المنتدى

Asfari Masters scholarships at selected UK universities 2014-2015

Scholarships are available for qualified Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese applicants for selected taught Masters degrees in the UK, starting in September 2014. The scholarships are funded by the Asfari Foundation. Each scholarship includes tuition fees and a stipend to cover accommodation and living costs. If necessary, the cost of travel to the UK will also be covered. The scholarship will be tenable for one academic year.

Scholarship details:

Scholarships are available at the following universities, and for the following courses:

• The University of Edinburgh – all full-time, one-year, taught Masters courses (non-laboratory based courses only)
• University of East Anglia– all full-time, one-year taught Masters courses

Application requirements and qualifications:

Scholarships are open to candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese nationals resident in one of those three countries or recently moved elsewhere in the region (including Syrians displaced in Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq or Jordan, Palestinians living in Syria or Lebanon, and Palestinian citizens of Israel);
• Up to the age of 40;
• Strong academic record and level of English (candidates must secure an offer from one of the Foundation’s partner universities to be considered for a scholarship);
• Commitment to returning to their home country after graduation to use the skills, knowledge and experience gained during their time in the UK for the benefit of their country and/or society (successful candidates will be asked to sign an agreement with the Foundation which includes this commitment).

Application process and deadline:

Interested candidates should first apply to the relevant university and obtain an offer. They then need to email scholarships@asfarifoundation.org.uk for an application form, which should be submitted to the Foundation along with the valid offer letter from one of the Foundation’s partner universities (Edinburgh or UEA). In their application, candidates will be asked to explain how their chosen subject will be of value to their country (or the wider Middle East region) and how it will contribute towards their future plans.

Completed scholarship applications will be considered by the Asfari Foundation and candidates may be invited to attend an interview by phone or Skype with Asfari Foundation staff. The deadline for applications to the Foundation is 14 April 2014.

Background information:

The Asfari Foundation is a registered British charity set up by Ayman and Sawsan Asfari in 2006. It aims to help young people make a valuable contribution to society by empowering them through education, research, and the power of free thinking. The Foundation also supports programmes that encourage the development of civil society, as well as providing humanitarian relief in emergencies. For more information on the Asfari Foundation, which is supporting this scholarship scheme, please see: www.asfarifoundation.org.uk

One of the world’s top 20 universities, the University of Edinburgh was founded in in 1583, making it the sixth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. With 22 Schools in three Colleges: Humanities and Social Science; Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; and Science and Engineering, the University has over 20,000 undergraduate students and over 10,000 postgraduate students. More than 11,000 international students come to Edinburgh every year and the University offers over 500 first degree programmes and almost 300 postgraduate programmes. The excellence of the University of Edinburgh's research and teaching is recognised around the world. www.ed.ac.uk

The University of East Anglia is located on 362 acres of rolling parkland just two miles from the centre of the cathedral city of Norwich in the United Kingdom. The University ranks in the top one per cent of the world’s universities and receives consistently high marks for student satisfaction. Known for world leading teaching and research as well as a commitment to interdisciplinary study, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences. In addition, the University is a leading member of the Norwich Research Park, one of Europe's biggest concentrations of researchers in the fields of environment, health and plant science. www.uea.ac.uk