80 PLUS - University of Leicester Master's Scholarship (September 2026)

Introduction

80 PLUS is a UK-based non-profit run by volunteers that brings communities and universities together to fund one-year Master’s scholarships for students from Gaza, with the universities waiving the fees, and 80 PLUS crowdfunding the other costs.

We believe that education is one of the most powerful investments in Gaza’s future. 80 PLUS seeks to support not only outstanding students, but future leaders who will use education to create lasting positive impact within Palestinian communities.

We are delighted to partner with the University of Leicester to offer one fully funded Master’s scholarship for a student from Gaza commencing their studies in September 2026.

A scholarship includes:

  • A full tuition fee waiver for an eligible one-year, full-time, campus-based, taught Master’s programme. 
  • A maintenance bursary of £15,000 for one academic year paid monthly.
  • Student visa application fees. 
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). 
  • One return economy-class flight, and evacuation costs from Gaza, if required.
  • Ongoing pastoral and community support from the 80 PLUS team throughout the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an 80 PLUS Scholarship, applicant must:

  • Be a Palestinian whose permanent home is the Gaza Strip. Priority will be given to those who are currently based in the Gaza Strip.
  • Hold an unconditional offer for an eligible one-year, full-time, campus-based taught master’s programme at the University of Leicester commencing in September 2026.
  • Normally hold an undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of at least 80% or demonstrate equivalent academic achievement. Applications below this threshold may be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is strong evidence of academic potential, educational disruption, or outstanding professional, leadership, or community achievements.
  • Normally have at least two years of relevant professional, voluntary, community, research, or leadership experience. This experience may have been gained before or after graduation and does not need to have been in paid employment. Exceptional recent graduates with strong academic potential and substantial evidence of leadership or community contribution may also be considered.
  • Demonstrate financial need and an inability to undertake postgraduate study without scholarship support.
  • Show a clear commitment to using the knowledge and skills gained through the scholarship to contribute to the future development and rebuilding of Gaza and Palestinian communities.
  • Meet all immigration and visa requirements necessary to study in the United Kingdom.

Supporting Documentation

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Up to date CV written in English language
  • A scanned copy or a photograph of your national ID
  • A scanned copy or a photograph of your passport (if available)
  • A scanned copy or a digital copy of your undergraduate degree certificate (and a translation if its language is not English)
  • A scanned copy or a digital copy of your undergraduate degree transcript (and a translation if its language is not English)
  • A copy of your offer letter from the University of Leicester
  • One reference letter (either academic or professional)
  • A copy of your English language evidence (if available)

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Academic achievement and potential. 
  • Financial need. 
  • Leadership, initiative, and community engagement. 
  • Commitment to contributing to Gaza’s future. 
  • Quality of the supporting statements and overall application.

You are not eligible if you

  • Have not completed your undergraduate degree at the time of the application deadline.
  • Have studied, or are currently studying, a Master’s degree programme.
  • Have previously studied in the UK.

How to apply

Submit your application using this link. You must submit your application by 11:59 pm (UK time) on 13th August 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Timeline

Application deadline: 11:59 pm (UK time) on 13th August 2026.

Shortlisting: from 14th August until 20th August 2026.

Interviews: 24th August 2026

Results are expected to be communicated to candidates by 26th August 2026.

Enquiries

Should you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact us via email: hello@80plus.org.uk