Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship | Fully Funded
If you are a student from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, or Syria and you have been dreaming of studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, this scholarship might be exactly what you have been waiting for. The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship 2026/27 is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship that covers everything from tuition fees to your daily living expenses, giving talented students from the Middle East a genuine chance to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this scholarship, including who it is for, what it covers, how to apply, and what makes it stand out from other scholarship opportunities available at Cambridge. Whether you are just starting to explore your postgraduate options or you are already preparing your Cambridge application, this guide has you covered.
What Is the Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship?
The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded award offered through the Cambridge Trust in partnership with the Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation. The scholarship is offered in partnership with The Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation, and no separate application is required. You only need to apply for admission to the University of Cambridge by the funding deadline specific to your course.
This scholarship is specifically designed for outstanding students from select Middle Eastern countries who wish to study a full-time Master’s program at the University of Cambridge. It is not just another partial funding opportunity. It is a complete package that removes all major financial barriers so that selected students can focus entirely on their studies.
Since 2019, the program has supported up to two Master’s students per year at the University of Cambridge, with successful scholars going on to pursue related careers as well as further education such as PhDs and Medical School. The scholarship has a proven track record of changing the lives of talented students who might otherwise not have been able to access world-class postgraduate education.
The Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust was established to provide financial support for international students on degree courses at Cambridge. The Trust awards approximately 500 scholarships annually and supports between 1,100 and 1,400 students in residence each year from 85 countries across the world.
About the Bseisu Foundation
Before diving into the details of the scholarship, it is worth understanding the organization behind it. The Bseisu Foundation was founded by Amjad and Suha Bseisu in 2005 with the desire to empower young people and support disadvantaged communities in the Levant.
The Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation is a registered charity that focuses on transforming the lives of people from the Middle East and Malaysia. Its vision is to help build a world based on civil society, uniform rights and equal opportunity. The Foundation has a growing focus on enabling exceptionally talented people from the Middle East to access world-class education.
The Foundation does not only work with the University of Cambridge. It partners with several top universities in the United Kingdom and beyond. However, the Cambridge partnership is among the most competitive and most celebrated, given Cambridge’s global standing as a leading academic institution. The Foundation truly believes that access to quality education can be transformative, not just for the individual student, but for entire communities and regions.
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. It is consistently ranked among the top three universities globally and has produced some of the most brilliant minds in science, literature, politics, and business. Studying at Cambridge opens doors that very few other institutions can match, from access to world-leading faculty and cutting-edge research facilities to a global alumni network that spans virtually every industry and country.
The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and welcomes a high number of international postgraduate students each year, with over 50% of their postgraduate intake coming from international students. Their mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
For students from conflict-affected and underrepresented regions like Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, the opportunity to study at Cambridge is particularly significant. It represents not just an education, but an investment in the future of those regions and communities.
Scholarship Overview at a Glance
Before we break down each element of the scholarship in detail, here is a quick summary of the key facts you need to know about the Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship 2026/27.
- Scholarship Name: Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship
- Academic Year: 2026/27
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Funding Partner: Amjad and Suha Bseisu Foundation and the Cambridge Trust
- Level of Study: Postgraduate Master’s (full-time)
- Number of Awards: Two per year
- Eligible Countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria
- Field of Study: All disciplines, with priority given to STEM
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Selection Period: March to July 2026
- Separate Application Required: No
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
One of the most important questions any prospective applicant has about a scholarship is what exactly it covers. The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship is described as a complete scholarship, and that description is well-earned.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, covering key costs associated with studying at Cambridge. By covering both academic and living costs, the award ensures that students can focus fully on their studies without financial stress. The scholarship is valid for the full duration of the chosen Master’s programme and is not extendable beyond the standard course length.
In more specific terms, here is what the scholarship covers:
1. Full International Tuition Fees
Studying at Cambridge as an international student is expensive. Tuition fees alone can run into tens of thousands of pounds per year depending on the course. This scholarship covers the full cost of your international tuition fees, so you will not have to worry about that significant financial burden during your studies.
2. Maintenance Allowance
The scholarship includes a maintenance allowance to support your day-to-day living expenses while studying in Cambridge. This covers costs like accommodation, food, transport, and general living in one of the United Kingdom’s most beautiful but also most expensive cities.
3. Visa Costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
The scholarship covers visa-related costs, including the immigration health surcharge. This is a detail that many scholarships overlook, but it makes a real difference for international students who often face substantial upfront visa costs before they even set foot in the country.
With these three components combined, the Bseisu Cambridge Scholarship truly is one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for Middle Eastern students wishing to study in the United Kingdom. You do not need additional part-time income, family support, or external loans to make ends meet. The scholarship is designed to allow you to live and study comfortably throughout the duration of your Master’s program.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship has clear and specific eligibility criteria. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection, but it is the first step toward being considered. Here is a full breakdown of who qualifies.
