Win full scholarship for master’s at American University of Beirut! Open to African citizens, Lebanese & refugees. Deadline: March 12, 2026.

What if you could pursue a master’s degree at one of the Middle East’s most prestigious universities—with full scholarship coverage including tuition, living expenses, and transformative leadership development—while preparing to become an agent of change in your community? What if this opportunity was specifically designed for talented young Africans and Lebanese facing financial barriers?

When I first encountered the American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation partnership, I was inspired by how it bridges continents and creates pathways for emerging leaders. While many scholarships focus solely on academic credentials, this programme recognizes a powerful truth: transformative leadership emerges when talented individuals receive not just financial support, but comprehensive preparation for catalyzing change in their communities, countries, and regions.

The American University of Beirut Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers full funding for on-campus master’s programmes (both thesis and non-thesis tracks) for Fall 2026-27. Beyond covering all costs, scholars participate in workshops, courses, and fieldwork designed specifically to develop their capacity as change agents—creating a holistic educational experience that extends far beyond traditional graduate studies.

Whether you’re an African professional seeking advanced expertise to address your continent’s challenges, a Lebanese student committed to community development, or a refugee determined to transform your circumstances into opportunities for service—if you demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and commitment to making a difference, this scholarship could be your platform for impact.

Scholarship Overview: Quick Facts Box

What is the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?

About the Mastercard Foundation:

The Mastercard Foundation is an international NGO established in 2006, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with work spanning 49 countries. In 2018, the Foundation strategically shifted to a specific focus on Africa through its Young Africa Works strategy, concentrating on:

The Foundation’s commitment to African youth is extraordinary—investing billions in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship to create pathways to dignified, fulfilling work for millions of young Africans.

About American University of Beirut (AUB):

Founded in 1866, AUB is one of the world’s most respected institutions of higher learning, consistently ranked among the top universities in the Middle East and globally. Located in Beirut, Lebanon’s vibrant capital, AUB offers:

AUB’s distinctive mission emphasizes service, social responsibility, and preparing graduates who contribute meaningfully to society—perfectly aligned with Mastercard Foundation’s values.

The Partnership Programme:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB aims to prepare young people to be agents of change in their communities, countries, and regions. This isn’t just about earning graduate degrees—it’s comprehensive preparation for leadership and impact.

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What Makes This Programme Unique:

Beyond Traditional Graduate Studies: Scholars don’t just take academic courses. They participate in:

Comprehensive Support: Full scholarships covering everything—tuition, accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, travel, stipends—removing all financial barriers.

Transformative Environment: Living and studying in Beirut provides unique exposure to:

I’ve observed how international graduate experiences combined with leadership development transform capable students into dynamic change agents. When you study at AUB’s caliber, engage with diverse global peers, participate in structured leadership development, and gain exposure to different regional contexts—you return home with exponentially expanded capacity for impact.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements

The programme has clear geographic focus while remaining inclusive within those parameters. You must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Geographic/Citizenship Eligibility:

For Master’s (Thesis and Non-Thesis) Scholarships: You must be in ONE of these categories:

For PhD Scholarships: You must be in ONE of these categories:

Note: Lebanese citizens and Lebanon-based refugees are eligible for master’s only, not PhD

Age Requirement:

Academic Qualifications:

Financial Circumstances:

Leadership and Community Engagement:

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Programme Commitment:

English Language Proficiency:

Acceptable Tests and Scores:

Specific minimum scores not provided—check AUB website for programme-specific requirements

Application Completion:

Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB provides full scholarship support—comprehensive funding removing all financial barriers:

Complete Financial Package:

The Real Financial Value:

AUB’s graduate programmes are expensive. Annual costs for international students typically include:

For a 2-year master’s programme, total value: $75,000-$120,000+

This represents transformative support for students from Africa and Lebanon, where such amounts are often equivalent to years of family income.

Beyond Financial Support:

Leadership Development Curriculum:

Experiential Learning:

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Network Building:

Academic Excellence:

Cross-Cultural Competency:

Career Advancement:

Post-Graduation Support: Many Mastercard Foundation programmes include:

Available Master’s and PhD Programmes

While specific eligible programmes aren’t detailed in the materials, AUB offers graduate programmes across diverse faculties:

Typical Graduate Programmes at AUB:

Faculty of Arts and Sciences:

Faculty of Engineering and Architecture:

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences:

Faculty of Medicine:

Suliman S. Olayan School of Business:

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Other Programmes:

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Check AUB’s graduate catalogue for complete programme listings and confirm which programmes you’re interested in during application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application involves both AUB admission and scholarship consideration. Follow this sequence carefully:

Step 1: Research AUB Graduate Programmes

Before applying:

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Academic Documents:

English Proficiency:

Personal Documents:

Step 3: Complete AUB Online Graduate Application

In the Financial Opportunities section:

Submit your graduate application by March 12, 2026 deadline

Step 4: Complete AUB Financial Aid Application

After submitting your graduate application:

Important: For master’s applicants, the Financial Aid Application is required. For PhD applicants, check if it’s required (materials suggest it may not be).

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Step 5: Demonstrate English Proficiency

Step 6: Await Admission and Scholarship Decisions

For complete information and to apply, visit the American University of Beirut scholarship webpage.

Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship

Having observed successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars applications across universities, here’s what distinguishes winners:

1. Demonstrate Authentic Change Agent Potential

The programme seeks students who’ll be agents of change. Show this through:

2. Connect Your Graduate Programme to African/Lebanese Development

Make explicit linkages:

3. Show Cross-Regional Learning Interest

AUB’s location offers unique Middle East perspectives:

4. Emphasize Leadership Breadth, Not Just Positions

Leadership isn’t about titles:

5. Prove Financial Need Honestly

Be transparent about circumstances:

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6. Craft Compelling Personal Narrative

Your essays are your voice:

7. Secure Strong Academic References

Choose recommenders who can speak to:

Brief them thoroughly about Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and AUB

8. Excel Academically

Strong grades are foundational:

9. Show Programme Fit

Demonstrate understanding of your chosen programme:

10. Address the “Agent of Change” Directly

Since this is programme’s explicit goal:

In my observation, Mastercard Foundation Scholars winners combine three elements: exceptional potential for creating change, demonstrated track record of leadership and service, and authentic commitment to using education for collective benefit rather than just individual advancement.

Living and Studying in Beirut, Lebanon

Why Beirut?

Beirut offers unique environment for graduate scholars:

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Cultural Richness:

Strategic Location:

Educational Excellence:

Practical Considerations:

Challenges to Consider:

Important Dates and Deadlines

Plan your timeline carefully:

Pro Tip: Start in January at the latest. English tests take time, gathering documents is slow, and references need weeks. Don’t wait until March.

FAQs About AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

1. Can North Africans apply?
Yes! “African Continent” includes all 54 countries—North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, etc.) through to Southern Africa.

2. Are refugees from non-African countries eligible if living in Lebanon?
Based on the criteria, refugees living in Lebanon are eligible for master’s scholarships regardless of origin. However, confirm this with AUB if you’re from outside Africa.

3. Can I apply for both master’s and PhD?
Apply for the level matching your current qualifications. If you have a bachelor’s, apply for master’s. If you have a master’s, you could apply for PhD (if African or refugee in Africa).

4. What if I don’t have leadership positions or titles?
Leadership isn’t about positions—it’s about influence and impact. Emphasize informal leadership, community organizing, initiative in solving problems, mentoring others, or catalyzing change without formal authority.

5. Do I need to know Arabic?
No. AUB’s graduate programmes are in English. However, living in Beirut, some Arabic is helpful for daily life. Many scholars pick up basic Arabic during their studies.

6. What happens after graduation—must I return home?
While not legally binding like some bond programmes, there’s clear expectation you’ll return to your community/country/region and apply your education there. The scholarship’s purpose is developing change agents for Africa and Lebanon, not facilitating permanent emigration.

7. Can I bring my family?
The scholarship typically covers the individual scholar. Family accompaniment would require separate arrangements and funding. Most scholars study solo given the 1-2 year timeframe.

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Similar Scholarships for Graduate Study

While AUB’s Mastercard Foundation programme is exceptional, here are other graduate funding opportunities:

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Other Universities
Multiple universities partnering with Mastercard Foundation
Institutions: Universities in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and more
Learn more: Mastercard Foundation website

2. African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Scholarships
For African students pursuing economics and policy studies
Award: Full funding for MA and PhD
Learn more: AERC website

3. DAAD Scholarships for Developing Countries
German government scholarships for graduate study
Award: Full funding in Germany
Learn more: DAAD website

4. Commonwealth Scholarships
For students from Commonwealth developing countries
Award: Full funding for UK master’s/PhD
Learn more: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

5. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
For students from select developing countries
Award: 50% grant, 50% loan
Learn more: Aga Khan Foundation

Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?

This scholarship is ideal if you:

You might want to explore alternatives if:

Here’s my honest assessment: The AUB Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship represents an extraordinary opportunity for talented young Africans, Lebanese, and refugees committed to creating change. Full funding at one of the Middle East’s premier universities, combined with structured leadership development and a community of change agents—this is genuinely transformative.

Beirut’s location offers unique perspectives often missing from Africa-to-West education pathways. Studying at AUB provides excellent graduate credentials while exposing you to different regional contexts, challenges, and solutions—broadening your toolkit for addressing complex development issues.

The scholarship’s emphasis on preparing agents of change—not just credentialed professionals—reflects profound understanding that sustainable development requires leaders who’ll stay, serve, and catalyze transformation in their communities.

The Mastercard Foundation is investing in young people who will multiply impact across Africa and Lebanon. If you’re called to leadership, committed to service, and need support to access world-class education—this scholarship is calling your name.

Start your application today. Research AUB’s graduate programmes, prepare your materials, take your English test, and submit before March 12, 2026. Demonstrate English proficiency by May 31, 2026.

For complete information and to apply, visit the American University of Beirut scholarship webpage.

Your fully-funded graduate education in Beirut—and your platform for catalyzing change across your community, country, and region—awaits.

Know a young African or Lebanese change agent who needs this opportunity? Share it widely. Drop your questions in the comments—together, we’re building the next generation of leaders transforming Africa and the Middle East!

Author: kasephilip

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Kase Philip is an educational consultant and scholarship advocate helping African students access global higher education opportunities. Through StudyAid, he provides up-to-date scholarship information, application guidance, and practical resources to ensure talented students can pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.

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