The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers fully-funded scholarships to talented and economically disadvantaged students, for enhancing leadership skills and community engagement. The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offered by the American University of Beirut. The American University of Beirut (AUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation offers full scholarships for international students for the academic year 2025-2026. The Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship. AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers mentoring, leadership skills development, tutoring, internship opportunities, and career services in addition to covering tuition and basic living expenses.
The American University of Beirut (AUB) ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings) and consistently in the top 5 universities in the Middle East in Regional Ranking. It supports undergraduate and graduate studies in diverse fields. Students from over 90 countries, creating a vibrant international community and a picturesque, 61-acre campus overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, blending historic charm with modern facilities.
Application Deadline:
The deadline for the On-Campus application is March 13, 2025, and The deadline for On-Line applications is May 16, 2025.
University/Institutions
Name: American University of Beirut (AUB)
Place: Beirut, Lebanon
Ranking: Among the top universities in the Middle East and globally recognized for its quality education and research.
Programs: Graduate degrees.
Duration: 2 years for Masters and 3-4 Year PhD programs.
Study Areas
The program is open to all on-campus master’s and PhD programs offered at AUB and three online master’s programs (engineering management, computing in education, and MBA) through AUB Online. The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program also supports a wide range of disciplines. Students can pursue programs in:
- Arts and Humanities (e.g., English, History, Political Science)
- Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science)
- Engineering (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering)
- Business and Management (e.g., Business Administration, Marketing, Finance)
Online Graduate Scholarship Study Area
- The scholarship program is open to the following five online graduate programs:
Master’s in Engineering Management (Online)
Master’s in Computing in Education (Online)
Master’s in Business Administration (Online)
Master in Master in Nursing Administration and Management (online)
Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership (Online) - Agriculture and Food Sciences (e.g., Agribusiness, Food Security, Agricultural Engineering)
Types of Scholarships
- On-Campus Graduate Scholarship
- Online Graduate Scholarship
AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Benefits
- Full tuition coverage.
- Basic living expenses.
- On-Campus Graduate Scholarship
- Online Graduate Scholarship
- Mentoring,
- Leadership skills development,
- Tutoring, internship opportunities, and
- Career services
Benefits Not Included
- Visa application fees.
- Non-program related personal expenses.
Eligibilities of AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
On-Campus Graduate Scholarship
On-campus masters’ scholarships are open to:
- Citizens of countries on the African Continent
- Citizens of Lebanon
- Refugees living in Lebanon or on the African Continent
PhD scholarships are open to:
- Citizens of countries on the African Continent
- Refugees living on the African Continent
Others Criteria
- Good academic standing in the previous degree
- Talent that exceeds financial resources
- Commitment to giving back to the community, country, and region
- Leadership skills
- Commitment to attend all the additional learning experiences and workshops required by the Scholars Program
- 35 years or younger
- Demonstration of Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) by May 30, 2025.
Online Graduate Scholarship
- Good academic standing in the previous degree
- Talent that exceeds financial resources
- Commitment to giving back to the community, country, and region
- Leadership skills
- Commitment to attend all the additional learning experiences and workshops required by the Scholars Program
- 35 years or younger
- Demonstration of Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) by June 20, 2025.
English Language Requirements
| Demonstrating RUSE for graduate applicants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test | Minimum Score | Validity |
| AUB-EN | 40 | 1 year |
| TOEFL iBT | 97 | 2 years |
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | 2 years |
| GRE (Verbal) | 147 | 5 years |
| GMAT (Verbal) | 25 | 5 years |
| DUOLINGO English Test (DET) | 120 | 2 years |
Eligible Countries:
Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania, Comoros, &Other Countries from Africa.
Required Documents for AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Completed scholarship application form.
- English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL).
- 2 recommendation letters.
- Official university transcript(s) – All levels.
- Graduate Application (apply online).
Application Process
On-Campus Graduate Scholarship
- Step 1: Complete an AUB online graduate application and upload supporting documents by the deadline.
- Step 2: Select Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the Financial Opportunities section of the online graduate application.
- Step 3: Complete the AUB Financial Aid Application, which will be accessible, within 1-3 working days, after you submit your Graduate Admission Application. You will receive, within 1-3 days, an automated email from the financial aid office informing you of your access rights once the financial aid application has been activated.
Online Graduate Scholarship
- Step 1: Complete the AUB online graduate application and upload supporting documents by May 16, 2025.
- Step 2: Submit RUSE scores by June 20, 2025.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your leadership qualities and community involvement.
- Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted on time.
- Seek strong recommendation letters from credible sources.
- Practice for potential interviews to convey confidence and clarity.
- Emphasize your commitment to bringing positive change to your community.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Living expenses for international students in Beirut vary based on lifestyle, but here’s an average breakdown:
- Accommodation: $500–$700/month (shared apartments or on-campus housing).
- Meals: $200–$300/month (self-cooked or modest dining out).
- Transportation: $50–$100/month (local buses, shared taxis).
- Books and Supplies: $50–$100/month.
- Personal and Miscellaneous: $100–$150/month (entertainment, personal items).
Overall, students can expect to spend $900–$1,350 per month, although the scholarship provides a monthly stipend to help cover these expenses.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program not only offers financial support but also prepares you for a meaningful career through leadership training and experiential learning. You’ll gain a world-class education while contributing to societal transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply if I have partial funding from another source?
No, this scholarship is designed for those with full financial need. - Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes, it is renewed annually based on academic performance and adherence to program requirements. - Can I work part-time during the program?
Yes, with restrictions, but the program’s generous stipend minimizes the need for additional work. - What if I need additional time to complete my program?
Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, but they are not guaranteed. - Do I need to return to my home country after graduation?
Scholars are encouraged to contribute to their communities, often requiring returning home for a period post-graduation.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For the most accurate information and application updates, visit the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program official website.
For Specific Program: