About the scholarships
The Salam Scholarships have been established in 2023 to support Palestinian women to study at Ulster University.
They aim to provide opportunities for Palestinian women with ability and potential, but limited opportunity, to access Ulster University studies.
The programme will provide students and young professionals with educational and training opportunities that will help their career development, enabling them to achieve impact in their chosen fields.
The Salam Scholarships are available across all subjects and areas of study.
For the academic year 2024/25, they will support four women starting their full-time course in September 2024.
The 2024 scholarships will support
- 1 x Undergraduate student - view Undergraduate courses
- 1 x Master's student - view Master's courses
- 2 x PhD - visit the Ulster University Doctoral College
NB: For the academic year 2025/26, they will support five women starting their full-time course in August/September 2025.
The 2025 scholarships will support
- 1 x Undergraduate student - view Undergraduate courses
- 1 x Master's student - view Master's courses
- 2 x PhD - visit the Ulster University Doctoral College
- 1 x MBBS student (graduate entry medicine) - view the MBBS course
Applications Open
You can apply now for The Salam Scholarships 2024/25.
The application deadline is 12 May 2024.
Scholarships value
The scholarships will cover*
- Full tuition fees
- Full costs of accommodation
- One return flight home for each year of study
- A stipend to cover other living costs
*Funding will be for scholarship recipients only and not for any accompanying dependents (where relevant).
The benefits of studying at Ulster University, Northern Ireland
We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland (UK).
Ulster University is home to approximately 27,000 students and welcomes international students from more than 70 countries. Our international students are valued and respected for the unique experiences and perspectives that they contribute to university life, enriching the study experience for all students.
We have campuses in:
We are the largest university in Northern Ireland and are recognised as one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024).
- Information on studying at Ulster University
- Hear from other international students about their experience of living in Northern Ireland
Student Support
The university provides a comprehensive and culturally aware support programme for all its students.
A series of welcome events are organised for all students, alongside other international and home students, and particular consideration is given to appropriate pastoral and cultural support.
The university also engages with appropriate civic and cultural organisations to provide a welcoming environment for its students and would be happy to work with them should additional support be sought.
Scholarships Eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply for The Salam Scholarships, applicants must meet a number of criteria detailed below.
In addition, please be sure to a check eligibility requirements for your preferred course/area of study at Ulster University.
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Essential Requirements
- Be a female Palestinian currently resident in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, holding a Palestinian or Jerusalem ID. Priority will be given to residents in the West Bank, Gaza or one of the Palestinian Refugee Camps;
- Be able to provide certified proof of Occupied Palestinian Territory residency. Evidenced by providing a certified copy of the identity page of your passport (or other official document, e.g. National ID card);
- Have applied to Ulster University for your chosen course/area of study;
- Have an international fee status classification;
- Be in financial need and unable to study abroad through the finances of your immediate family. Indicators include:
- -Families of students registered for support with the Ministry of Social Affairs
- -Students from families with one breadwinner because the other breadwinner doesn’t work, is sick (chronic disease), or deceased
- Be applying to Ulster University to commence a new qualification and not be seeking funding for a course you have already commenced, or which will begin before scholarship awards have been notified;
- Have not already studied at a university outside the West Bank, Gaza, Israel or Lebanon (desirable);
- Not already hold a qualification at the level of course, or higher, to which you are applying at Ulster University; e.g. if applying for an undergraduate degree, you must not already have completed a degree at an undergraduate level;
- Give details of two referees (minimum one academic) who are able and willing to comment on your suitability for this scholarship;
- Be able to take up the scholarship in the academic year 2024/25 and live in Northern Ireland for the duration of your studies.
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English Language Requirements
All applicants to Ulster University are required to show evidence of a minimum English language level in order to be accepted on to our courses.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English language in order to be granted a UK Student Visa to study at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level (unless the student is exempt).
- Most of our courses require a minimum English level of IELTS 6.0 (Academic) or equivalent, with no band score under 5.5;
- Trinity ISE: Pass at level III (with a pass in each component) also meets this requirement;
- 'Password' test is for Ulster University applicants only who have an outstanding English language condition, excluding School of Medicine. It is valid for one year and must be valid on the first day of semester of the course;
- We accept a wide range of alternative English language examinations so please check the list of other accepted tests;
- All English language examinations must have been taken in the last two years (September 2022 or later);
- Some of our courses ask for a specific English language exam and/or a higher score. It is therefore important to look at individual course requirements;
- If you meet the English language level for entry to your chosen course, you will also meet the minimum English language level required by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) for a Student Visa;
Find out more information on the English language levels and testing options
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Other Requirements
- Satisfy UK immigration requirements;
- Demonstrate leadership potential in your chosen field or sector;
- Provide an explanation of how your studies will enable you to contribute to civic society.
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Primary Determinants
The primary determinants for obtaining these scholarships is based on three conditions:
- Must meet the academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen course/area of study;
- Must be able to demonstrate a need for financial aid to study at Ulster University;
- Must be able to demonstrate how your course of study will benefit your future and society.
Scholarships application requirements
Applications with unanswered questions or missing documentation will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered for a scholarship.
The only requirement at the point of submission of an application to The Salam Scholarships will be to provide proof of your address and a copy of the identity page of your passport or another form of identification, e.g. National ID card.
It is essential that you:
- Fill out all required sections in the application form;
- Email proof of your address and a copy of the identity page of your passport or another form of identification (e.g. National ID card) to salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk;
- Confirm that, if shortlisted for interview, you will be able to provide the items and documents listed below beforehand;
- Complete the Declaration section in the last part of the application form, certifying that all the information given is true, complete and accurate.
Please note that the documentation listed below will only be requested if you are shortlisted for interview.
All Scholarships:
One copy of a recent passport-sized photograph;
A certified copy of the identity page of your passport or other official document, e.g. National ID card (Palestinian or Jerusalem ID). Official documents must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected completion of your study at Ulster University.
Evidence of financial need. We will send a financial statement form for you to complete if you are shortlisted for interview;
Your original English language proficiency score report (IELTS or other acceptable exam dated September 2022 or later);
Evidence of an offer from Ulster University for your chosen course/area of study.
Undergraduate Scholarships:
An official copy of a High School Diploma (Tawjihi) or equivalent (International Baccalaureate, GCE, SAT etc).
Postgraduate Scholarships (Master's, PhD):
An official copy of the graduation certificate for all higher education qualifications you have completed (in English). Do not include copies of certificates from short programmes or for non-degree level programmes. Temporary certificates are only accepted if studies were completed within the preceding 12 months;
An official copy of the academic transcripts for all higher education qualifications you have completed (in English). Please also include an explanation of the grading system, where provided with your transcript or otherwise available.
Important: It is your responsibility to ensure that your academic qualifications are of sufficient standard for your chosen area of study at Ulster University.
Please note we will contact your referees directly only if you are successful following interview.
Your study choice
There are no restrictions on academic subjects but candidates must demonstrate that their subject will enable them to contribute to societal development.
You should ensure you hold the specified qualifications and academic grades required for the academic course/area of study you intend applying for.
Please choose your course/area of study carefully. You will not normally be permitted to revise your choice after submission, unless a programme does not run. Applicants are therefore advised to thoroughly research their choice. The relevance of the studies to an applicant’s career development and to societal development will form part of the assessment criteria.
For the 2024/25 academic year, the approximate start date for most students at Ulster University will be 23 September 2024, with Welcome Week commencing 16 September 2024. However, you are advised to confirm the specific start date for your area of study.
Find out more about applying as an international student.
Applying for an Undergraduate course
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2024/25 is 12 May 2024.
The University offers a range of Undergraduate courses in Science, Technology and Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Undergraduate course applications directly to Ulster University for the 2024/25 academic year must be submitted by 07 May 2024.
Detailed Undergraduate application instructions can be found here
If you do not meet the criteria for an Undergraduate course, you may instead consider applying for an International Foundation Year.
Applying for a Master's
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2024/25 is 12 May 2024.
The University offers a range of Postgraduate Courses in Science, Technology and Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Masters' applications to Ulster University for the 2024/25 academic year must be submitted by 07 May 2024.
Detailed Master's application instructions can be found here
Applying for a PhD
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2024/25 is 12 May 2024.
PhD applications for the 2024/25 academic year, that are linked to The Salam Scholarships, must be submitted to Ulster University by 07 May 2024.
To be successful in obtaining an offer for PhD study, you need to first identify whether we have supervisors who can support your chosen field of study.
As part of the online application process, you will be required to submit a research proposal and you can obtain support for writing the proposal from the named supervisors associated with your chosen field of study, noted within the link above.
When you are ready to submit an application, follow the links from the relevant page above and apply online, selecting ‘Self-Funding’ PhD in the appropriate Faculty. Please ensure that you mention The Salam Scholarships as the source of funding on your application form.
Applying to the MBBS (graduate entry medicine)
Please note The Salam Scholarships will not support an MBBS student for the 2024/25 academic year.
Applications will open in September 2024 for students planning to enter the MBBS at Ulster University in August 2025. The application deadline for the MBBS 2025/26 is 15 October 2024 and applications must be made via UCAS.
All applicants to the MBBS are required to undertake the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test). The 2024 deadline to register for the GAMSAT is 04 July 2024 for taking the GAMSAT in September 2024.
To register your interest in the MBBS 2025/2026 and be kept informed about key dates and the process, please complete the form below.
Selection process for Undergraduate, Master's and PhD studies (excluding the MBBS)
The Salam Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and applications are carefully considered by a selection panel.
Our decisions are based on the candidate’s academic excellence, the usefulness of the subject to their and society’s development, their leadership potential, their commitment to serving their community and their future career goals.
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Round 1 - Apply to Ulster University
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for your chosen area of study and the eligibility criteria for The Salam Scholarships.
Apply to Ulster University directly for your chosen course/area of study before applying for The Salam Scholarships. Otherwise, you will not eligible to apply for the programme.
The Ulster University deadline for 2024/25 Undergraduate (including Foundation Year), Master's and PhD applications linked to The Salam Scholarships: 07 May 2024.
