About the scholarships
The Salam Scholarships were 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 Salam Scholarships are available across all subjects and areas of study.
For the academic year 2026/27, the Salam Scholarships aim to support five* women starting their full-time programme in August/September 2026.
The 2026/27 scholarships aim to support:
- 1 x Undergraduate student - view Undergraduate programmes
- 1 x Master's student - view Master's programmes
- 1 x PhD - visit the Ulster University Doctoral College
- 2 x MBBS students (Graduate Entry Medicine) - view the MBBS programmes
*Please note that the number and type of Salam Scholarships awarded annually are subject to change.
The Salam Scholarships 2026/27 results will be published in March 2026.
Scholarships value
The scholarships will cover*
- Full annual tuition fees
- Full annual costs of accommodation
- All UK student visa and health surcharge costs
- Annual travel grant
- Monthly stipend to cover other living costs
- One-off £1,000 materials grant
- Annual £1,000 research grant (PhD only)
*Funding will be for scholarship recipients only and not for any accompanying dependents (where relevant).
The benefits of studying at Ulster University, Northern Ireland
Ulster University is the UK and Ireland 'University of the Year 2024', with a national and international reputation for teaching excellence and research innovation.
Ulster University is home to over 30,000 students from more than 70 countries. Our international students are valued and respected for the unique experiences and perspectives they contribute to university life, enriching the study experience for all.
We have campuses in:
Our programmes are designed with your career in mind, most being developed in partnership with employers to ensure the skills, knowledge and experience you gain match the needs of your chosen profession.
- 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 its students.
A series of welcome events are organised for all 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, as well as additional support if required.
Scholarships eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply for the Salam Scholarships 2026/27, applicants must meet a number of criteria detailed below.
- Be a female Palestinian currently resident in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (except for applicants from Gaza), 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 nationality, e.g., a copy of the identity page of your passport or other official document such as a National ID card (in English);
- Be able to demonstrate your financial need and inability to study abroad through the finances of your immediate family. Indicators may 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
- Families impacted by the current war in Gaza
- Be applying to Ulster University to commence a new qualification and not be seeking funding for a programme 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;
- Do not already hold a qualification at the level of programme, 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 (MBBS exception);
- Give full details of two referees (one academic/employment, one financial) who would be able and willing, if requested, to comment on your suitability for the scholarship;
- Fully meet the academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen programme in 2026/27. Being awarded a scholarship is dependent on you receiving an unconditional offer for your specific programme at Ulster University by the specified deadline for the 2026/27 academic year;
- Be able to take up the scholarship in the academic year 2026/27 and live in Northern Ireland (UK) for the duration of your studies.
- Show leadership potential in your chosen field or sector;
- Demonstrate how your programme of study/research will benefit your career, your country and society in the future.
Scholarships application requirements
It is essential that you:
- Carefully check the application deadline and that you fully meet all academic and English language requirements for your preferred programme at Ulster University;
- Fill out all sections of the Salam Scholarship application form as required. Applications with inadequately answered questions will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered for a Salam Scholarship;
- Alongside your Salam Scholarship application, email a copy of the identity page of your passport or another form of identification, e.g. National ID card (in English) to salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk;
- Confirm that, if shortlisted for interview, you will be able to provide the documentation listed below beforehand;
- Complete the Declaration section at the end of the application form, certifying that no form of Artificial Intelligence has been used and 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 (except for your passport/ID document).
All Scholarships
A certified copy of the identity page of your passport or another form of identification, e.g. National ID card (in English). To be emailed to salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk when you submit your Salam Scholarships application;
Two pieces of certified evidence to demonstrate your financial need (e.g., bank statement, salary slip, proof of financial support from school/college/ government, explanation letter of any special circumstances regarding your family's financial situation signed by you, your spouse and/or parent(s)), unless otherwise agreed with the Salam Scholarships Officer;
Your original English language proficiency score report (dated September 2024 or later), unless agreed otherwise with the Salam Scholarships Officer.
