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Deadline: November 6, 2025
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 offers a fully funded PhD opportunity for outstanding students from Africa and other developing regions, particularly those with a deep commitment to giving back to their communities. This prestigious program aims to prepare the next generation of transformative leaders, educators, and innovators who will contribute to sustainable development and social progress in their home countries.
Hosted at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon — one of the Middle East’s top-ranked universities — the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides not only financial support but also leadership development, academic mentoring, and community engagement opportunities. The program focuses on creating a new generation of scholars who will promote inclusive and equitable growth across Africa and beyond.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the PhD program.
- Comprehensive living allowance covering housing, meals, and personal expenses.
- Health insurance and travel support to and from Lebanon.
- Academic and career mentoring throughout the program.
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training to prepare scholars for impactful careers.
- Opportunities to participate in community service projects and research addressing real-world challenges.
SEE ALSO: Yale Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program 2026 for Mid-Career Emerging Global Leaders (Fully Funded to Yale University, USA)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AUB Mastercard Foundation PhD Scholarship 2025/2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country or a refugee/displaced person living in Africa.
- Have strong academic credentials and meet AUB’s admission requirements for PhD study.
- Demonstrate a commitment to community service, leadership, and social impact.
- Show financial need and limited access to higher education funding.
- Be committed to returning home after their studies to contribute to national and regional development.
Application Process and Documents Required
Interested applicants should:
Step 1: Complete an AUB online graduate application and upload supporting documents by the deadline.
Step 2: Select Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the Financial Opportunities section of the online graduate application.
Step 3 (not required for PhD applicants): Complete the AUB Financial Aid Application, which will be accessible, within 1-3 working days, after you submit your Graduate Admission Application. You will receive, within 1-3 days, an automated email from the financial aid office informing you of your access rights once the financial aid application has been activated.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For an application to be considered complete, applicants must have completed (1) the AUB online graduate application and (2) the AUB Financial Aid Application.
