In 2026, we will continue to support language development through our Language Fund Programme.
This programme supports Palestinian medical students and junior doctors by reimbursing exam fees for recognised English language proficiency tests, including the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
This ongoing support is essential for those working to meet the language requirements for advanced medical training and professional examinations.
Key Details:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for reimbursement:
- IELTS:
An overall score of 7.5, with no less than 7.0 in each component. - OET:
A minimum grade of B in each component.
Most applicants will have already passed the test with a satisfactory result. - Applicants must be Palestinian medical students or doctors who have passed the test within the last 6–12 months prior to applying for reimbursement.
To apply, please email us at: admin@hanoon.org
Impact Stories:
We have supported many Palestinian medics by reimbursing their OET and IELTS exam fees.
Check their testimonials to learn how this support has contributed to their professional development and enabled them to progress in their medical careers.
Testimonial 1
“I am deeply grateful for your support. Receiving this grant allowed me to take my OET exam, a crucial step in advancing my medical career, at a time when I was facing significant financial and personal challenges. Knowing that there are authentic and dedicated foundations like yours, genuinely supporting doctors, has given me a profound sense of relief and restored my belief in the humanity. Your generosity has lifted a heavy burden, inspired me, and strengthened my determination to continue pursuing my dreams. I will always remember and be thankful for the difference you have made in my journey.”
Lina
Testimonial 2
“I needed this support to help cover my OET-related costs during a difficult period, as I was managing essential living expenses alongside exam fees. Receiving this refund greatly reduced financial pressure and allowed me to stay focused on my studies and exam preparation. I’m very grateful for this support, and it has made a real difference for me.”
Nouraldin
Testimonial 3
“I received generous financial support from Hanoon Foundation to cover the expenses of the OET exam, which is a crucial step in my professional journey. The Occupational English Test (OET) is an essential requirement for advancing my medical career and will open multiple opportunities for me as a physician, particularly in pursuing international training and certification pathways. The support I received was truly generous and deeply appreciated. It not only eased a significant financial burden but also gave me a strong sense of encouragement and belief in my potential. This assistance represents more than financial aid, it reflects trust, solidarity, and investment in my professional growth. I am sincerely grateful for this meaningful support, which will have a lasting impact on my future career”.
Mohanad
Testimonial 4
“I am a medical doctor, and receiving the OET reimbursement from the Hanoon Foundation has been a vital stepping stone in my journey. The financial support directly allowed me to book my PLAB 1 test, which is a crucial requirement as I work towards obtaining my full GMC registration. Removing this financial barrier means I am now much closer to starting my clinical career. This will allow me to earn a stable income to support my family back in Gaza during these difficult times, and ultimately use my medical skills to give back to my people. I am deeply grateful for this assistance and the hope it provides.”
Ibrahim
Testimonial 5
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for this support and share the impact it will have on my career. As a Palestinian doctor from Gaza currently residing in Egypt, this assistance will help me continue pursuing my long-term goal of establishing my medical career in the UK.
I intend to save part of the support and use the other part to sit the IELTS examination. Although I have successfully passed the OET, PLAB 1, and PLAB 2 examinations and am currently applying for GMC registration, I have found that many Master’s degree scholarships and postgraduate opportunities in the UK require IELTS rather than OET. I am actively exploring these opportunities, and obtaining an IELTS certificate will strengthen my eligibility for them. I also hope to undertake a clinical attachment in the UK, which I believe would provide invaluable experience and help me integrate into the NHS. However, the associated travel and living expenses are considerable, so I am currently trying to save as much as possible to make this opportunity achievable. This support will therefore not only help me financially but will also bring me closer to achieving my professional goals. Given the circumstances that have forced me to leave Gaza and reside in Egypt, I value every opportunity that enables me to build a secure future and continue my medical training. Your generosity will have a meaningful and lasting impact on my career, and I am deeply grateful for your support. Thank you again for your kindness and encouragement.”
Atta
Testimonial 6
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for refunding the fees I paid for my OET exam. Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, and I am truly grateful for your support.
I am a doctor from Gaza, and I left Gaza five months ago to come to Ireland. I am a self-funding student and on my journey through the Irish medical registration process, which is both challenging and expensive. At the same time, I am still trying to settle into a new country and rebuild my life after leaving home. Your support has eased some of the financial burden and has given me real encouragement during what has been a very difficult period.
Thank you for believing in and supporting doctors like me. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference, and I sincerely appreciate it.
With heartfelt thanks,”
Nour
Testimonial 7
“I am deeply grateful to The Hanoon Foundation for supporting me and covering my OET examination fees. Coming from a Palestinian refugee camp, this support meant much more than financial assistance—it gave me the opportunity to take an important step toward my medical career.
Thank you for believing in Palestinian doctors like me and for making a real difference in my journey. I will always be grateful for your support.”
Mohammad
Testimonial 8
“Receiving this grant was a true turning point for me. It provided the exact financial backing I needed to sit for my OET exam and take a vital step forward in my medical career during a challenging time. It means the world to know there are organisations like yours that genuinely stand by physicians and invest in their futures. This support took away a massive weight off my shoulders and gave me an incredible boost of encouragement. Thank you for making such a lasting impact on my path.”
Amir
Testimonial 9
“I am a doctor from Gaza who recently arrived in the UK and am working to rebuild my medical career after an extremely difficult period of displacement and uncertainty. Passing the OET was an important step for me, as it is essential for progressing professionally and continuing my journey towards practising medicine in the UK.
At this stage, however, the cost of the OET was a significant financial burden, particularly while trying to establish a new life in the UK and manage the many expenses that come with starting again. The support I received from the Hanoon Foundation, through the refund of my OET fee, therefore made a real difference to me and my family.
I am deeply grateful to the Hanoon Foundation for this support. Beyond the financial assistance itself, it gave me a sense that there are people and organisations who understand the challenges faced by displaced doctors and genuinely want to help us continue our careers. This support has encouraged me to keep moving forward towards returning to medical practice and contributing to healthcare in the UK.
Thank you to the Hanoon Foundation for your generosity and for supporting doctors like me at such an important stage of our journey.”
Ameera
Testimonial 10
“The support from The Hanoon Foundation was very meaningful to me during a difficult period. After losing my father, my mother became responsible for our household expenses, and difficult circumstances forced me to leave my home and live in a rented house. Hanoon’s support helped ease the financial burden of the OET exam and allowed me to take an important step toward pursuing my medical career. I am sincerely grateful for their support and for helping Palestinian doctors move forward despite difficult circumstances.”
Abdallatif
Testimonial 11
“I’m truly grateful to The Hannon Foundation for supporting me with the cost of my OET exam. As a young doctor with a limited income family, paying for the exam was a significant financial challenge for me. At the same time, passing the OET is an important step toward my future medical career and the opportunities I’m working hard to achieve.
The support is more than just financial assistance, it felt like someone was supporting my goals and believing in my efforts as a young Palestinian doctor.
I’m very thankful to everyone at The Hanoon Foundation for making this opportunity possible. Your support has helped me take another step forward in my career, and I hope in shallah to be able to give back and support others in the future, just as you have supported me.”
Mohammed