For outstanding students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, studying at the University of Oxford can be a life-changing academic opportunity. The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship 2027 in UK provides exceptional postgraduate applicants with the chance to pursue a Master’s or PhD at one of the world’s most prestigious universities without the financial burden normally associated with studying abroad.
The scholarship is a fully funded opportunity at the University of Oxford, covering university and college fees, the application fee, a generous annual living stipend, and return airfare. Two scholarships are available each year, with one specifically reserved for Syrian candidates.
Organized by the Rhodes Trust in partnership with the Saïd Foundation, the SJLP Scholarships were announced in 2016, and the first Scholars arrived at Oxford in October 2017. The initiative builds on the long-standing mission of the Rhodes Scholarship, the world’s oldest international postgraduate scholarship program.
If you are an ambitious student from one of the eligible countries and meet the academic and age requirements, the SJLP Rhodes Scholarship 2027 could provide a pathway to advanced study, international academic networks, and a transformative experience at Oxford.
The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship designed for outstanding candidates from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. It supports full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
Two scholarships are offered each year. One scholarship is open to eligible candidates from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, while the second is reserved exclusively for Syrian candidates.
The program is intended for academically excellent students who demonstrate the potential to succeed in a highly competitive international academic environment. Successful applicants can undertake an eligible Master’s or doctoral pathway at Oxford, subject to the scholarship and university requirements.
The scholarship was established through a partnership between the Rhodes Trust and the Saïd Foundation. Since its launch, it has provided an important opportunity for talented students from the region to access world-class postgraduate education.
One of the most attractive features of the SJLP Rhodes Scholarship 2027 in UK is its comprehensive financial support. Successful Scholars receive funding designed to cover the major costs associated with studying and living at Oxford.
The scholarship covers all University and college fees for the approved period of study. This significantly reduces the financial barriers associated with postgraduate education at Oxford.
The cost of the University application is also covered. Applicants therefore do not have to bear this expense themselves as part of the scholarship arrangement.
Each Scholar receives a living stipend of £16,218 per year. This allowance is intended to help cover living expenses while studying in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship includes an economy-class airfare to Oxford at the beginning of the scholarship. Scholars also receive an economy flight back to their home country at the end of the scholarship.
The standard scholarship tenure is two years, provided the Scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance and personal conduct.
In certain circumstances, the scholarship can be extended for a third year. This is subject to an application process and is intended for Scholars following a recognized route to the DPhil, or PhD.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before beginning their application. Meeting the minimum criteria does not necessarily guarantee selection because the scholarship is highly competitive.
Applicants must be from one of the following countries:
Two scholarships are available annually, and one of the two scholarships is exclusively available to Syrian candidates.
Applicants must meet the age requirement on 1 October 2026.You must be at least 18 years old and must not have reached your 24th birthday. This generally means you were born after 1 October 2002 and on or before 1 October 2008.Older applicants may also qualify if they completed their first undergraduate degree later than usual.
In this category, candidates must not have reached their 27th birthday, meaning they must have been born after 1 October 1999. They must also meet, or be expected to meet, the first-degree completion requirements on or after 1 October 2025.
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete by June or July 2027, an undergraduate degree.
The degree should normally be equivalent to a First Class qualification or a minimum GPA of 3.70 out of 4.0, or an equivalent academic standard.
Because the Rhodes Scholarship is highly competitive, successful candidates typically rank among the strongest students in their graduating classes.
Applicants must satisfy the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency requirements at the Higher Level.
It is important to check the requirements for your intended Oxford course because some programs may require an even higher level of English proficiency.
Preparing your application documents early can help prevent last-minute problems. Applicants should prepare the following:
Applicants should also provide their referees with the Guidance for Referees so that referees understand the requirements and expectations of the scholarship application.
Your personal statement is particularly important. It should present your academic interests, aspirations, achievements, experiences, and reasons for pursuing postgraduate study at Oxford in a clear and compelling manner.
The application process should be approached carefully because the deadline is strict and the scholarship is highly competitive.
Before starting your application, carefully read the Information for Candidates and the Conditions of Tenure. Understanding the rules and expectations can help you determine whether the scholarship and your intended Oxford course are suitable for you.
Collect your birth certificate, passport copy, academic transcripts, English-language evidence, CV, photograph, and personal statement.Make sure all documents are accurate and meet the required format.
Identify appropriate referees and share the Guidance for Referees with them. Give your referees sufficient time to prepare and submit their recommendations.
Applicants can register for an information session if they need additional guidance about the scholarship or application process. These sessions can be useful for understanding the requirements before submitting an application.
The application opens on 1 June 2026 and closes at 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026.Applicants should submit their online applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours. The application form is available only during the official application period.If extraordinary circumstances affect your ability to apply, you can contact the National Secretary at SJLP.secretary@rhodestrust.com for guidance.
The most important date applicants should remember is: Application deadline: 23:59 GMT, 27 August 2026
Since scholarship applications can require substantial preparation, prospective candidates should begin collecting documents, contacting referees, researching Oxford courses, and developing their personal statement as early as possible.
A strong application requires more than simply meeting the eligibility criteria. Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual ambition, and the potential to make a meaningful contribution through their future work.
The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for eligible students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue Master’s or PhD-level study at the University of Oxford.
Two scholarships are available each year. One of these scholarships is reserved exclusively for Syrian candidates.
Successful Scholars receive a living stipend of £16,218 per year. In addition, the scholarship covers University and college fees, the application fee, and eligible return airfare.
The scholarship supports full-time postgraduate study at Oxford, including Master’s programs and recognized routes leading toward doctoral study. A third year may be possible for eligible Scholars pursuing a recognized route to the DPhil, subject to approval.
The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the final day.
The standard tenure is two years. A third year may be available through an application process for Scholars taking a recognized route to the DPhil. The extension is not automatic.
Yes. Applicants must meet Oxford's Higher Level English language proficiency requirements. However, individual Oxford courses may have additional or higher language requirements.
The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship offers more than financial assistance. Studying at Oxford provides Scholars with access to a globally recognized academic environment, international networks, experienced academics, and opportunities for intellectual development.
For students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, the scholarship can also provide an important opportunity to build advanced expertise and develop skills that can contribute to their communities and professional fields.
The combination of full financial support, Oxford education, international exposure, and the broader Rhodes community makes this a particularly valuable opportunity for high-achieving postgraduate applicants.