American University of Beirut - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
A fully funded master's and PhD scholarship at the American University of Beirut (AUB) - the leading Anglophone university in the Middle East - covering tuition, stipend, housing, and travel for academically strong students from African countries and Lebanon.
Quick Facts
Status
Currently ClosedFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
March 26 annually (2026 cycle deadline: March 26, 2026)
Country
LebanonAbout the American University of Beirut - Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The American University of Beirut, founded in 1866, is the oldest English-language university in the Middle East and remains one of the region's most academically respected institutions, particularly in medicine, engineering, and business. Through a global partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, AUB hosts a Scholars Program that funds academically promising students to pursue on-campus master's degrees (thesis and non-thesis tracks) and PhD programs, with a specific focus on students who might not otherwise have access to quality higher education.
The program's mission extends beyond tuition funding: alongside their degree, Scholars take part in structured leadership development, community engagement, and civic-responsibility programming designed to prepare them to return to their home communities as changemakers. This distinguishes it from a purely academic scholarship - AUB and the Mastercard Foundation explicitly select for demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to giving back, not just strong grades.
Full financial coverage includes tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, housing support, and books, along with travel arrangements where applicable. Because AUB instruction is entirely in English and its degrees carry strong international recognition (with many graduates going on to top graduate schools and multinational employers), the Scholars Program offers a genuinely prestigious, low-cost route to a Middle East-based graduate education.
Eligibility is currently focused on citizens of African countries, Lebanon, and refugees residing in Lebanon or Africa, rather than being a fully open global program - so Pakistani applicants should confirm current eligibility directly with AUB's Mastercard Foundation Scholars office before applying, as country eligibility for this program can be updated between cycles.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Oldest and one of the most internationally respected English-language universities in the Middle East
Genuinely comprehensive funding: tuition, stipend, insurance, housing, and books all covered
Built-in leadership and civic-engagement development beyond the academic degree
Strong alumni network across government, business, and international organizations in the MENA region
Beirut offers a historically rich, culturally diverse student experience at the crossroads of the Middle East and Mediterranean
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Lebanon
Lebanon offers a historically significant, culturally rich academic environment in the Arab world, though prospective applicants should stay informed on the country's economic and political situation when planning long-term study abroad.
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Step 1: Apply to the desired graduate program at AUB through the standard online graduate application.
Step 2: Within the application, select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the Financial Opportunities section.
Step 3: Submit the AUB Financial Aid Application (required for master's-level applicants).
Step 4: Complete the English proficiency requirement (RUSE) by the stated deadline (May 31 for the most recent cycle).
Step 5: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed and selected Scholars are notified before the Fall semester.
Application Timeline
November 2025
Applications open
March 26, 2026
Application deadline
May 31, 2026
English proficiency (RUSE) deadline
Summer 2026
Interviews and selection
September 2026
Fall semester begins
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm current country eligibility directly with AUB's Mastercard Foundation Scholars office before investing time in the application, as eligibility criteria can change between cycles
Emphasize community leadership and civic engagement experience clearly in the statement of purpose - this program selects for it explicitly
Complete the RUSE English proficiency test well ahead of its deadline to avoid a late-stage disqualification
Master's applicants must also submit the separate AUB Financial Aid Application - do not skip this step
Reach out to the AUB Office of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program directly with eligibility questions before the deadline
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
Current eligibility is focused on African countries, Lebanon, and refugees in Lebanon/Africa - Pakistani applicants should verify eligibility directly with AUB before applying.
Full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, housing support, and books for on-campus master's or PhD study.
Yes, applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Yes, master's applicants must also submit AUB's Financial Aid Application alongside the graduate program application.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around November. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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