King's College London
London
Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL)
2 min read
7 April 2025
Support for junior academics employed by Palestinian universities to study for a Master’s programme or PhD at King’s College London
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 the following:
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Tuition fees
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Pre-departure briefing from the British Council
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Arrival allowances
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Thesis allowances
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Monthly allowance to cover living expenses
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Annual bench fees which may be required for certain PhD programmes in health and sciences
NB: Scholarships do not cover the costs for any accompanying family.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet HESPAL eligibility requirements:
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be a resident citizen of Palestinian Territories.
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be currently employed by the Palestinian University which nominates him/her, which must be one of the participating Palestinian universities.
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sign a written undertaking to return to Palestine within a time frame agreed, normally one year.
Applicants must meet King’s eligibility requirements for the Master’s Scholarship:
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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)
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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:
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A minimum of bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours in an appropriate subject for a PhD candidate.
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have IELTS certification appropriate for the course and university (normally at least 6.5, sometimes higher depending on the subject).