Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL)
The HESPAL scholarship is a joint award offered by the British Council and the University of Stirling.
Key facts
Fee status
Your country/region
Level
Postgraduate (taught), Postgraduate (research)
Number of awards
1 Postgraduate taught award and 1 Postgraduate research award
Value of awards
The Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) was founded in 2010 and 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 scholars’ longer-term careers.
In line with the University of Stirling’s vision to ‘make an impact on people’s lives and be a force for good in the world’, the University is delighted to partner with the British Council, Palestinian universities and funding bodies to offer HESPAL scholarships for eligible applicants wishing to pursue postgraduate taught programmes and postgraduate research degrees.
The scholarship does not cover the costs for accompanying family, visa fees, NHS health surcharge and IELTS cost.
Eligibility and availability
Applicants must be a resident citizen of Palestinian territories and employed and nominated by one of the Palestinian partner universities.
For full requirements, view the HESPAL scholarship page.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are now closed. The new application cycle for the 2026/2027 academic year is expected to open in November 2025, please check back closer to the time for further updates.
Applicants must apply to their chosen course through the University of Stirling website and complete the HESPAL application form.
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:
- identifying the UK partner universities and preferred programme of study;
- applying directly to at least three programmes offered by UK partner universities;
- submitting the HESPAL online application and uploading the required supporting documents.