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Nawal Al Sharif Scholarship

Established in 2003, the Nawal Al Sharif Scholarship (NAS) honours the legacy of Nawal Al Sharif, a pioneering social development practitioner in Jordan, and reflects Swansea University’s long-standing commitment to educational opportunity and international development.

The scholarship emerged from a partnership between Swansea University’s Centre for Development Studies and the UK Department for International Development following the successful completion of the Jordanian Social Development Capacity Building Project. A legacy endowment was created to support talented students from Jordan and Palestine in pursuing postgraduate study at Swansea.

Following the closure of the Centre for Development Studies in 2010, the scholarship was transferred to Swansea University’s Department of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations, strengthening its connection to the University’s global engagement and development agenda. The scholarship has subsequently become part of the British Council’s Higher Education Support to Palestinians (HESPAL) programme.

After a period of suspension resulting from the global financial downturn, the scholarship fund has now recovered, enabling the programme to relaunch. From 2027 to 2030, Swansea University will offer up to five fully funded Master's scholarships each year in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations, creating new opportunities for exceptional Palestinian students to develop their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the future of their communities.

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The Scholarship

The number of awards to be made annually under this scheme is: one (1) MA, with the understanding that that the total number of awards may not be taken up in every year.

Awards will cover a maximum of twelve (12) months for a Master’s degree.

The awards will be available for study only in programmes within the Department of Politics, Philosophy, and International Relations at Swansea University for the HESPAL scheme, in line with the Palestinian universities’ priorities and their nominated scholars.

Application Process

Applicants are required to complete a HESPAL application form in collaboration with their home university. Candidates seeking a Nawal Al Sharif Scholarship should complete the Swansea University's application form for Master’s study, and provide the necessary additional documentation: see https://www.swansea.ac.uk/international-students/international-student-courses/how-to-apply/

The Nawal Al Sharif Scholarship will:

  • Cover the full tuition fee.
  • Contribute half of the monthly living stipend, which is match funded by the British Council.
  • The Scholarship will not cover the costs for any accompanying family.
How to Apply - International Students