Nationality Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries: Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, or Syria. This is a non-negotiable requirement. The scholarship was created with the specific purpose of supporting students from these Middle Eastern countries, particularly those from conflict-affected and underrepresented backgrounds.
Academic Level
The scholarship is exclusively for students applying to full-time Master’s programs at the University of Cambridge. It does not cover undergraduate or PhD study, although the Bseisu Foundation does support other levels of education through its other scholarship programs.
Academic Merit
Candidates should have achieved all factors of an undergraduate degree that will empower them to gain entry onto a postgraduate program at a UK university. This is typically equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK. You should have a strong academic record that reflects your potential to succeed at one of the world’s most demanding universities.
Financial Need
Selection is based on both academic merit and financial need. This means that the scholarship is not just for the most academically gifted students, but for those who genuinely need financial assistance to make their Cambridge education a reality. If you have the talent but lack the financial means to fund your studies, this scholarship was created for people like you.
Field of Study
While candidates from all academic disciplines are eligible, priority is given to those pursuing STEM-related fields, reflecting a strong emphasis on advancing scientific and technical expertise in the region. So if you are applying to a course in engineering, computer science, medicine, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or any other STEM discipline, your chances of being prioritized for this scholarship are higher. That said, students from humanities, social sciences, law, and other non-STEM fields are still eligible and should not be discouraged from applying.
College and Program
The scholarship is tenable at any college within the University of Cambridge and applicable to a wide range of Master’s programs, giving students the freedom to pursue their academic interests. This flexibility means that you are not limited to a specific college or department when applying.
Available Master’s Programs at Cambridge
One of the great things about this scholarship is the sheer variety of courses you can pursue. There are over 200 eligible Master’s programmes across approximately 68 departments and schools, allowing candidates to apply in a wide variety of academic fields, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences.
Some of the most popular Master’s programs at Cambridge that STEM-focused applicants tend to pursue include:
- MPhil in Advanced Computer Science
- MPhil in Engineering
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise
- MPhil in Physics
- MPhil in Data Intensive Science
- MRes in Biotechnology
- MPhil in Chemistry
- MPhil in Environmental Science
There are also excellent programs in public policy, international relations, law, economics, education, and the arts for those from non-STEM backgrounds. You can explore the full list of eligible programs in the Postgraduate Course Directory on the official Cambridge website.
How to Apply for the Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship
This is where things get particularly interesting. Unlike many scholarships that require a separate, detailed application process, the Bseisu Cambridge Scholarship does not require any extra paperwork. The application process is straightforward and integrated directly into your Cambridge admission application.
There is no separate application required for this scholarship. Candidates only need to apply for admission to a Master’s program at the University of Cambridge. To be considered, applicants must submit their course application before the funding deadline specific to their chosen program.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:
Step 1: Choose Your Master’s Program
Start by deciding which Master’s program at the University of Cambridge you want to study. Make sure the program aligns with your academic background, career goals, and personal interests. If you are eligible for STEM programs, prioritize those, as they receive additional weight in the selection process for this scholarship.
Step 2: Check the Funding Deadline for Your Course
Each course at Cambridge has its own funding deadline, which is different from the general admission deadline. These deadlines vary by course and are listed in the Postgraduate Course Directory on the university’s official website. Missing the funding deadline means you will not be considered for scholarship funding, even if your admission application is submitted on time. So make sure you identify and track this deadline carefully.
Step 3: Submit Your Cambridge Admission Application
Apply to your chosen Master’s program through the University of Cambridge’s Applicant Portal. Your application should include all required documents such as transcripts, references, a personal statement, and any other materials specified by your program.
Step 4: Automatic Consideration for the Scholarship
All eligible applicants who meet the criteria will automatically be considered for the scholarship. You do not need to tick a box, fill out an extra form, or write a separate scholarship essay. As long as you are from one of the eligible countries and you submit your application before the funding deadline, the Cambridge Trust will review your application for this scholarship automatically.
Step 5: Wait for the Selection Decision
The Cambridge Trust manages scholarship decisions through an ongoing review process. Awards are typically distributed between March and July for the 2026/27 academic cycle. Because selection is continuous, applicants may be considered at different stages of the admissions cycle. Some successful candidates may receive offers earlier than others, depending on funding availability and partner arrangements.
Applicants who are not contacted by the end of the award period should assume their application has not been successful, as unsuccessful candidates are not individually notified. This means it is important to keep a close eye on your email throughout the selection period and to monitor the Cambridge Trust website for updates.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Because only two scholarships are awarded each year, competition is incredibly fierce. Here are some practical tips to give your application the best possible chance of success.
