AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 ( Fully Funded )

AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 ( Fully Funded )

The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 offers a transformative fully funded opportunity for talented, economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education at the prestigious American University of Beirut (AUB). This comprehensive scholarship program aims to develop the next generation of ethical leaders who will drive social and economic change in their communities and beyond.

AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Overview and Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB represents a significant investment in bright young minds from underrepresented communities. The scholarship offers an extensive package of benefits designed to address all aspects of the educational journey:

• Full tuition and fees coverage for the entire duration of the degree program
• Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
• Comprehensive health insurance throughout the study period
• Annual round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and Lebanon
• Laptop and technology allowance to support academic work
• Books and educational materials stipend each semester
• Orientation program and ongoing mentorship
• Leadership development training and workshops
• Community engagement opportunities with fellow scholars
• Internship and career development support

The scholarship aims to remove all financial barriers to education, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic and personal growth during their time at AUB.

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Eligible Academic Programs

The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 is available for graduate studies across various disciplines at the American University of Beirut. The eligible programs include:

• Master’s programs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, including:
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
• Master’s programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, including:
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Population Health
• Master’s programs in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, including:
  • Food Security
  • Rural Community Development
  • Agricultural Economics
• Master’s programs in the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, including:
  • Energy Studies
  • Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
  • Urban Planning and Policy
  • Urban Design
• Master’s programs in the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, including:
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management

All programs are taught in English and typically require 1-2 years to complete, depending on the specific discipline and program requirements.

Eligibility Requirements 

The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship targets specific demographic groups with a commitment to transformative leadership. Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criterion	Requirements
Citizenship	Priority given to citizens of African countries, though applications from other economically disadvantaged regions are also considered
Academic Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree with strong academic standing from an accredited institution
Economic Background	Demonstrated financial need; limited ability to fund higher education without external support
Leadership Potential	Proven commitment to giving back to community, leadership experience, and potential for future impact
Age Limit	35 years or younger at the time of application
English Proficiency	Demonstrated proficiency through tests like TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo English Test (minimum 110)
Future Commitment	Willingness to return to home country or region after graduation to apply knowledge and create positive change

The program actively seeks to achieve gender balance and encourages applications from women, especially in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented.

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Application Process and Required Documents

The application for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 involves a comprehensive two-step process:

1. AUB Graduate Application:
   • Complete the online AUB graduate application through the university’s application portal
   • Select the desired program of study
   • Indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the Financial Opportunities section
   • Submit all required academic documents
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Application:
   • Complete the supplementary scholarship application
   • Provide additional information about leadership experience and community engagement
   • Submit essay questions and statement of purpose
   • Provide evidence of financial need

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Academic records: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Degree certificates: Bachelor’s degree certificate(s)
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Detailing academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities
• Statement of Purpose: Essay outlining academic and professional goals, motivation for applying, and plans for contributing to community development
• English Proficiency Test Results: Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from academic or professional references
• Financial Documentation: Evidence of financial need (income statements, tax returns, or other official documentation)
• National ID or Passport: Copy of valid identification document
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo

All documents should be submitted in English or accompanied by certified English translations if originally in another language.

AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Deadlines

The application timeline for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 is structured as follows:

Application Phase	Deadline
Online Application Opens	January 15, 2025
AUB Graduate Application Deadline	May 16, 2025
English Proficiency Test Scores Submission	May 30, 2025
Document Verification	June 2025
Interviews for Shortlisted Candidates	July 2025
Final Selection Notification	August 2025
Pre-Departure Orientation	Late August 2025
Program Commencement	Fall Semester (September) 2025

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadlines to allow time for processing and to address any potential issues with documentation.

Selection Criteria and Process

The selection process for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is highly competitive and involves multiple evaluation stages:

1. Initial Screening: Review of applications for completeness and eligibility requirements
2. Academic Assessment: Evaluation of academic credentials, transcripts, and potential for graduate-level success
3. Leadership Evaluation: Assessment of leadership potential, community engagement, and commitment to social change
4. Interview: Virtual or in-person interviews for shortlisted candidates to assess motivation, communication skills, and alignment with program values
5. Final Selection: Holistic review by the selection committee considering all factors

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Strong academic record and potential for success in graduate studies
• Financial Need: Demonstrated inability to fund graduate education without external support
• Leadership Qualities: Evidence of leadership roles, initiative, and positive impact in community
• Commitment to Service: History of community service and plans for future contributions
• Personal Resilience: Ability to overcome challenges and persist through difficulties
• Vision for Change: Clear articulation of how the education will enable positive impact in home community
• Alignment with Program Values: Commitment to ethics, inclusion, and sustainable development

The selection process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine commitment to using their education to benefit their communities and countries.

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Life at American University of Beirut

The American University of Beirut offers scholars a rich and stimulating academic and cultural environment:

• Campus: Beautiful 65-acre campus overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
• Academic Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top universities in the Middle East and North Africa region
• Facilities: State-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, research centers, and recreational facilities
• Student Life: Vibrant community with over 100 student clubs and organizations
• Cultural Experience: Opportunity to experience Lebanese culture, history, and cuisine
• International Community: Diverse student body representing over 60 countries
• Support Services: Dedicated academic advising, counseling, and career services
• Scholar Community: Special activities, mentorship, and support network for Mastercard Foundation Scholars

Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive additional support through a dedicated program office that coordinates specialized services, events, and opportunities designed to enhance their academic experience and leadership development.

FAQ About the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Can I apply if I’m not from Africa?

While the program prioritizes applicants from African countries, students from other economically disadvantaged regions may also be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate strong potential for creating positive change in their communities.

Is there an application fee?

Applicants who indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program can request an application fee waiver during the AUB graduate application process by selecting the appropriate option and providing supporting documentation of financial need.

What happens if I don’t meet the English language requirements?

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements may be offered conditional admission with the requirement to complete an intensive English language program before beginning their graduate studies.

Are family members covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship is designed to support individual students and does not typically cover expenses for dependents or family members. Scholars with families should plan accordingly for any additional costs related to family members.

What are the post-graduation expectations?

Scholars are expected to return to their home countries or regions after graduation to apply their knowledge and skills toward addressing challenges and creating positive change. The program provides transition support and maintains an active alumni network to facilitate this process.

Tips for a Successful Application

To strengthen your application for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, consider the following advice:

• Start early: Begin gathering required documents and preparing your application well before the deadline
• Research your program: Demonstrate a clear understanding of your chosen field and its relevance to development challenges in your community
• Articulate your vision: Clearly express how your education at AUB will enable you to create positive change
• Highlight leadership experience: Provide concrete examples of your leadership roles and their impact
• Be authentic: Share your genuine story, challenges, and aspirations rather than what you think the selection committee wants to hear
• Seek quality recommendations: Request letters from individuals who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential
• Prepare for the interview: Practice articulating your goals, experiences, and commitment to serving your community
• Check for completeness: Ensure all required documents are submitted and meet specifications

Remember that the selection committee is looking for candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a genuine commitment to ethical leadership and community development.

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Conclusion: Transforming Lives and Communities

The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025 represents a life-changing opportunity for talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access world-class education and develop the skills needed to become effective change agents in their communities.

By providing comprehensive financial, academic, and social support, the program removes barriers to education and empowers young leaders to tackle pressing challenges in their regions. Scholars join a global network of like-minded individuals committed to creating positive social impact and driving sustainable development.

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Written by Dr. Nadia Ahmed, International Education Specialist with 12 years of experience in scholarship programs and higher education access initiatives across Africa and the Middle East.

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