Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship for Students from the Middle East and North Africa

Applications are now open for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028, a prestigious undergraduate scholarship and leadership development programme sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

The programme provides highly motivated young people from eligible countries and territories in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with access to an American-style undergraduate education, leadership development, professional opportunities, mentorship, internships, and a broader network of emerging leaders.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the programme is accepting applications from eligible applicants who are current high school seniors or who graduated from high school in 2026, with limited additional eligibility for applicants from certain countries and territories who graduated in 2025.

The programme is administered through FHI 360, which manages outreach, applications, and recruitment on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s MEPI initiative.

Application deadline: November 18, 2026.

What Is the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is an undergraduate scholarship and leadership-development initiative designed to identify and support talented young people from the Middle East and North Africa who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and the motivation to contribute to their communities and societies.

The programme seeks to develop a network of future leaders and decision-makers who can engage effectively with the private sector, government, civil society, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

Rather than focusing solely on university tuition, the programme combines higher education with leadership development and professional preparation.

The overall model is built around the idea that talented young people can become more effective leaders when they have access to:

• High-quality university education
• Leadership training
• Career-oriented workshops
• Faculty mentorship
• Internship opportunities
• Professional development
• Cross-cultural experiences
• International academic exposure
• A network of other emerging leaders

The programme therefore provides both an academic pathway and a leadership-development experience.

Who Sponsors the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

The programme is funded by the U.S. Government, while FHI 360, a nonprofit human-development organization, serves as the cooperating agency responsible for outreach, application processes, and recruitment.

This partnership connects the scholarship with a broader U.S. Government objective of supporting leadership development and educational opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Where Do Tomorrow’s Leaders Study?

For the current 2027–2028 undergraduate programme, applicants must be willing to attend either of the two participating partner universities:

American University of Beirut

The American University of Beirut (AUB) is one of the programme’s participating institutions.

Lebanese American University

The Lebanese American University (LAU) is the second participating institution for the current undergraduate programme.

Applicants may indicate a preferred university, but they must be willing to attend either institution. Final placement and admission decisions depend on the partner universities’ admission requirements and the candidate-selection process.

Importantly, applicants do not need to submit separate undergraduate applications to AUB or LAU in addition to the Tomorrow’s Leaders application.

What Does the Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Cover?

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program provides a comprehensive package designed to reduce the financial barriers associated with an American-style university education.

For undergraduate participants, the programme covers several major educational and living expenses.

Tuition and Enrollment Fees

The scholarship covers tuition and enrollment fees for a maximum of four academic years of undergraduate study.

This is one of the central benefits of the programme because successful Scholars can pursue their degrees without having to finance the normal tuition and enrollment costs themselves.

University Health Insurance

The programme provides university health insurance to participating Scholars.

This provides students with health coverage while studying at their partner institution.

Student Housing

The scholarship includes student housing, reducing the financial burden associated with accommodation during university studies.

Monthly Living Stipend

Tomorrow’s Leaders students receive a monthly living stipend when participating in programme activities.

The stipend is intended to support students with living expenses while they undertake their studies and participate in programme activities.

Textbook Allowance

The programme provides a textbook allowance to support students’ academic needs.

Laptop

Students receive a laptop for use during the duration of the programme.

This provides an important academic resource for research, assignments, online learning, communication, and other university activities.

Travel Support

The programme provides two round-trip tickets per year to the student’s home country, territory, or place of residence.

This allows students to maintain connections with their home communities while studying away from home.

Leadership Development

Tomorrow’s Leaders is not simply a conventional academic scholarship.

Students participate in career-oriented and leadership-development workshops designed to strengthen their ability to lead and engage with different sectors.

Internship Opportunities

The programme provides access to internship opportunities, allowing Scholars to gain practical experience and connect their university education with professional environments.

Faculty Mentorship and Guidance

Students benefit from faculty mentorship and guidance, helping them navigate their academic programmes and develop professionally.

Opportunity for a Semester in the United States

Eligible undergraduate Tomorrow’s Leaders students may apply for an opportunity to spend a semester studying in the United States.

This provides an additional international academic experience and can expose students to a different educational and cultural environment.

Undergraduate Fields of Study

The current Tomorrow’s Leaders undergraduate programme offers a broad selection of academic programmes at AUB and LAU.

Applicants should carefully review the current list before choosing a field because a degree that is not included in the programme’s approved list is not available to Tomorrow’s Leaders students.

