American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026-2027
Organization: American University of Beirut (AUB) / Mastercard Foundation
Host country: Lebanon
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: March 12, 2026
Eligible countries: All African countries, Lebanon (Nationals and Refugees living in Lebanon or Africa)
Fields of study: Various Graduate Fields (Engineering, Health Sciences, Business, Arts & Sciences), Online Programs (Management, Education, Nursing)
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) aims to prepare young people to be agents of change in their communities, countries, and regions. The program provides full scholarships for on-campus and online Master's degrees to academically talented but financially disadvantaged students from Africa and Lebanon.
Benefits
Full tuition fee waiver.
Free accommodation (on-campus dorms).
Monthly living stipend.
Books and computer/laptop.
Health insurance coverage.
Round-trip airfare (for international students).
Access to leadership workshops and mentorship.
Eligibility
Must be a citizen of an African country, a national of Lebanon, or a refugee living in Lebanon or Africa.
Must be 35 years of age or younger.
Must have strong academic standing in the previous degree.
Must demonstrate talent that exceeds financial resources (financial need).
Must show leadership potential and commitment to community engagement.
Must meet the English language proficiency requirements (RUSE) of AUB.
Requirements
Complete the AUB Online Graduate Application.
Submit the Financial Aid Application (for Master's applicants).
Upload a Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Submit a personal statement (Leadership and Commitment).
Provide two letters of recommendation.
Provide official university transcripts.
Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) by the specific deadline.
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Personal Statement
Two Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts
English Proficiency Test Score (RUSE)
Financial Aid Application Data
Programs of Study
On-Campus Master's: All eligible Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Business programs.
1. Create an account on the AUB Online Graduate Application system.
2. Fill out the application for the Fall 2026-27 term.
3. In the 'Financial Opportunities' section, select 'Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program'.
4. Upload all supporting documents (CV, Statement, Transcripts).
5. After submission, complete the AUB Financial Aid Application (link usually sent via email or accessible in the portal).
6. Submit English proficiency scores by the separate RUSE deadline (usually May 31 or June 30).
How to Apply
Apply directly through the AUB Graduate Admissions portal. You must check the 'Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program' box under Financial Opportunities within the main application. Do not forget to complete the separate Financial Aid application which triggers the scholarship review.
Selection Process
Review of academic merit and financial need.
Assessment of leadership potential and community service commitment.