The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London is pleased to announce the Tibawi Trust Award, generously established through a bequest by Dr Abdul-Latif Tibawi. Administered by SOAS, this award is dedicated to supporting postgraduate students of Palestinian origin who are enrolled in, or have received an offer for, a postgraduate degree programme at the university.
SOAS University of London, founded in 1916, is a leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Originally established as the School of Oriental Studies, it later expanded its focus and was renamed the School of Oriental and African Studies. Located in the heart of London, SOAS is known for its unique and diverse academic programmes, expert faculty, and commitment to social justice and global understanding. Over the years, it has become a hub for students and scholars passionate about international cultures, languages, and global issues.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Name | Tibawi Trust Award |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Tibawi Trust in association with SOAS University of London |
| Award Amount | Up to £1,300 per award |
| Number of Awards | Two awards annually |
| Eligible Programmes | Any postgraduate degree programme at SOAS |
| Target Group | Students of Palestinian origin |
Background
The Tibawi Trust Award was established through a generous endowment left by Dr Abdul-Latif Tibawi, a Palestinian historian and alumnus of SOAS, who sought to support future generations of Palestinian scholars. In his will, Dr Tibawi set up a trust to provide financial assistance to Palestinian students undertaking postgraduate studies at SOAS. Today, the award enables selected students to engage in vital academic fieldwork or attend conferences that enhance their research and global academic engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Tibawi Trust Award, applicants must:
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Be of Palestinian origin.
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Be enrolled in a postgraduate programme at SOAS or have received an offer of admission for a postgraduate programme.
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Be undertaking research or academic activities that necessitate fieldwork or conference travel, either in the UK or abroad.
Benefits
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Award Value: Up to £1,300.
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Number of Awards: Two students are awarded each academic year.
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Purpose: To fund essential conference visits or fieldwork that directly contribute to a student’s postgraduate research.
The scholarship does not cover tuition fees or general living expenses but is focused on supporting specific academic ventures.
Application Process
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Submit Online Application:
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Complete the Tibawi Trust Award online application form provided by SOAS.
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Supervisor’s Statement:
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Your academic supervisor must email a formal statement to the Scholarships Office addressing the following:
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Quality of your academic work.
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Relevance and necessity of your proposed visit (conference/fieldwork).
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Strengths and weaknesses of your application.
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Clear support for your application.
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This must be sent within one month of your application submission.
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Submission Email:
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Your supervisor’s statement must be sent to: scholarships@soas.ac.uk
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Important Dates
Application Deadline: Open
Conclusion
The Tibawi Trust Award represents more than just financial support it reflects a legacy of academic empowerment for Palestinian scholars. If you meet the criteria and have a clear plan for your research-related travel, this opportunity can greatly enrich your academic journey at SOAS.