IRAN INTERNATIONAL
Iran International establishes scholarship in memory of presenter Farahnaz Espad
- ~£40,000 total annuallyAward Value
- 1+ student(s) per yearNumber of Awards
- Iranian originNationality
- Master's Degree outside IranStudy Level
- Focus on Human Rights in IranResearch Area
- Applications open March 11Key Date
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
Iran International
Provider
The Farahnaz Espad Scholarship, established by Iran International, is an annual postgraduate award for students of Iranian origin pursuing master's degrees outside Iran. This scholarship honors Farahnaz Espad, one of the channel’s founding presenters who passed away in 2026 after eight years with the channel. The scholarship awards a total of £40,000 each year to support at least one student whose dissertation addresses human rights in Iran, with a specific focus on women’s rights. Applicants must have already received an offer from a recognized master’s program outside Iran and submit their application directly to Iran International. The channel's Editorial Board is responsible for selecting the recipient(s). The application period commences annually on March 11, which marks Espad’s birthday, and the recipients are announced on August 17, the anniversary of her death, transforming a day of remembrance into a new beginning. This initiative aims to foster academic research into critical issues concerning Iran, particularly from the perspective of human rights and women's rights. The scholarship is not tied to any particular university, offering flexibility to awardees. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Fees — Covers a significant portion of tuition costs for a master's degree.
- Living Expenses — Contributes to accommodation, food, and other daily living costs during studies.
- Research Costs — Supports expenses related to dissertation research on human rights, including women's rights in Iran.
- Travel Expenses — May cover travel to and from the study destination, subject to specific arrangements.
- Full Funding — Provides a total of ~GBP 40,000 (est.) annually to fund at least one student, aiming for comprehensive coverage.
How to apply
To apply for the Farahnaz Espad Scholarship, candidates must follow a specific process, beginning with securing university admission and then directly submitting their application to Iran International. Attention to detail and adherence to the stated timeline are crucial.
- Secure University Offer — Applicants must first obtain an unconditional offer of admission from a recognized master’s degree program at a university located outside Iran.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, university offer letter, research proposal/dissertation outline, and personal statement, ensuring the dissertation clearly focuses on human rights in Iran with an emphasis on women’s rights.
- Submit Application via Email — Send the complete application package via email to espadscholarship@volantmedia.net. Ensure all documents are attached and the email clearly identifies the applicant and purpose.
- Await Selection Decision — The Iran International Editorial Board will review applications and select recipient(s). Announcements are made on August 17th.
Eligibility
OriginMust be of Iranian origin.
Study LevelMust be pursuing a master's degree.
University OfferMust already hold an offer from a recognized master's program outside Iran.
Dissertation FocusDissertation must address human rights in Iran, with a particular focus on women’s rights.
The scholarship is not affiliated with any specific university, allowing flexibility in choice of institution, as long as the master's program is outside Iran.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Annual (est.)2027-03-11
Selection
Recipients of the Farahnaz Espad Scholarship are selected by the Editorial Board of Iran International. The selection process focuses on the applicant's academic merit, the relevance and quality of their proposed dissertation research, and its alignment with the scholarship's aim to address human rights in Iran, particularly women's rights.
Verified sources
- Iran International establishes scholarship in memory of presenter Farahnaz Espadiranintl.comofficial
About the provider
Iran International is a global Persian-language television news channel, operating from London, UK. It provides news and analysis primarily focused on Iran and the Middle East. The channel established this scholarship in 2026 to honor one of its founding presenters.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Farahnaz Espad Scholarship?
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The Farahnaz Espad Scholarship is an annual postgraduate scholarship established by Iran International in memory of its former presenter, Farahnaz Espad, to support students of Iranian origin pursuing master's degrees outside Iran.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship is intended to fully fund at least one student each year, covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs, with a total award of ~£40,000 per year.
What is the value of the award?
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The scholarship awards a total of ~£40,000 (est.) each year, distributed to fund at least one student pursuing a master's degree.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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Applicants must be of Iranian origin and must have already secured an offer from a recognized master's program outside Iran. Their dissertation must focus on human rights in Iran, with an emphasis on women’s rights.
Which countries are eligible for study?
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The scholarship is for master's programs undertaken at universities located anywhere outside Iran. There are no specific country restrictions beyond this.
Which study levels are supported?
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The Farahnaz Espad Scholarship exclusively supports students pursuing a master's degree.
What is the application deadline?
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Applications open annually on March 11, which is Farahnaz Espad's birthday. The official deadline for submission is not explicitly stated, but typically applications would close a few months after opening.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
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Applicants must first secure an offer from a master's program outside Iran, then send their complete application package, including a dissertation outline focusing on human rights in Iran, to espadscholarship@volantmedia.net.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include a university offer letter, academic transcripts, a research proposal on human rights in Iran (with a women's rights focus), and a personal statement.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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The selection of recipient(s) is made by the Editorial Board of Iran International, based on eligibility criteria and the relevance of the proposed research to human rights and women's rights in Iran.
What is the duration of the scholarship and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship is annual and funds a master's degree, typically a one or two-year program. The page does not specify renewal options; it is likely a single award for the duration of the master's program.
Where can I find more details about this scholarship?
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For the most current and definitive information regarding the Farahnaz Espad Scholarship, please refer to the official announcement on the Iran International website.