Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL)

The Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) is a UK scholarship programme developed in partnership with Palestinian universities to strengthen the Palestinian higher education sector, responding to its needs and priorities. 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 aims to foster renewed and sustainable links between Palestinian and UK universities and create lasting professional networks to sustain scholars' longer-term careers. The scholarship covers full tuition fees at the University of St Andrews, accommodation costs equivalent to £10,762 (based on 2025-26 rates) for a catered standard single room, a living allowance for the 12-month duration of master's programmes, arrival and thesis allowances, and an additional allowance to contribute toward visa, health insurance and travel costs. The programme is specifically designed for Palestinian academics from the Gaza Strip, including displaced Gazans, who are employed by or part of the academic staff at a Gazan university and have been nominated by their institution.