The American University of Beirut has opened applications for the 2026/2027 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This initiative offers fully funded graduate study opportunities through a partnership between AUB and the Mastercard Foundation, designed to support talented students who face financial barriers to higher education.

The program focuses on nurturing future leaders who are committed to creating positive change within their communities and beyond. In addition to completing their academic degrees, selected scholars participate in leadership development activities, including workshops, practical training, and community-based experiences that complement their formal studies.

The scholarship supports on-campus master’s degrees, including both thesis and non-thesis options, as well as doctoral studies. On-campus master’s opportunities are available to nationals of African countries, Lebanese citizens, and refugees residing in Lebanon or within Africa. Doctoral scholarships are open to African nationals and refugees currently living on the African continent.

Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application and demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous studies. The program targets individuals whose abilities and potential are not matched by their financial means and who have a clear record of leadership involvement and service to their communities. Scholars are expected to fully engage in all enrichment activities required by the program. Proof of English language readiness for university-level study must be provided by the specified deadlines, using accepted tests such as the AUB English exam, TOEFL, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, or verbal scores from the GRE or GMAT.

In addition to campus-based programs, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program also covers selected online graduate degrees for fall admission. These include online programs in engineering management, computing in education, business administration, nursing administration and management, and healthcare leadership. Each of these programs may have specific academic or professional requirements, and applicants are encouraged to review individual program pages for detailed information.

Candidates applying for online programs must meet the same general criteria, including age limits, academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, financial need, and willingness to participate in program activities. English language proficiency must be confirmed by the required deadline through approved standardized tests.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit an online graduate application to the American University of Beirut along with all required supporting documents within the stated timeframe. During the application process, candidates must indicate their interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by selecting it under financial support options. Master’s applicants are also required to complete AUB’s financial aid application after submitting their graduate application, as both submissions are necessary for the application to be reviewed.

For online graduate programs, applicants must complete the AUB online application by the announced deadline and submit valid English language test results by the required date. Only applications that include both the graduate application and the necessary proof of English proficiency will be treated as complete and eligible for consideration.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity