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 programme provides 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 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
- 1 x PhD - visit the Ulster University Doctoral College
- 2 x MBBS students (Graduate Entry Medicine) - view the MBBS course
Applications Open
You can apply now for The Salam Scholarships 2025/26.
The application deadline is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025.
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 have been shortlisted for University of the Year in 2024 by Times Higher Education.
- 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 check the eligibility requirements for your preferred course/research at Ulster University before applying for a Salam Scholarship. Being awarded a scholarship is dependent on you receiving an unconditional offer for your specific course/PhD at Ulster University by the specified deadline for the 2025/26 academic year.
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Essential Requirements
- 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 residency, e.g., a copy of the identity page of your passport or other official document such as a National ID card (in English);
- Be in financial need and unable 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
- 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;
- 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 (MBBS exception);
- Give details of two referees (one academic/employment, one financial) who are able and willing to comment on your suitability for this scholarship;
- Be able to take up the scholarship in the academic year 2025/26 and live in Northern Ireland (UK) 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). This level is often referred to as the ‘B2 level’.
- Most of our courses require a minimum English level of IELTS 6.0 (Academic) or equivalent, with no band score under 5.5. We also accept IELTS Academic Online;
- 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 2023 or later);
- Some of our courses/research programmes ask for a specific English language exam and/or a higher score. It is therefore important to look at individual course/research 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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Primary Determinants
The primary determinants for obtaining a Salam Scholarship are based on the following conditions:
- Must meet the academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen course/research;
- Must be able to demonstrate a need for financial aid to study at Ulster University;
- Must show leadership potential in your chosen field or sector;
- Must satisfy UK immigration requirements;
- Must be able to demonstrate how your course of study/research will benefit your career, your country and society in the future.
Scholarships application requirements
Applications with inadequately answered questions or missing documentation will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered for a scholarship.
It is essential that you:
- Carefully check your preferred course(s)/research at Ulster University to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements;
- Fill out all sections of the application form as required;
- Confirm that, if shortlisted for interview, you will be able to provide the items and documents listed below beforehand;
- Complete the Declaration section at the end of the application form, certifying that all the information given is true, complete and accurate;
- Alongside your application, 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 (in English) to salamscholarships@ulster.ac.uk;
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. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected completion of your study at Ulster University;
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));
Your original English language proficiency score report (IELTS or other acceptable exam dated September 2023 or later).
Undergraduate Scholarships (including Integrated Foundation Year if Tawjihi only completed)
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:
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 studies at Ulster University.
Please note we will contact your referees directly only if you are successful following interview.
Applying for an Undergraduate course
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025. Results will be published in March 2025.
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 2025 before applying to the University for your preferred course.
Ulster 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 2025/26 academic year must be submitted by 02 June 2025.
Detailed Undergraduate application instructions can be found here
If you do not meet the criteria for an Undergraduate course (for example, you have only completed a Tawjihi), you may instead consider applying for an Integrated Foundation Year.
Applying for a Master's
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025. Results will be published in March 2025.
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 2025 before applying to the University for your preferred course.
The University offers a range of Postgraduate (Master's) courses in Science, Technology and Engineering, Business, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Master's course applications directly to Ulster University for the 2025/26 academic year must be submitted by 02 June 2025.
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 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025. Results will be published in March 2025.
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 2025 before applying to the University for your preferred research.
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 2025/26 academic year, that are linked to The Salam Scholarships, must be submitted to Ulster University by 31 March 2025.
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)
Applications for The Salam Scholarships are now open. The application deadline for 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025. Results will be published in March 2025.
The application deadline to apply for the MBBS in 2025/26 is 29 January 2025 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 will be 20 January 2025 (10am GMT) and the GAMSAT exam sitting will likely be in mid-March 2025 (exact date/time to be confirmed).
Please note: Unfortunately, you will not know the outcome of your Salam Scholarship 2025/26 application before the GAMSAT and MBBS 2025 application deadlines. Your Salam, GAMSAT and MBBS applications would all need to be submitted around the same time period towards the end of January 2025.