Undergraduate Scholarships (including Integrated Foundation Year) Only
An official copy of a High School Diploma (Tawjihi) or equivalent (International Baccalaureate, GCE, SAT etc);
An official copy of other further education and/or transcripts for higher education qualifications you have undertaken (in English). These should include an explanation of the grading system used.
Postgraduate Scholarships (Master's, PhD) and the MBBS Only
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 programme at Ulster University.
We will contact your referees directly only if you are successful following interview.
Applying for an Undergraduate Programme
Important: If you are dependent on a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, we would advise you to wait, if possible, for the outcome of your Salam Scholarship application in March 2026 before applying to the University for your preferred programme. Please note your course application to Ulster University is separate from your Salam Scholarship application.
Ulster University offers a range of Undergraduate programmes in Science, Technology and Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Most Undergraduate programme applications directly to Ulster University for the 2026/27 academic year must be submitted in June 2026 (date to be confirmed). Exceptions apply so please check your preferred programme details carefully.
Detailed Undergraduate application instructions can be found here
If you do not meet the criteria for an Undergraduate programme (for example, you have only completed a Tawjihi), you may instead consider applying for an Integrated Foundation Year.
Applying for a Master's Programme
Important: If you are dependent on a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, we would advise you to wait, if possible, for the outcome of your Salam Scholarship application in March 2026 before applying to the University for your preferred programme. Please note your course application to Ulster University is separate from your Salam Scholarship application.
The University offers a range of Postgraduate (Master's) programmes in Science, Technology and Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Most Master's applications directly to Ulster University for the 2026/27 academic year must be submitted in June 2026 (date to be confirmed). Exceptions apply so please check your preferred programme details carefully.
Detailed Master's application instructions can be found here
Applying for a PhD
Important: If you are dependent on a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, we would advise you to wait for the outcome of your Salam Scholarship application in March 2026 before applying to the University for your preferred research. Please note your PhD application to Ulster University is separate from your Salam Scholarship application.
To be successful in obtaining an offer for PhD study, you need to first identify whether the University has 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.
PhD applications for the 2026/27 academic year, that are linked to The Salam Scholarships, must be submitted to Ulster University by 31 March 2026.
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 for an MBBS (Graduate Entry Medicine)
Important: If you wish to apply for an MBBS and a Salam Scholarship at Ulster University for 2026/2027, there are three application deadlines to note - MBBS (December 2025), Salam Scholarships (January 2026) and the GAMSAT exam (January 2026).
The application deadline to apply for the MBBS programme in 2026/27 is 14 December 2025 at 6pm (UK time) and applications must be made via UCAS.
All applicants to the MBBS are required to undertake and pass the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test). The deadline to apply for the GAMSAT is Monday 26 January 2026, 10am (UK time) and the GAMSAT exam sittings will as follows: Written Communication: 28 February - 1 March 2026. Humanities and Biological Sciences: 20 - 22 March 2026
Please note: Unfortunately, you will not know the outcome of your Salam Scholarship 2026/27 application before the GAMSAT and MBBS application deadlines.
The Salam Scholarships will fund the GAMSAT exam for a small number of individuals on a first come, first served basis. If you intend to apply for a Salam Scholarship and an MBBS 2026/27 at Ulster University, and would like to be considered for GAMSAT funding, please contact salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk for more details.
Important: To be eligible for an MBBS, you must already have fully completed an undergraduate degree in any subject (except medicine).
Selection process for Undergraduate, Master's and PhD studies (excluding MBBS)
The Salam Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and applications are carefully considered by a independent selection panel.
Decisions are based on the candidate’s academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential and a strong demonstration of how their programme/research will benefit their career, country and society in the future.
Dates mentioned below are subject to change.
Check carefully that you meet both the Salam Scholarships and your Ulster University programme eligibility criteria. If you do, you are now ready to apply for a Salam Scholarship.
Applications for the Salam Scholarships 2026/27 close on Friday 16 January 2026 (11.59pm UK time)
Following submission of a Salam Scholarships application form and identification document, candidates will be assessed. Those who are shortlisted will be asked to submit additional documentation before being called to an online interview.
If shortlisted, additional Salam Scholarship documentation will be requested at the end February 2026. Please note some of the same documentation may be requested as part of your Undergraduate/Master's/PhD application to Ulster University.