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Round 2 - Apply for The Salam Scholarships
Once you have submitted an application for your course or area of study at Ulster University, and if you meet The Salam Scholarships eligibility criteria, you are now ready to apply.
The Salam Scholarships application deadline for the 2024/25 academic year is 12 May 2024.
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Round 3 - Salam Interview
Following submission of a Salam Scholarships application with proof of address and ID, candidates will be assessed. Those who are shortlisted will be asked to submit additional documentation before being called to an online interview.
Additional Salam Scholarship documentation will be requested by 26 May 2024.
Please note some of the same documentation may be requested as part of your Undergraduate/Master's/PhD application to Ulster University.
Interviews will be conducted at end May 2024 (subject to verified additional documentation).
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Round 4 - Award of Salam Scholarships
A provisional list of awards will be agreed and references obtained for successful candidates by mid-June 2024. Please make sure your nominated referees are ready to provide a reference during the first two weeks of June 2024.
No candidate is guaranteed an award, even if all scholarship criteria are met.
If offered a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, candidates will be required to satisfy UK visa requirements.
Selection process for MBBS applicants (entering the MBBS in August 2025)
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Round 1 - Meet the Entry Requirements
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the MBBS and the eligibility criteria for The Salam Scholarships.
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Round 2 - Register for GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)
The deadline to apply to register for the GAMSAT is 04 July 2024 for the September 2024 GAMSAT sitting.
Ulster University will cover the costs of sitting the GAMSAT for up to 15 applicants, to be offered on a first come first served basis. Please register your interest in availing of this offer through the MBBS Expression of Interest form.
- Round 3 - Apply to Ulster University
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Round 4 - Secure the GAMSAT
GAMSAT results will be published mid-November 2024. If you have not passed the GAMSAT, you are no longer eligible for the MBBS at Ulster University (August 2025 entry).
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Round 5 - MBBS 2025/26 Interviews and Offers
Interviews for the MBBS 2025/26 will take place in January 2025 and offers will be sent to successful applicants in February 2025.
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Round 6 - Apply for The Salam Scholarships 2025/26
If you have received an offer for the MBBS, and you meet the eligibility criteria, you are now ready to apply for The Salam Scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year.
April 2025 – Deadline for applications to The Salam Scholarships 2025/26 (to be confirmed).
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Round 7 - Salam Interview
Following submission of an application with proof of address and ID, candidates will be assessed. Those who are shortlisted will be asked to submit additional documentation before being called to an online interview.
Additional documentation will be requested and interviews will be conducted in April-May 2025 (to be confirmed).
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Round 8 - Award of Salam Scholarships
A provisional list of MBBS awards will be agreed and references obtained for successful candidates in May 2025. Please make sure your nominated referees are ready to provide a reference at the end of April/start of May 2025.
No candidate is guaranteed an award, even if all scholarship criteria are met.
If offered a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, candidates will be required to satisfy UK visa requirements.
Key Dates 2024/2025
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Undergraduate
- By 07 May 2024 – Undergraduate course applications directly to Ulster University to be submitted (including Foundation Year)
- 12 May 2024 – Deadline to apply for The Salam Scholarships
- 26 May 2024 – Additional documentation requested for shortlisted candidates only
- End May 2024 – Interviews conducted for shortlisted candidates (subject to verified additional documentation)
- Mid-June 2024 – Provisional list of awards agreed and references obtained
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Master's
- By 07 May 2024 – Master's course applications directly to Ulster University must be submitted
- 12 May 2024 – Deadline to apply for The Salam Scholarships
- 26 May 2024 – Additional documentation submitted for shortlisted candidates only
- End May 2024 – Interviews conducted for shortlisted candidates (subject to verified additional documentation)
- Mid-June 2024 – Provisional list of awards agreed and references obtained
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PhD
- By 07 May 2024 – Submission of application and research proposal to Ulster University Doctoral College
- Detailed instructions can be found here (Please note: Choose 'Self-Funding' PhD option)
- 12 May 2024 – Deadline to apply for The Salam Scholarships
- 26 May 2024 – Additional documentation submitted for shortlisted candidates only
- End May 2024 – Interviews conducted for shortlisted candidates (subject to verified additional documentation)
- Mid-June 2024 – Provisional list of awards agreed and references obtained
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For students applying to the MBBS in 2025/26
GAMSAT options:
- 04 July 2024 – Register for September 2024 GAMSAT
- September 2024 – Undertake GAMSAT
- 15 October 2024 – Deadline for applications to Ulster University for the MBBS 2025/26 (via UCAS)
- Mid-November 2024 – GAMSAT results published. If you have not passed the GAMSAT, you are not eligible for the 2025/26 MBBS
- January-February 2025 – MBBS interviews and offers
For those with an MBBS 2025/26 offer from Ulster University:
- April 2025 – Deadline for applications to The Salam Scholarships
- April-May 2025 – Additional documentation requested for shortlisted candidates and interviews conducted
- May 2025 – Provisional list of awards agreed and references obtained