American University of Beirut

Current eligible undergraduate areas include:

• Agribusiness
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Earth Sciences
• Economics
• Food Science and Management
• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics

Applicants should consult the official programme information for the current academic programme structure and any university-specific admission requirements.

Lebanese American University

Current listed undergraduate areas include:

• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Business – Accounting
• Business – Banking and Finance
• Business – Family and Entrepreneurial Business
• Business – International Business
• Business – Information Technology Management
• Business – Management
• Business – Marketing
• Chemistry
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Economics
• English
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Mathematics
• Multimedia Journalism
• Nursing
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program
• Performing Arts
• Political Science/International Affairs
• Psychology
• Studio Arts
• Television and Film
• Translation

The current programme specifically states that medical school is not an eligible programme of study.

Applicants should therefore not assume that every programme offered by either university is automatically covered by the scholarship.

Who Is Eligible for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028?

The 2027–2028 undergraduate programme is intended for applicants from specific MENA countries and territories.

Eligible applicants must be citizens of:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Syria
• Tunisia
• West Bank
• Yemen

The programme also recognizes Palestinian students who currently reside in a third country with legal residency status under the current eligibility provisions.

U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible.

Applicants who are citizens of an eligible country but are permanent residents of another country may still be eligible, provided they are not legal permanent residents of the United States.

Eligibility for High School Graduates

For the 2027–2028 undergraduate intake, the primary eligibility group consists of:

• Current high school seniors; or
• Applicants who graduated from high school in 2026.

There is a special provision for applicants from:

• Iraq
• Libya
• Syria
• West Bank
• Palestinian students residing in a third country with legal residency status
• Yemen

Applicants from these groups who graduated from high school in 2025 may also apply.

Applicants who graduated in 2024 or earlier are not eligible for the current undergraduate intake.

Current high school seniors are also expected to maintain their strong academic performance and successfully complete their leaving examination.

Academic Requirements

Tomorrow’s Leaders applicants are expected to have strong academic credentials.

The programme generally indicates that applicants should have an academic record equivalent to approximately 80 percent or better across their academic history.

However, academic performance is considered alongside other factors, including:

• English-language proficiency
• Leadership potential
• Academic history
• Overall readiness for university study
• Admission requirements of the partner universities

Meeting the general academic threshold does not automatically guarantee selection.

Leadership Potential

Leadership is a central component of the Tomorrow’s Leaders selection process.

The programme is designed for young people who have the potential to become future leaders and decision-makers.

Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate experiences, qualities, activities, or achievements that show:

• Initiative
• Responsibility
• Community engagement
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration
• Commitment to positive change
• Potential to contribute to society

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal elected position or organizational title.

Applicants can demonstrate leadership through school activities, community projects, volunteer work, social initiatives, extracurricular activities, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or other meaningful experiences.

English-Language Proficiency

English proficiency is an important part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders application because the partner universities use English-language instruction.

Applicants must be able to:

• Understand university-level English
• Communicate effectively in English
• Read academic material
• Write effectively
• Participate in university-level discussions

Applicants do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score simply to submit the initial application.

Instead, all applicants must complete a free online English assessment provided by Arizona State University (ASU) as part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders application.

Shortlisted candidates may subsequently be required to take TOEFL or IELTS before final selection.

The current eligibility information specifies a minimum TOEFL iBT requirement of 80 on the previous 0–120 scale, or 4.0 on the newer 1–6 scale, received within two years of the programme start date.

TOEFL and IELTS Requirements

Applicants do not have to complete TOEFL or IELTS before submitting the initial application.

If an applicant reaches the shortlisted stage, they will be contacted regarding the required English-proficiency testing.

Shortlisted applicants must submit their TOEFL or IELTS results by:

March 8, 2027.

The programme covers the testing costs for shortlisted finalists.

Applicants who already have valid TOEFL or IELTS results that are less than two years old may be able to submit those results during the application process.

Arizona State University English Assessment

The ASU English assessment is required as part of the initial application.

The assessment evaluates:

• Listening
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar

Applicants are advised to take the assessment in a quiet environment with a stable internet connection.

The assessment should be taken only once.

Applicants should therefore make sure they are adequately prepared before starting the test.

SAT Requirements

Applicants do not need to take the SAT in order to submit the Tomorrow’s Leaders application.

However, shortlisted applicants are encouraged to take the SAT because it can be relevant to university admission.

If shortlisted, the programme will assist applicants with scheduling the SAT for March 2027.

