To BU Faculty: Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians

in Britain - HESPAL

Master and PhD Scholarships Program.

Reference Merna Kassis | Scholarships/Higher Education Coordinator British Council Jawwal: 0599 171 878 Telephone: 2963293 – Ext 102 merna.kassis@ps.britishcouncil.org

Application Framework

-Applicant must be nominated by a department/ faculty at Bethlehem University.

-Applicants must be below 40 years old.

-Applicants must be Lecturers.

-Valid IELTS. Date available for IELTS exam at British Council 16 November and 7 December for applicants only.

-Candidates must apply to UK University. on-line applications.

-Deadline 30 January 2014. Deadline for receiving the applications to AVP Office is 24 January 2014.

BU External Academic Affairs 2014-2015For Bethlehem University Use Only

participating Palestinian universities The participating UK HEIs

Al-Azhar University

University of Palestine

University of Essex

University of Lincoln

University of Bethlehem

Alaqsa University London School of Economics

University of Salford

Birzeit University ALquds University Kings College – London

University of Central Lancashire

Islamic University Alquds Open University

Goldsmith University

University of Bedfordshire

AL-Najah National University

University College of applied Science

University of Newcastle

University of Nottingham

Palestine Polytechnic University

University of Hebron

Oxford Brookes University

Chester University

University of Sussex

Queen Marry - University of London

Edinburgh University

Bolton University

Birmingham University

Nineteen Master Scholarships are awarded to Palestinian Universities.

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HESPAL will cover -Masters / PhD’ scholarship academic fees -Scholars’ living allowances and pre-departure.

Duration scholarship will cover a period of up to 12 months.

Priority areas of study for the Palestinian universities are likely to include (but are not limited to):

Business, Economics and Finance; Educational Management; Political Sciences and International Relations; Human Rights and Governance; Agriculture; Engineering; Law, Management; Environmental Studies; Water management, Nursing, TSOL, Human Recourses, Economics, literature, Linguistics, IT, Science programs, Humanities.

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HESPAL - Eligibility Criteria

-Must be a resident citizen including East Jerusalem.

-Must be currently employed

-PhD Must have a Masters degree with a minimum grade of very good (equivalent to at least a 2.1 Bachelor’s Degree from UK).

-Must sign a written undertaking to return to their Palestinian university.

-Must have IELTS certification.

Completed Application forms and all other documentation must be submitted in hard copy each applicant should make copies of his/her application according to the number of universities he/she is applying for.

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HESPAL – Summary of Selection Process :

-Each Palestinian university will nominate up to 10 scholars

-Palestinian universities send all applications to British Council Palestine. British Council checks eligibility requirements are met.

-British Council sends application forms and accompanying documents (hard-copy, specially marked ‘HESPAL Scholarship Application’) to all UK HEIs offering courses in the subject specified by applicant .

-UK HEIs provide British Council with a list of applicants they would be willing to accept, and ranks the top three in order of preference, placement of a student at their preferred UK HEI cannot be guaranteed.

-British Council informs successful candidates at which UK HEI they have been offered a scholarship. Successful applicants then deal directly with the UK HEI offering them a place.

Note:- Owing to the number of applicants British Council can’t discuss the status of any individual’s application at any time.

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HESPAL - How to apply:

Applicants complete HESPAL application form in collaboration with their university, indicating which subject area(s) they wish to study.

Applicants should specify at least three and up to five UK HEIs in order of preference but there is no guarantee they will be placed in one of these institutions.

To submit their application to the university with all supporting documents attached to their application.

Each applicant should submit online application direct to the university they wish to apply to and it should be attached to HESPAL application.

A number of candidates may be invited to a HESPAL Scholarship interview. Any candidates invited to interview will need to bring with them proof of Palestinian identity and right of residency.

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HESPAL – Required Documents

-Completed HESPAL application form including details of 2 academic referees.

-Certified Proof of Palestinian nationality including East Jerusalem ID’s.

-Nomination letter from Palestinian university

-Proof of employment at university

-Proof of academic / work record

-Signed contract between scholar and their university

-Signed release form from scholar permitting the UK HEI to provide British Council and scholar’s home institution with reports from their academic advisor. All masters scholars will submit a progress report and a final report outlining the outcomes of their study. British Council will be responsible for ensuring receipt, collation and dissemination of all reports.

-IELTS certificate

-Online application that is submitted to the UKI.

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Essential tips:-

-It is important that you provide as much details as possible in your application.

-State the grade of degree awarded to you. Photocopies academic certificates degree transcripts attached.

-Details and dates professional career.

-Specify domain of study, courses and institutions, qualification you want to study for e.g. MA; MSc.

-Two academic referees to comment on your academic potential and your suitability to the specific course identified.

-Statements about yourself and your plans

General InformationYou can find out about the participating UK universities and courses of study from the www.education.uk.org or www.britishcouncil.org/ps. Also you can contact British Council Customer Services or Scholarships Coordinator.

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Scholarship covers

-Tuition fees

-Pre-departure briefing from the British Council

-Arrival allowances

-Thesis allowances

-A monthly allowance to cover living expenses

Scholarship does not cover the costs for accompanying family, visa fees, IELTS cost, and Airfare ticket to from the UK

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