How a Palestinian Scholar Earned the Fully Funded Joint Chevening–Saïd Foundation Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Education Policy and International Development at the University of Sussex, UK

My name is Azza. I’m a Palestinian from the Maghazi Refugee Camp in Gaza. I come from a refugee family and grew up aware of the financial and structural challenges that students like me face. I earned my BA in English Language and Literature from Al-Azhar University in Gaza, graduating top of my entire university class. I also completed a Higher Diploma in Education from Al-Quds Open University. Recently, I completed an MA in Education Policy and International Development at the University of Sussex through a joint Chevening and Saïd Foundation scholarship.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded joint scholarship from the Chevening Programme (funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) and the Saïd Foundation. I had also received final offers from the Irish Government Scholarship and the Saïd Foundation alone. These scholarships are highly competitive and select individuals with strong leadership potential and academic excellence. I chose the UK and the joint Chevening–Saïd award for the strength of the academic program and the unique support both scholarships offered.

Educational Background

My academic journey started with an English language scholarship from the US Consulate in Jerusalem. I graduated from high school with the highest score in the humanities stream across both Gaza and the West Bank: 99.5%. This earned me the Presidential Scholarship to study English at Al-Azhar University. I graduated with a GPA of 96.5%, ranked first across all faculties. I also earned a Higher Diploma in Education with distinction. These achievements were the result of consistent effort and a clear goal: to use education as a tool for social change

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Sussex?

I began researching UK universities early. I used university websites, connected with alumni, and studied program structures carefully. I focused on programs that matched my academic background and professional experience in teaching and education development. I applied to five universities and received unconditional offers from all. I prepared for the IELTS exam while working part-time in two institutions and studying for my diploma. I studied independently using online resources and practice tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I treated the application like a long-term project. I read successful essays, reviewed the values of each scholarship, and aligned my story accordingly. I focused my essays on refugee education and my work in Gaza. I edited my essays many times and asked trusted peers for feedback. For interviews, I practiced through mock interviews and researched common questions. I reflected deeply on my goals and stayed consistent across all applications. I applied to Chevening, Saïd, and the Irish scholarship in the same year and received final offers from all three.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

• Academic excellence from school through university
• Experience teaching over 3,000 students at Al-Azhar University
• Practical engagement in developing job-market-aligned content
• Leadership in raising awareness among students about volunteering and career planning
• Clear, long-term commitment to refugee education
• A coherent narrative built around lived experience, ambition, and action

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

During my first attempt, I only applied for the HESPAL scholarship. It was cancelled due to funding cuts, and I had no alternatives. That was a major setback. If I were to do it again, I would apply for multiple scholarships at once. It’s important not to depend on a single opportunity.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

• Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start preparing now
• Apply for more than one scholarship to increase your chances
• Be clear about your goals and how your background connects to them
• Read the criteria of each scholarship and tailor your application accordingly
• Practice for the interview like it’s a job you want.
• Believe in your story, even if it feels ordinary to you—it might inspire someone else