5 Scholarship Opportunities for Students in the Middle East

Photography: Cristiano Proia

A grant to submerge into the wonders of the Red Sea? A fascinating international experience against the backdrop of beautiful Italy? Or a high-level Master’s degree in the UK’s most prestigious university? Although rarely publicized, there is a wide range of grants and scholarships for students and young professionals across the Middle East. BarakaBits lists five opportunities to never stop learning.

1. Saïd Foundation Scholarships for postgraduates

Said Foundation offers 20 postgraduate scholarships annually to young talents under 35 who demonstrate the potential to become leaders and innovators of change. The Foundation also offers one or two PhD scholarships a year at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Applications must be submitted online by December 12th here.

2. Study in the Red Sea with the Oris Red Scholarship

The Red Sea Environmental Center offers 5 scholarships for the upcoming Dahab Reef Monitoring projects in Sinai (Egypt), aimed at students in Marine sciences or related fields. The scholarship includes accommodation, 40 project dives, training, airport shuttles and a boat trip. Applications are open until January 1st 2015, by sending a CV with a motivation letter to oris@redsea-ec.org or following the instructions here.

3. Summer School for future leaders in Italy

Students of political science, international relations, or those oriented to leadership in the MENA can participate in this international summer school called “A new leading class for the South Mediterranean Countries”, held by Rondine Association in Italy next October. The association covers all expenses during the study in campus, and 70 per cent of the travel expenses to Italy. Applications are open both for the summer school (by sending the application form here) or apply to their annual International Hall of Residence.

4. Scholarships for Arab students in the UK

If you aim to study in the UK, The British Council administers scholarships in partnership with specific organizations, depending on the country of origin. Palestinian graduates can apply to the Durham Palestine Educational Trust for a Master’s degree scholarship, open until 14 February 2015. Syrian nationals can also apply to the University of Edinburgh Scholarships for a one year Master’s program at Edinburgh University. Arab students from other countries aiming for a Master’s degree can apply to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarship Programme, which covers tuition fees and living and travel costs to study at Cranfield University, London Business School, the London School of Economics, or the University of Cambridge.

5. BBC training for Algerian journalists

Algerian journalists with at least two years of experience can apply for a two-day training held by Media Neighborhood, an initiative of the BBC Media Action. The workshop, to be held on 25-26 November in Algiers  is focused on interviewing skills and will include trainers from the BBC, AFP and other international news outlets. Applications are open until September 30th.

Don’t miss our series on 10 scholarship opportunities to study abroad here.