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MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2026-27 | Fully Funded

study at the American University

MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2026-27 | Fully Funded - study at the American University

The Tomorrow's Leaders program, funded by the U.S. Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), offers fully-funded scholarships to students from economically disadvantaged communities who reflect the cultural and regional diversity of the Middle East and North Africa. To equip participants with the valuable knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective leadership, the Tomorrow's Leaders program has partnered with top American universities in Cairo and Beirut. Participants in the Tomorrow's Leaders program will have access to a dynamic community that offers a wide range of support systems, such as mentorship and personal development programs.

By attending prestigious liberal arts universities, such as the American University of Beirut, the American University in Cairo, and the Lebanese American University, through this fully-funded scholarship for international students , students will have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to find creative solutions to problems facing their communities, the MENA region, and the global community. Tomorrow's leaders will apply their academic knowledge to practical situations through internships, civic engagement initiatives, and enrichment courses, alongside their outstanding academic achievements.

Prior to the start of this international scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students, information sessions will be held soon by the three university partners of the Leaders of Tomorrow program. These sessions will provide applicants with all the information they need to choose the most suitable university and prepare a compelling application for the Leaders of Tomorrow program. You will have the opportunity to interact with Leaders of Tomorrow program experts during these sessions, which will cover a wide range of topics, including eligibility criteria, necessary application materials, various aspects of university life, and much more. 

Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to spend a semester in the United States, where they can interact with locals, immerse themselves in American culture, and broaden their global horizons. Upon completion of the fully funded Tomorrow's Leaders program through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), participants will join a network of more than 1,000 alumni making a positive impact in the Middle East and North Africa region.

MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program 2026-2027 | Fully Funded:

Host universities:

  • American University of Beirut (AUB)
  • The American University in Cairo (AUC)
  • Lebanese American University (LAU)

Host/Sponsoring Organization:

  • U.S. Department of State/U.S. Government's Middle East Partnership Initiative.

Scholarship Location:

  • Beirut, Cairo, and Lebanon

Scholarship Program Level:

  • University stage

Program duration:

  • 4 years of university study 

List of undergraduate programs:

  • Click here for all the available undergraduate programs. 

Benefits of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Future Leadership Program 2026-2027:

  • There will be no registration fees for undergraduate students.
  • There will be no tuition fees for 4 years for undergraduate students.
  • The university will provide health insurance.
  • Entry visa and residence permit fees will be paid by the host organization.
  • Students will receive free accommodation.
  • Students will receive a monthly stipend for their participation in Tomorrow's Leaders activities.
  • Textbook allowance will be given.
  • A laptop will be provided for the duration of the study.
  • Two return air tickets to the home country will be awarded annually.
  • Students will have access to workshops related to civic and professional leadership.
  • There will be training opportunities for participants.
  • Students will receive guidance and mentoring from university faculty members.
  • Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to study at a university in the United States for one semester.
  • Graduate students will have the opportunity to participate in graduate assistantships or research assistantships.

Eligibility Criteria for the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program 2026-2027:

  • Medical students are not eligible to apply.
  • IELTS and TOEFL scores are not required when applying. You will need them later if you are accepted after the interview.
  • US citizens and legal permanent residents of the US are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must have achieved 80% marks in their previous academic history.
  • Candidates must be from one of the countries listed below.
  • Graduate applicants must complete and submit two separate applications when applying to the American University of Beirut and the American University in Cairo: one for the Tomorrow's Leaders Program and one for the partner university.

List of eligible countries:

  • Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.

How to apply to the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program:

  • First, complete the registration form.
  • Then create your account by entering your name and email.
  • Answer all questions on the form.
  • Upload all required documents in the form.
  • Follow the word limit given for each question.
  • Upload the results of the English language test you took online while filling out the application.
  • Review and submit the form.
  • After submitting your application, your application will be reviewed for English language proficiency, academic achievement, socio-economic profile, leadership experience, and potential.
  • After selection, there will be an online interview in January.

Documents required for the MEPI Scholarship 2026-27:

  • National ID card.
  • Valid passport.
  • A 500-word personal statement or a 5-6 minute video.
  • An essay on social responsibility should not exceed 500 words.
  • For undergraduate students, official transcripts from grades 10, 11, and 12 from your high school and a graduation certificate/diploma are required.
  • For graduate students, an official transcript of undergraduate degree and graduation/degree certificate is required.
  • Certificates of extracurricular or volunteer activities.
  • The completed Tomorrow's Leaders Financial Statement application form is available at https://production-embark.s3.amazonaws.com/hosted-documents/tomorrowsleadersprogram/TLR_Financial_Statement.pdf.
  • The result of the English language test taken while filling out the application form.
  • Results of the online brief English language assessment taken when completing the application.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • English language proficiency results from the TOEFL or IELTS test if your application is selected.
  • SAT I or SAT II score sheet for American-style high schools.

Middle East Partnership Initiative Scholarship Program Deadline:

  • The application deadline is November 25, 2025.