Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028
Full Undergraduate Scholarships and Leadership Training at Leading American-Style Universities in MENA
Apply Now 🚀ℹ️ About the Program
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and administered by FHI 360, the Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL) Program offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships and leadership development to highly motivated students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The program partners with premier American-style universities in the region—the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Lebanese American University (LAU)—to equip future leaders with academic knowledge and essential leadership skills.
🎓 Alumni Network: Upon graduation, participants join a vibrant network of over 1,900 alumni leading initiatives across the MENA region.
🎁 Comprehensive Scholarship Support
The scholarship covers all major tuition and living expenses for up to 4 academic years:
💰 Tuition Fees
Full coverage of tuition and university enrollment fees.
🏠 Housing & Stipend
Free student housing plus a monthly living stipend.
🏥 Health Insurance
Comprehensive university health insurance coverage.
✈️ Visa & Travel
Visa/residency fees plus 2 round-trip flight tickets per year.
💻 Laptop & Books
A laptop for program duration and textbook allowance.
🇺🇸 Semester in U.S.
Opportunity to study abroad in the U.S. for one semester.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Citizenships: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, or Palestinian students residing in a third country with legal residency status.
- Ineligible Applicants: U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible.
- Academic Background:
- Current high school seniors or 2026 high school graduates.
- Applicants from Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen, or Palestinian students residing in a third country who graduated in 2025 are also eligible.
- Academic Performance: Strong academic history (typically 80% GPA or higher) and passing leaving exams.
- English Proficiency: Written and spoken English fluency (minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0 on the new scale or 80 on the old scale).
- Personal Attributes: High leadership potential, maturity, flexibility, and readiness to start in August 2027.
🏫 Partner Universities & Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from a wide array of undergraduate majors (*Note: Medical school is not eligible*):
| American University of Beirut (AUB) | Lebanese American University (LAU) |
|---|---|
| • Agribusiness • Biology • Business Administration • Chemistry • Computer Science • Data Science • Earth Sciences • Economics • Food Science & Management • Mathematics / Applied Mathematics |
• Bioinformatics • Biology • Business (Accounting, Banking & Finance, Family & Entrepreneurial, Int'l Business, IT Management, Management, Marketing) • Chemistry • Computer Science • Economics • Graphic Design • Mathematics |
📑 Application Checklist & Documents
Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for submission:
- Identity Document: National Identification Card or valid Passport.
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for grades 10 and 11 (and 12 if available) with English translations.
- ASU English Test: Free 30-minute online English assessment taken directly within the application.
- 2 Recommendation Letters: Requested automatically through the online system via recommenders' emails.
- Resume / CV: Updated document detailing your background.
- Extracurricular Certificates: Up to 3 certificates highlighting leadership or volunteer achievements.
- Standardized Testing (for Shortlisted Finalists): Official TOEFL/IELTS results (due by March 8, 2027) and SAT scores (due by March 26, 2027).
📅 Application Timeline (2026–2027)
Beginning of October 2026
Application opens for the 2027–2028 Academic Year.
November 18, 2026
Application Deadline.
December 2026
Initial screening and review of all submitted applications.
January 2027
Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews with FHI 360, U.S. Embassy staff, and alumni.
February – April 2027
Forwarding to partner universities and completion of TOEFL & SAT testing.
May – July 2027
Conditional acceptance offers sent on a rolling basis.
June – July 2027
8-week online intensive English program for candidates needing language support.
August 2027
Pre-departure orientation, leadership workshops, and departure to university campuses.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tomorrow's Leaders Program and who sponsors it?
It is a leadership development program offering full undergraduate scholarships to MENA students. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's MEPI initiative and administered by FHI 360.
Can I choose which university to attend?
Applicants must be willing to attend either AUB or LAU. You may state a preference in your application, but final placement depends on university admission requirements.
Why are students residing in Gaza unable to apply?
Due to current travel and access constraints exiting Gaza, arrival by August 2027 cannot be guaranteed. However, Palestinian students originally from Gaza living in a third country with legal residency remain fully eligible.
Are high school graduates from 2023, 2024, or 2025 eligible?
Only current seniors and 2026 graduates are eligible. Exception: 2025 graduates from Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Palestinian residents in third countries are eligible. Graduates from 2024 or earlier cannot apply.
Can current undergraduate university students apply?
Universities review these on a case-by-case basis. If applying, submit university transcripts and explain your transition reasons in your personal statement.
Can I apply with a national ID if I lack a passport?
Yes, you can apply using your national ID card. If shortlisted, you will be advised to apply for a passport immediately.
Are refugees or dual U.S. citizens eligible?
- Refugees: Eligible with proof of citizenship from one of the eligible 11 countries/territories.
- U.S. Dual Citizens / Green Card Holders: Not eligible to apply.
- U.S. Dual Citizens / Green Card Holders: Not eligible to apply.
What GPA is required during university studies?
Applicants generally need an 80% secondary school average. While enrolled in the program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least **3.0 out of 4.0** to remain in good standing.
Who should fill out my recommendation forms?
Teachers, school administrators, or volunteer supervisors who know your character and academic performance. At least one must be academic. **Family members and friends are strictly prohibited**.
What are the English and SAT testing requirements?
- ASU Assessment: Free online assessment completed during application.
- TOEFL/IELTS: Paid for by the program for shortlisted candidates (deadline March 8, 2027).
- SAT: Recommended for shortlisted students (March 2027 testing). LAU code is 2595 and AUB code is 0902.
- TOEFL/IELTS: Paid for by the program for shortlisted candidates (deadline March 8, 2027).
- SAT: Recommended for shortlisted students (March 2027 testing). LAU code is 2595 and AUB code is 0902.
🌟 Start Your Leadership Journey Today
The application deadline is November 18, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged!