The exact SAT requirements can vary according to the partner university and programme selected.

Applicants should therefore review the specific admission requirements of their preferred university and academic programme.

Application Documents

A complete application for the 2027–2028 programme includes several components.

Application Form

Applicants must complete all applicable sections of the online Tomorrow’s Leaders application.

Secondary School Transcripts

Applicants must provide official secondary-school transcripts.

Students who graduated from high school in 2026 are required to submit official transcripts for Grades 10, 11, and 12.

Current Grade 12 students should submit their official transcripts for Grades 10 and 11, with Grade 12 results to be provided when they become available.

Graduation Certificate or Diploma

Applicants who have already graduated must provide their graduation certificate or diploma where applicable.

English Assessment

Applicants must complete the required ASU online English assessment during the application process.

Extracurricular and Volunteer Activities

Applicants should provide documentation of relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences.

These experiences can help demonstrate leadership potential, community involvement, initiative, and personal development.

Two Recommendations

Two recommendation forms are required.

Applicants should provide the email addresses of their recommenders through the application system.

The recommenders will then receive an automated email containing instructions for completing the online recommendation form.

At least one recommendation should come from an academic reference.

Appropriate recommenders may include:

• Teachers
• School administrators
• Coaches
• Volunteer supervisors
• Other individuals who know the applicant’s academic history or extracurricular engagement well

Friends and family members cannot serve as recommenders.

Translation of Application Documents

If application documents are written in a language other than English, applicants must provide English translations alongside the original documents.

Official translations are preferred but are not mandatory.

Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that translations are accurate.

The programme warns that misrepresentation of information can result in disqualification.

Do Applicants Need a Separate University Application?

No.

For the current undergraduate programme, applicants only need to complete the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program application.

Applicants do not need to submit a separate undergraduate application to the American University of Beirut or Lebanese American University.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders application process coordinates the relevant university consideration.

Applicants must nevertheless satisfy the admission requirements of the partner institution to which they are considered.

Financial Need and the Programme’s Target Group

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is designed to support talented students who may not otherwise have the financial means to access an American-style university education.

Selection therefore considers more than academic performance.

The programme looks for applicants who combine:

• Strong academic achievement
• Leadership potential
• English-language ability
• Personal maturity
• Flexibility
• The ability to succeed in an international academic environment

The programme’s broader objective is to develop future professionals and leaders who can contribute at local, national, and regional levels.

Can Current Undergraduate Students Apply?

The current FAQ states that situations involving students who are already enrolled in undergraduate studies are reviewed case by case.

Applicants in this situation should provide copies of any undergraduate transcripts they have and explain in their personal statement why they wish to make the transition.

Applicants should therefore not assume that current undergraduate enrollment automatically disqualifies them, but they should be prepared to explain their circumstances clearly.

Passport and Identification Requirements

Applicants who do not currently have a valid passport can submit the initial online application using their national identification card.

If shortlisted, they will be advised to apply for a passport.

This means the absence of a passport at the initial application stage does not necessarily prevent an otherwise eligible applicant from applying.

Refugee Status and Eligibility

Applicants whose families have refugee status may still apply provided they can demonstrate citizenship from one of the eligible countries or territories.

The key eligibility consideration is the applicant’s citizenship or qualifying status under the programme’s stated geographic criteria.

Applicants should provide accurate documentation and follow the programme’s instructions regarding nationality and residency.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.

However, a citizen of an eligible MENA country who resides permanently in another country may remain eligible if they are not a U.S. legal permanent resident.

Special Provision for Palestinian Applicants

The current programme includes Palestinian applicants under the West Bank eligibility provision and also allows Palestinian students who are originally from Gaza but currently reside in a third country with legal residency status to apply, provided they satisfy the other programme requirements.

The programme states that applicants currently residing in Gaza cannot participate in the current cycle because participants must be able to travel internationally and begin their studies by August 2027, and current travel conditions prevent the programme from guaranteeing timely departure.

The programme describes this as a logistical and travel-access limitation rather than a judgment about nationality or origin.

Application Deadline for Tomorrow’s Leaders 2027–2028

The application deadline is:

November 18, 2026.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year opened on October 1, 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the deadline to begin preparing their documents because the application requires transcripts, recommendations, extracurricular documentation, and completion of the online English assessment.

APPLY HERE

Tomorrow’s Leaders 2027–2028 Application Timeline

The programme has published a multi-stage timeline for the 2027–2028 intake.

October 1, 2026

Applications open for the 2027–2028 academic year.