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 at Ulster University in 2025/26 and would like to be considered for GAMSAT funding, please complete the form below: MBBS 2025 Expression of Interest.
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, level of financial need, leadership potential and a strong demonstration of how their course/research will benefit their career, country and society in the future.
Dates mentioned below are subject to change.
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Round 1 - Apply for The Salam Scholarships
Check carefully that you meet both The Salam Scholarships and your Ulster University course/research eligibility criteria. If you do, you are now ready to apply for a Salam Scholarship.
The application deadline for The Salam Scholarships 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025.
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Round 2 - Salam Scholarships Shortlist
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.
If shortlisted, additional Salam Scholarship documentation will be requested at the end February 2025. 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 2025 (subject to verified additional documentation).
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Round 3 - Award of Salam Scholarships
A provisional list of awards will be agreed and references obtained for 'conditional' and 'reserve' award candidates in mid-March 2025. Please make sure your nominated referees are ready to provide a reference in early March 2025. There will be three outcomes for all Salam Scholarships applications in 2025/26:
Conditional award: Your Salam Scholarship application has been successful. However, the scholarship award is dependent on you receiving an unconditional offer for your specific course/PhD at Ulster University by the specified deadline for the 2025/26 academic year.
Reserve award: You may be offered a Salam Scholarship if another applicant with a conditional award is not approved for their course/PhD, 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 2025 before applying to Ulster University for your preferred course/PhD. Only individuals with a conditional or reserve Salam Scholarship award should proceed with their University course/research application.
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Round 4 - Apply to Ulster University
All successful Salam Scholarships for 2025/26 (conditional award) will be subject to an unconditional offer being awarded for your full-time course/PhD 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 directly by 02 June 2025.
-PhD applications linked to The Salam Scholarships must be submitted to Ulster University directly by 31 March 2025.
Ulster University will aim to inform you of the outcome of your course/research application by early August 2025 at the latest. For the 2025/26 academic year, the University Welcome Week will begin on 15 September 2025 with studies starting officially the following Monday, 22 September 2025.
More information: Apply to Ulster University directly
Selection process for MBBS applicants (starting 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. If you do, you are now ready to apply.
Important: For the MBBS, you will not know the outcome of your Salam Scholarship 2025/26 application before the GAMSAT and MBBS 2025 application deadlines. Your Salam, GAMSAT and MBBS applications would therefore all need to be submitted around the same time period towards the end of January 2025.
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Round 2 - Register for the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)Register for the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)
If you meet both the MBBS and Salam Scholarships entry requirements, you are now ready to begin the application process.
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.
2025 dates for the GAMSAT have yet to be released. The deadline to apply will be 20 January 2025 (10am GMT) and the GAMSAT exam sitting will likely be in mid-March 2025 (exact date/time to be confirmed). Results of the GAMSAT should be released in May 2025.
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 at Ulster University in 2025/26, and would like to be considered for GAMSAT funding, please complete an MBBS 2025 Expression of Interest Form.
Information on GAMSAT.
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Round 3 - Apply for the MBBS at Ulster University
All successful Salam Scholarships for 2025/26 (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.
29 January 2025 - Deadline for applications to the MBBS 2025/26. Applications must be made via UCAS
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Round 4 - Apply for the Salam ScholarshipsApply for the Salam Scholarships
The application deadline for The Salam Scholarships 2025/26 is 23:59 (UK time), Sunday 26 January 2025. Results will be published in March 2025.
See 'Round 2 - Salam Scholarships Shortlist' and 'Round 3 - Award of Salam Scholarships' in the section above (Selection process for Undergraduate, Master's and PhD studies...) for more details on the Salam Scholarships application process.
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Round 5 - MBBS 2025/26 Interviews and Offers
Interviews for eligible MBBS candidates at Ulster University in 2025/26 will take place in May 2025 and offers will be sent to successful applicants in June 2025.
For the 2025/26 academic year, the MBBS start date will be 18 August 2025.