Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for graduate scholarships under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) for the Fall 2026-27 academic session. Aspiring doctoral candidates can apply for a fully funded PhD opportunity, with the submission deadline set for March 12, 2026.
Announcements
- Applications for on-campus master’s scholarships for Fall 2026-27 are officially open.
- Applications for online graduate scholarships for the Fall 2026-27 term are also currently open.
Program Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers comprehensive scholarships in collaboration with AUB, designed to empower young leaders to become transformative agents within their communities and beyond. Scholars not only pursue their academic coursework but also participate in a variety of workshops, practical field experiences, and supplementary courses aimed at fostering leadership, personal growth, and social impact.
On-Campus Graduate Scholarship Details
This initiative emphasizes five pillars: Academic Advancement, Personal Development, Cultural Exchange, Civic Engagement, and Community Service.
Application Information
Applications for fully funded on-campus master’s scholarships (covering both thesis and non-thesis programs) for Fall 2026-27 are now open. Interested candidates should submit their applications by March 12, 2026.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
- Applicants for on-campus master’s scholarships must be either citizens of African countries, citizens of Lebanon, or refugees residing in Lebanon or African countries.
- Applicants for PhD scholarships must be citizens of African countries or refugees living within the African continent.
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- Strong academic records from previous degree programs are essential.
- Applicants should demonstrate exceptional talent and a financial need for support.
- Leadership capabilities and a commitment to community involvement must be evident.
- Scholars are expected to engage fully in the program’s additional educational workshops and learning activities.
- Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency by May 31, 2026, through the RUSE (Readiness for University Studies in English) test or equivalent exams. Accepted tests include the AUB-EN test, TOEFL IBT, IELTS (Academic), GRE (Verbal), GMAT (Verbal), or DUOLINGO English Test (DET).
Application Process
- Complete the AUB online graduate application, ensuring all supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline.
- During the application, select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the “Financial Opportunities” section.
- For master’s applicants, after submitting the graduate application, complete the AUB Financial Aid Application (this step is not required for PhD applicants).
Note: Applications will only be considered complete when both the AUB online graduate application and the AUB Financial Aid Application have been submitted.
Online Graduate Scholarship Details
Fully funded scholarships for online master’s programs for Fall 2026-27 are now accepting applications. Eligible candidates must be citizens of African countries. The deadline for applying is May 18, 2026.
The scholarship supports admission into the following online master’s degree programs:
- Engineering Management (Online)
- Computing in Education (Online)
- Business Administration (Online)
- Master in Nursing Administration and Management (Online)
- Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership (Online)
Please note that each program may have specific additional admission requirements. Prospective applicants should consult the individual program webpages for detailed information.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria for Online Scholarships
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- Strong academic performance in previous studies is required.
- Applicants must demonstrate talent that surpasses their financial means.
- Leadership potential and dedication to community service are essential.
- Commitment to participate in the Scholars Program’s supplementary learning activities and workshops is mandatory.
- Proof of English proficiency must be submitted by June 30, 2026, through RUSE or approved alternatives including TOEFL IBT, IELTS (Academic), GRE (Verbal), GMAT (Verbal), or DUOLINGO English Test (DET).
Steps to Apply for Online Scholarships
- Submit the AUB online graduate application along with all necessary documents by May 18, 2026.
- Provide your RUSE test scores by June 30, 2026.
Important: A complete application requires both the submission of the online graduate application and the English proficiency test scores.
For further details and application submissions, please Click Here To Apply.
