research programs.
Requirements:
- Admission to a full-time PhD program at the University of Edinburgh.
- Academic excellence and research potential.
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Benefits:
- Covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student.
10. UAL/ISH International Postgraduate Scholarships
Overview:
The University of the Arts London (UAL) and the International Students House (ISH) offer scholarships for international students, including those from the Middle East, to pursue full-time taught master’s courses at UAL.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of a developing or emerging country.
- Offer of a place on a full-time taught master’s course at UAL.
- Financial need.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation at International Students House
- Contribution towards living costs
Conclusion
With these scholarships, Middle Eastern students have numerous opportunities to pursue their academic dreams in the UK. By carefully researching and preparing strong applications, you can secure the financial support needed to embark on this exciting educational journey. Be sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship and reach out to the scholarship providers for any questions or clarifications. Good luck with your applications!