United Palestinian Appeal, Inc. (UPA) was established in 1978. It is dedicated to providing aid to Palestinians in need, in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. UPA provides both emergency humanitarian relief and long-term development programs to Palestinian communities striving for economic and social development in the wake of ongoing conflict.
UPA strives to deliver efficient charitable services at low overhead costs in the areas of education, health care, child sponsorship, agricultural and community development. UPA maintains its independence and integrity as a strictly humanitarian organization by not accepting funds from political groups or from any source that may attach unacceptable conditions to its contributions.
Support to Higher Education
When it comes to higher education, improbable dreams can become a reality through UPA's Scholarship Program, providing funds for tuition to hundreds of qualified students attending universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. UPA seeks to ensure that the talent of outstanding students does not go to waste because their families are unable to afford their educational expenses. The annual budget for higher education is currently USD 110,000.
Type of Support
UPA supports study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in a range of fields. Scholarships are provided only for study in the West Bank and Gaza, as they seek to strengthen the institutional capacity of Palestinian colleges and universities in addition to providing opportunities for individual students to excel.
At any given time, the number of students in the UPA Scholarship program is around 100. All fields of study are considered, including the social sciences, medicine, and engineering. The amount of the scholarship ranges from USD 750 to USD 1500 per year depending on tuition costs and financial need of the student.
Duration of Support
Throughout the student’s degree program. The application is available only to prospective or incoming freshmen.
Eligibility Criteria
● Applicants should be studying at a university in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank or Gaza).
● UPA awards scholarships on the basis of academic performance, financial need and field of study.
● Gender balance and the foreseeable impact that a student could have on his/her community after graduation is taken into consideration
Application Procedures
Applications are to be filled out online at: www.tiny.cc/upaapp
Deadlines
Applications are to be submitted following the release of Tawjihi scores for two weeks.
Contact
Ms. Lubna Ghanayem, Director of Programs
Email: Lubna@helpupa.org
Additional Information
UPA may begin adding grants for a work-study program at different universities, but this program has not yet been implemented.