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LSE-Sawiris Scholarships

Two billion more people will be living cities by 2050, with 80% of urban growth taking place in Africa and Asia. Understanding how cities can be better governed, planned and managed is one of the critical challenges of the 21st century in countries, like Egypt, which are experiencing rapid urbanisation.

The LSE-Sawiris Scholarships are funded by the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, a philanthropic organisation based in Egypt that contributes to the country’s development, creates sustainable job opportunities, and empowers citizens to build productive lives that realise their full potential.

Through the generosity of the Sawiris Foundation, LSE Cities is able to offer a fully funded place to an Egyptian Executive MSc in Cities applicant who works for a public or third sector organisation in Egypt.  

Applications are particularly welcome from those working in government (local or national) or small, grassroots charities that aim to improve the wellbeing of their community. 

The deadline for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship has now passed. Details about the next cycle for funding will be published in early 2024.

Apply now for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship

Apply now for the Executive MSc in Cities

Eligibility

Applicants to the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt (preference will not be given to dual nationality holders).
  • To be currently working for a public or third sector organization in Egypt. This includes people who are employed by a local / national government or by a charity, a non-profit, or an NGO/ Employees of local / grassroots non-profit organisations are especially encouraged to apply.

  • Have a minimum of ten years of professional experience, ideally in an urban-related field. 
  • Have a good first degree, equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher or equivalent professional qualification. Equivalent to 80% or higher from an Egyptian University.
  • Be able to demonstrate English language proficiency. Details of how this can be demonstrated are available on the LSE website (the ‘higher’ level is required). 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to work in Egypt for two consecutive years after completing the program.

Please note that people who are employed by private sector organisations are not eligible to apply for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships, even if their company is contracted for work by a government organisation.  

Full details of the Executive MSc in Cities' eligibility requirements can be found on our How to Apply page.

If you are not sure if you meet the eligibility criteria then please send a copy of your CV or résumé to lse-sawirisscholarship@sawirisfoundation.org.

Available Support

Successful awardees of the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships will receive full tuition fee support for the Executive MSc in Cities.

The Sawiris Foundation will also provide transport to and from Cairo, as well as accommodation, living costs, and travel/health insurance in London during teaching modules.

Application Process

Applications to the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships are separate from applications for the Executive MSc in Cities. Applicants must apply to both by the deadlines listed below.

Applicants must submit their application for the scholarships by 7 April 2023 via Newton Prep.

Applicants must submit their application for the programme by 20 April 2023 via LSE. Please note this deadline is specific to applicants for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships.

Please ensure you have read the terms below.

Additional Terms

  • Details of the scholarship awardees will be shared with the Egyptian Ministry for Social Solidarity. If the Ministry does not approve the award then the scholarship will be withdrawn. 

  • All LSE-Sawiris awardees are required to attend teaching modules in-person in London. They are not permitted to attend teaching remotely. 
  • Successful applications to the scholarship do not guarentee entry to the programme and vice versa.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Applicants to the LSE-Sawiris Scholarships may wish to consider applying for the LSE Cities Scholarships and the Bloomberg Scholarship for Public Service. Please note that you will need to complete a separate application for in order to be considered for these scholarships. 

Further details about eligibility, available support, deadlines and the application process for these schemes is available on our Scholarships page.