Palestine-Oxford Scholarship in Geography and the Environment 2027 – Fully Funded PhD

Overview

The Palestine-Oxford Scholarship in Geography and the Environment 2027 supports a Palestinian scholar pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in geography, environmental research, or a related field at the University of Oxford. Beginning in October 2027, the programme aims to strengthen Palestinian higher education by equipping a future academic leader with advanced research training, international academic experience, and opportunities to contribute to the development of Palestinian universities. The host institution for the doctoral programme is the School of Geography and the Environment located in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Who can apply

The scholarship is intended for applicants from the Palestinian Territories, which include the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and eligible Palestinian refugees registered in Syria, Lebanon, or Jordan. Candidates must normally have lived in, or received at least five years of education in, one of these specified locations. Priority may be given to suitably qualified applicants from Gaza, and exceptions to the residency requirement may be considered for those affected by conflict and displacement.

Candidates must have completed a recognised master's-level qualification with appropriate research training prior to the start of the programme. In addition, applicants must meet the University of Oxford's standard graduate admissions requirements, satisfy the applicable English-language proficiency standards, demonstrate the academic merit required for doctoral-level research, and explain their commitment to contributing to the future of Palestinian higher education.

What you get

The award provides comprehensive financial support for three years of full-time doctoral study. It covers full tuition fees for the duration of the programme and provides a living stipend at the standard University of Oxford graduate rate. Eligible research expenses are supported at levels comparable to United Kingdom Research and Innovation rates. Furthermore, the scholarship covers eligible travel costs for coming to the United Kingdom and returning after completion, alongside a maximum of two additional trips during the scholarship period, as well as visa fees and the UK National Health Service surcharge. The funding does not cover spousal or family travel, maintenance, or visa costs.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a focused, feasible doctoral research proposal for a topic that aligns with the expertise of the School of Geography and the Environment and for which appropriate academic supervision is available. Required documentation includes a scholarship eligibility statement detailing the applicant's interest and qualifications, proof of residency or relevant refugee status such as school certificates, undergraduate degree certificates, UN refugee registration cards, or an airport logbook, and a statement of commitment explaining the intended contribution to Palestinian higher education. Applicants affected by conflict-related displacement must also provide an explanation of how displacement has disrupted their residency history.

How to apply

Applicants should begin by preparing an initial outline of their proposed doctoral research and reviewing the School of Geography and the Environment's research areas to identify potential supervisors whose expertise matches the project. Candidates are advised to contact potential supervisors with an initial expression of interest before completing the formal admissions process. Applications must be submitted through Oxford's standard graduate admissions process, where candidates must indicate that they wish to be considered for the Palestine-Oxford Scholarship and provide all required supporting documents.

Key dates

The application deadline is 26 January 2027 at 12:00 noon UK time. The programme commences in October 2027.