TheScholarSphere
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Middle East

Scholarships for Syrian Students

30 scholarships open to Syrian students · 27 fully funded · Top destinations: United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands

Syrian students have access to a wide range of international scholarship opportunities. From fully funded government scholarships to prestigious university awards, there are 30 programs currently available — helping Syrian students pursue their academic goals without financial barriers.

30

Total Scholarships

27

Fully Funded

8

Destination Countries

3

Degree Levels

All Scholarships for Syrian Students

DAAD Scholarship

🇩🇪 Germany
Fully Funded
Masters
  • Monthly stipend (€934 for master's, €1,300 for PhD)
  • Health insurance subsidy
  • Travel allowance
Deadline: October 15 (varies by programme)
High

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

🇳🇱 Netherlands
Fully Funded
Masters
  • Participation costs including tuition
  • Monthly living allowance (€1,400/month)
  • Travel and installation costs
Deadline: January–March (varies by programme)
Very High

Stipendium Hungaricum

🇭🇺 Hungary
Fully Funded
Undergraduate Masters PhD
  • Tuition-free education
  • Monthly stipend (HUF 43,700–140,000)
  • Free accommodation or dormitory contribution
Deadline: January 15
Medium

Rhodes Scholarship

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Fully Funded
Masters
  • Full university and college fees
  • Personal stipend (£19,092/year)
  • Return economy airfare
Deadline: Varies by country (June–October)
Very High
Partial Funding
Undergraduate
  • Tuition waiver or significant reduction (up to €13,190/year)
  • Some grants include living cost contribution (€5,000/year)
Deadline: Varies by intake (December–April)
High

Top Destination Countries for Syrian Students

These countries offer the most scholarship opportunities for Syrian students. Click a destination to see specific scholarships and eligibility details.

Scholarships by Degree Level

Browse scholarships for Syrian students organized by academic level.

The Study-Abroad Context for Syrian Students

Syria's higher education sector has been profoundly affected by ongoing conflict since 2011. Syrian students study abroad through emergency scholarship programmes (DAFI, Said Foundation, HOPES, EU Madad Trust Fund) and standard international scholarships where possible. Top destinations include Germany, Turkey, Jordan, UK, and Italy.

Common Challenges for Syrian Applicants

These are the recurring practical issues Syrian applicants face when applying for international scholarships. Knowing them early lets you plan the timeline correctly.

Documentation continuity

Many Syrian universities have ceased standard issuance of documents; alternative pathways through humanitarian programmes exist.

Visa and passport limitations

Syrian passport holders face significant visa restrictions; some destinations accept emergency travel documents.

Banking and sanctions

International sanctions affect financial transfers; legitimate humanitarian channels exist but require documentation.

Limited test centre access

IELTS and GRE centres in Syria have largely closed; international test booking requires travel to Lebanon, Jordan, or Turkey.

Document Attestation and Authentication for Syrian Applicants

Syrian academic documents often require alternative verification through international credential evaluation services (WES, ECE) given the complications of in-country attestation. The Said Foundation, DAAD, DAFI, and partner universities have established alternative documentation pathways for Syrian applicants. UNHCR-issued documents are accepted by many emergency scholarship programmes. Verify specific requirements with each programme; refugee-focused programmes often have streamlined documentation requirements.

What Makes Syrian Applications Strong

Strong Syrian applications emphasise specific research interests aligned with reconstruction and humanitarian needs, leadership during difficult circumstances, and long-term commitment to Syrian recovery. The Said Foundation funds UK and US scholarships for Syrian students; DAFI provides German university funding; HOPES (EU) supports Syrian students at universities in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. Türkiye Bursları has expanded Syrian-specific tracks.

Where Syrian Students Typically Go

These are the most frequently chosen destinations for Syrian scholarship applicants and the specific reasons each one attracts students from Syria.

Germany

DAFI, DAAD, tuition-free public universities, large Syrian refugee community

Turkey

Türkiye Bursları Syrian tracks, geographic accessibility, large Syrian community

Jordan

HOPES programme, geographic proximity, common educational frameworks

United Kingdom

Said Foundation, Scholars at Risk, Chevening (where conditions allow)

Italy

Italian Government Scholarship Syrian tracks, growing refugee community

FAQs: Scholarships for Syrian Students

Popular study destinations for Syrian students include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and several other European and Asian countries. Each offers unique academic strengths, scholarship programs, and post-study work opportunities. Your ideal destination depends on your field of study, budget, and career goals.

TheScholarSphere currently lists 27 fully funded scholarship programs available to Syrian students out of 30 total opportunities. Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living costs, health insurance, and often include travel allowances.

Most English-taught programs in non-English-speaking countries and all programs in English-speaking countries require IELTS (typically 6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100) scores. Some scholarships waive this requirement if you completed your previous degree in English. Always check individual program requirements.

Yes, virtually all international scholarships accept applications from students in their home country. In fact, many government scholarships (like Chevening, DAAD, and Türkiye Bursları) require applicants to be in their home country at the time of application. You can complete the entire application process from Syria.

Scholarships with "medium" or "low" competitiveness ratings tend to be more accessible. Government-to-government scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum, Türkiye Bursları, and Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) have relatively higher acceptance rates compared to highly competitive programs like Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, or Chevening.

Most scholarship deadlines for the 2026 academic year fall between October 2025 and March 2026. Start researching and preparing documents at least 12–18 months in advance. Some programs like Fulbright and Chevening have early deadlines, so planning ahead is essential.

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