Apply to a STEM Program if Possible
As mentioned, priority is given to students applying for STEM-related courses. If your academic background qualifies you for a STEM Master’s at Cambridge, applying to one of those programs will increase your chances of being considered for this scholarship.
Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly
The scholarship selection committee looks at both academic merit and financial need. While you do not write a separate scholarship essay, your personal statement and supporting documents should give a genuine picture of your circumstances. Be honest and clear about your financial situation.
Build a Strong Academic Profile
A strong undergraduate degree is essential. Aim for the equivalent of a 2:1 or first-class degree. If you have any research publications, awards, extracurricular achievements, or professional experience that supports your application, make sure those are highlighted in your materials.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your Cambridge application. It should clearly articulate why you want to study your chosen program, what you hope to achieve, and how your background and experiences have prepared you for postgraduate study at one of the world’s top universities. Be specific, authentic, and passionate.
Secure Strong Academic References
Cambridge requires references from academic supervisors or professors who can speak to your intellectual ability and potential. Choose referees who know you well and can write a detailed, enthusiastic letter on your behalf. A generic reference letter will not be enough at this level.

Submit Before the Funding Deadline
This cannot be stressed enough. The funding deadline is earlier than the general admissions deadline in most cases. Missing it means automatic disqualification from scholarship consideration. Set a reminder well in advance and aim to submit your application at least two weeks before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Why This Scholarship Matters
To truly appreciate what the Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship means, it is important to understand the context in which it was created. Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria are countries that have faced enormous political, economic, and social challenges over the past several decades. Students from these regions are often exceptionally talented but face structural barriers that prevent them from accessing world-class education abroad.
The program is part of Cambridge’s broader commitment to increasing access to world-class education for talented students from underrepresented and conflict-affected regions. By partnering with the Bseisu Foundation, the Cambridge Trust is making a statement that talent should not be limited by geography, conflict, or financial circumstance.
The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship represents a significant investment in academic talent from the Middle East. By providing full financial support for postgraduate study at one of the world’s leading universities, it helps nurture future leaders, researchers, and professionals.
Past scholars have gone on to make meaningful contributions in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to business and policy. They have built careers that serve not only their own ambitions but also the communities and regions they come from. That is the real impact of a scholarship like this one.
The Bseisu Foundation’s Wider Scholarship Network
It is worth knowing that the Bseisu Foundation does not only offer this Cambridge partnership. If you are not successful with this particular scholarship or if Cambridge is not your only target, the Foundation supports students at several other leading UK universities as well.
The Bseisu Foundation supports students from Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria who are studying at institutions including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. At the University of Glasgow, for example, the scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate taught Master’s students studying in STEM programs.
This wider network of scholarships means that if you are from one of the eligible countries and you are serious about pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK, the Bseisu Foundation should be at the top of your list of funding sources to explore.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Getting your timing right is critical when applying for this scholarship. Here is a summary of the key dates to keep in mind for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Applications Open: Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are open now.
- Funding Deadlines: Vary by course. Check the Postgraduate Course Directory on the University of Cambridge website for the specific funding deadline for your program.
- Selection Period: March to July 2026.
- Notification: Successful candidates are notified during the selection period. Unsuccessful candidates are not individually notified.
Always give yourself plenty of time to gather documents, write your personal statement, and secure your references. The more prepared you are, the stronger your application will be.
How to Apply: Official Links
To start your journey toward this incredible scholarship opportunity, you need to go directly to the official sources. Here are the key places you need to visit.
To learn about the scholarship and begin your application, visit the official Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship page on the Cambridge Trust website. This page contains the most up-to-date information about eligibility, funding, and the application process.
To find the funding deadline for your specific program, you will need to consult the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory, where all program-specific funding deadlines are listed.
To submit your actual application for admission, you will use the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, through which all postgraduate admissions are processed.
For more information about the Bseisu Foundation and their wider range of scholarships, visit the official Bseisu Foundation scholarships page.
Final Thoughts
The Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship 2026/27 is one of the most valuable and meaningful scholarship opportunities available for students from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria. It offers full financial coverage for a Master’s degree at one of the world’s top universities, and it asks for no more than a standard Cambridge admission application in return.
Yes, only two scholarships are awarded each year, which makes this a highly competitive opportunity. But that should not discourage you from applying. Every year, talented students from the Middle East who have the right academic credentials and genuine financial need are selected and go on to build exceptional careers that make a real difference in the world.
If you believe in your potential and you are ready to commit to the hard work that a Cambridge Master’s degree demands, then this scholarship deserves your serious attention. Start by researching the right program for you, check your funding deadline, and put together the strongest application you possibly can. The Bseisu Foundation and the Cambridge Trust are waiting to hear from the next generation of outstanding scholars from the Middle East.
Good luck. Your Cambridge journey might be closer than you think.