Interviews will then be conducted in early March 2026 (subject to verified additional documentation).
A provisional list of awards will be agreed and references obtained for 'conditional' and 'reserve' award candidates in mid-March 2026. Please make sure your nominated referees are ready to provide a reference in early March 2026. There will be three outcomes for all Salam Scholarships applications in 2026/27:
Conditional award: Your Salam Scholarship application has been successful. However, the scholarship award is dependent on you receiving an unconditional offer for your specific programme at Ulster University by the specified deadline for the 2026/27 academic year.
Reserve award: You may be offered a Salam Scholarship if another applicant with a conditional award is not approved for their Ulster University programme, withdraws or if further funding becomes available.
Unsuccessful: Unfortunately, your Salam Scholarship application has not been approved on this occasion.
If you are dependent on a Salam Scholarship to study at Ulster University, we would advise you to wait for the outcome of your Salam Scholarship application in March 2026 before applying to Ulster University for your preferred programme. Only individuals with a conditional or reserve Salam Scholarship award should proceed with their University programme application.
All successful Salam Scholarships for 2026/27 (conditional awards) will be subject to an unconditional offer being awarded for your full-time programme at Ulster University and a UK study visa being granted for the start and duration of your studies in Northern Ireland.
-Undergraduate (including the Integrated Foundation Year) and Master's applications, which are linked to The Salam Scholarships, must be submitted to Ulster University in June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed).
-PhD applications linked to The Salam Scholarships must be submitted to Ulster University directly by 31 March 2026.
Ulster University will aim to inform you of the outcome of your programme application by early August 2026 at the latest. For the 2026/27 academic year, the University Welcome Week will begin in mid-September 2026 with studies starting officially the following week (exact dates to be confirmed).
More information: Apply to Ulster University directly
Selection process for MBBS applicants (starting in August 2026)
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the MBBS and the eligibility criteria for the Salam Scholarships. If you do, you are now ready to apply.
Important: For the MBBS, you will not know the outcome of your Salam Scholarship 2026/27 application before the GAMSAT and MBBS 2026 application deadlines. If you wish to apply for an MBBS and a Salam Scholarship at Ulster University in 2026/2027, there are three applications needed - MBBS (14 December 2025, 6pm UK time UCAS), Salam Scholarships (16 January 2026, 11.59pm UK time) and the GAMSAT exam (26 January 2026, 10am UK time).
All successful Salam Scholarships for 2026/27 (conditional award) will be subject to an unconditional offer being awarded for your MBBS at Ulster University and a UK study visa being granted for the start and duration of your studies in Northern Ireland.
Find full details on how to apply for the MBBS at Ulster University. Important: To be eligible for the MBBS, you must have already fully completed an undergraduate degree in any subject (other than medicine).
14 December 2025 at 6pm (UK time) - Deadline for applications to the MBBS 2026/27. Applications must be made via UCAS
Applications for the Salam Scholarships 2026/27 close on Friday 16 January 2026 (11.59pm UK time)
See 'Round 2 - Salam Scholarships Shortlist' and 'Round 3 - Award of Salam Scholarships' in the section above for more details on the Salam Scholarships application and selection processes (Undergraduate, Master's and PhD studies).
All applicants to the MBBS are required to undertake the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test). If you do not pass the GAMSAT, you are no longer eligible for the MBBS at Ulster University.
The deadline to apply for the GAMSAT is Monday 26 January 2026, 10am (UK time) and the GAMSAT exam sittings will as follows: Written Communication: 28 February - 1 March 2026. Humanities and Biological Sciences: 20 - 22 March 2026
The Salam Scholarships will fund the GAMSAT exam for a small number of individuals on a first come, first served basis. If you intend to apply for a Salam Scholarship and an MBBS 2026/27 at Ulster University and would like to be considered for GAMSAT funding, please contact salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk for more details.
Information on GAMSAT.
Virtual interviews for eligible MBBS candidates at Ulster University in 2026/27 will take place in January 2026 and conditional/unconditional offers will be sent to successful applicants in February 2026.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the MBBS start date will be 17 August 2026.
