The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious program offers fully funded undergraduate and graduate scholarships to exceptional students from socioeconomically underserved backgrounds in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
About the Program
Launched in 2006, the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective leadership. Participants study at top American-style universities in the region, such as the American University of Beirut, the American University in Cairo, and the Lebanese American University. These institutions emphasize liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Beyond academics, students engage in internships, civic activities, and enrichment workshops, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. The program also includes a vibrant community, mentorship, and personal development support. Undergraduate participants have the opportunity to study in the U.S. for a semester, broadening their global perspectives. Graduates join a network of over 1,000 alumni making a difference across the MENA region.
What Does the Program Cover?
- Tuition and Enrollment Fees (Up to 4 years for undergraduate students, 2 years for graduate students)
- University Health Insurance
- Entrance Visa and Residency Permit Fees
- Student Housing
- Monthly Living Stipend (During TL activities)
- Textbook Allowance
- Laptop (For use during the program)
- Two Round-Trip Tickets to home country per year
- Civic Leadership and Career-Oriented Workshops
- Internship Opportunities
- Faculty Mentorship and Guidance
- Study Abroad Opportunity in the U.S. (Undergraduate students only)
- Graduate Assistantships or Research Assistantships (Graduate students only)
Application Timeline
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September 16, 2025 – Application opens for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
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September–November 2025 – Applications remain open
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November 25, 2025 – Application deadline
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December 2025 – Initial review of submitted applications
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January 2026 – Interviews with FHI 360 staff, U.S. Embassy staff, and TL alumni; applicants begin preparing for standardized tests (TOEFL, SAT)
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February–April 2026 – Applicants notified if forwarded to partner universities; TOEFL and SAT exams completed (if not previously taken)
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May–July 2026 – Conditional offers from partner universities issued on a rolling basis
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June–July 2026 – Online 8-week English intensive offered to applicants with low TOEFL or IELTS scores
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August 2026 – Accepted applicants attend Pre-Departure Orientation and Leadership Workshop; Tomorrow’s Leaders depart for universities
Fields of Study
Tomorrow’s Leaders have a wide variety of academic programs that they can pursue at the American University of Beirut, the American University in Cairo, and the Lebanese American University. If your desired degree is not listed below, then it is not available for Tomorrow’s Leaders to enroll in.
Undergraduate Programs
Applicants only need to complete the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program application. Applicants do not need to complete a separate application to our partner universities.
American University of Beirut
American University in Cairo
Lebanese American University
- Applied Physics
- Bioinformatics
- Biology
- Business – Accounting
- Business – Banking & Finance
- Business – Family & Entrepreneurial Business
- Business – International Business
- Business – Information Technology Management
- Business – Management
- Business – Marketing
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Economics
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be citizens of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, or Yemen.
U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate Program
- Current high school seniors or applicants who graduated from high school in 2025.
- Applicants from Iraq, Libya, Syria, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen who graduated high school in 2024 are also eligible.
- Current high school seniors must maintain their high academic achievement and pass their leaving exam.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Maturity, adaptability, and leadership potential.
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, received within two years of admission date (August 2026).
- Ability to travel and start their undergraduate program in August 2026.
- Demonstrate financial need. Applicants should be economically deserving students and should provide supporting financial documentation.
FAQs
For more information about the program, eligibility, and the application process, please visit the program’s FAQ section.
Apply Now
Applications for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program for the 2025–2026 academic year are open. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a future leader in the MENA region.?
APPLY NOW OR FIND MORE INFO HERE
