The Grad Program

The SYE Grad program provides support to students from Syria who are navigating the graduate school application process. We assist students in preparing for standardized exams, including the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL, writing application essays, and the necessary application logistics. We also connect students with counselors and experts to receive additional guidance. We work closely with students to both secure admissions and identify scholarship opportunities to cover the full cost of attendance.

The Grad application will open for a 2027-2028 cohort in early spring 2027! This means that, unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to not run a 2026-2027 Grad cohort.

We understand that this news may be disappointing. Our goal is to always put forward programs that will benefit our students and meet their expectations. We believe this timeline will allow students to make the most of all the amazing scholarship opportunities out there.

In the meantime, SYE is still here for you as you apply to programs. We will be offering information and resources for those currently applying to graduate programs. You can expect a virtual workshop or two, open source programming, in-person events in Syria, and a new exciting smart tool to support students. Check our social media pages for the latest updates and opportunities!


Info for Prospective Students

  • Syrian and Palestinian-Syrian, are eligible for the Grad Program. SYE considers students entering their final year of university as well as recent graduates.

    Students must be interested in pursuing a Master’s degree abroad at an English-speaking university. We do not support applications to non-English speaking universities or MD, medical residency, or other clinical programs at this time.

  • Students in the Grad Program will be provided with:

    • A community of Syria Grad alumni and current students to support you through the process.

    • Essay review for motivation letters and other application requirements.

    • Waivers for the IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo as well as other select application tests.

  • The Grad application will open again in early 2027. We encourage you to check our social media pages for updates.

  • To apply to SYE Grad, you will complete an online application where you will report your marks, and submit the following:

    • A current CV

    • Your university transcript (if possible)

    • Recommendation letters from your professor(s) (optional)

    • A motivational letter draft

    Shortlisted candidates will also complete an interview.

Interested in applying to the Grad Program this coming year? Sign up here and we’ll email you when the application opens. We also encourage you to follow our Facebook page for updates related to SYE’s applications.

"My experience with SYE has been truly transformative. As a student in the first cohort of the Grad program, I joined a community of peers with similar goals to mine, and I received mentorship from wonderful individuals, who became more friends than mentors to me. Now as a mentor in the same program, it feels fantastic to pass down the care and mentorship I received as a student, to my new mentees. I hope to continue witnessing the growth of SYE and its impact on the lives of many young aspiring students."

Nazir, Syria Grad Class of 2020/2021