October–November 2026

The application remains open for eligible candidates.

November 18, 2026

Application deadline.

December 2026

Initial review of submitted applications.

January 2027

Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews.

Interviews may involve:

• FHI 360 staff
• U.S. Embassy staff
• A Tomorrow’s Leaders alumnus

Shortlisted applicants should also begin preparing for standardized testing.

February–April 2027

Applicants are notified regarding whether they will be forwarded for consideration by partner universities.

During this period, applicants complete TOEFL and SAT examinations if they have not already completed the required tests.

May–July 2027

Partner universities begin issuing conditional offers.

Notifications are made on a rolling basis.

June–July 2027

Applicants who receive conditional offers but have lower TOEFL or IELTS scores may be offered an eight-week online intensive English programme.

August 2027

Accepted applicants participate in:

• Pre-Departure Orientation
• Leadership Workshop sessions

Incoming Tomorrow’s Leaders then travel to their respective universities to begin their studies.

How the Selection Process Works

After an application is submitted, it is initially reviewed for:

• English proficiency
• Academic achievement
• Leadership experience
• Leadership potential

Shortlisted candidates are then invited to the interview stage.

The interview provides the programme with an opportunity to learn more about applicants beyond what is visible in their written application.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

• Their academic background
• Leadership experiences
• Community involvement
• Personal motivations
• Career aspirations
• Why they want to participate in Tomorrow’s Leaders
• How they hope to contribute to their communities

Interview Preparation

The programme has previously published guidance emphasizing the importance of authenticity and preparation.

Applicants reaching the interview stage should prepare several concrete examples of leadership and community engagement rather than relying on general statements.

Strong interview preparation should include:

1. Reviewing your application carefully.
2. Identifying your strongest leadership experiences.
3. Preparing examples that demonstrate initiative and impact.
4. Explaining your academic and career goals.
5. Thinking about how your experiences have shaped your ambitions.
6. Practicing clear and natural English communication.
7. Testing your internet connection before the interview.
8. Choosing a quiet location for the online interview.

Applicants should avoid simply memorizing answers. The purpose of the interview is also to allow the selection team to understand the applicant’s personality, motivations, and potential.

Maintaining Academic Performance After Selection

Selection for Tomorrow’s Leaders is not the end of the academic requirements.

Students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale throughout their studies to remain in good standing.

This requirement reflects the programme’s expectation that Scholars will continue demonstrating academic commitment after receiving the scholarship.

What Makes Tomorrow’s Leaders Different from a Conventional Scholarship?

The programme is distinctive because it combines undergraduate education with a structured leadership-development experience.

A traditional scholarship may primarily provide financial assistance for tuition.

Tomorrow’s Leaders goes further by combining:

• University education
• Leadership development
• Mentorship
• Career preparation
• Internships
• Professional workshops
• International exposure
• Community engagement
• Alumni networking

This makes it particularly suitable for students who want to develop both academic expertise and leadership capacity.

Building a Regional Leadership Network

One of the programme’s long-term objectives is to develop a community of young leaders across the MENA region.

The programme’s current website states that its alumni network includes more than 1,900 programme alumni serving as leaders across the region.

Through this network, participants can build relationships with other scholars and alumni working across different professional sectors and countries.

The programme therefore provides a potential long-term professional and leadership network extending beyond the undergraduate degree itself.

Career and Professional Development

Tomorrow’s Leaders places considerable emphasis on preparing students for professional life.

Through career-oriented workshops, internships, faculty mentorship, and other activities, participants can develop skills relevant to employment, entrepreneurship, public service, civil society, and other career paths.

The programme also seeks to help participants understand how they can engage with:

• Government institutions
• Private-sector organizations
• Academic institutions
• Civil society
• International organizations
• Other professional stakeholders

International Academic Exposure

The potential semester-abroad opportunity in the United States is another significant feature of the programme.

Eligible undergraduate Scholars may apply for a semester of study in the United States.

This can provide exposure to another higher-education environment and allow students to develop international academic and cultural experiences.

The opportunity is not presented as an automatic benefit for every Scholar; students may need to apply and satisfy the relevant requirements.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Prospective applicants should consider several factors before submitting an application.

Check your country or territory

Confirm that your citizenship or qualifying Palestinian residency status falls within the programme’s current geographic eligibility list.

Check your graduation year

For most applicants, you must be a current high school senior or have graduated in 2026.

Special eligibility applies to certain applicants who graduated in 2025.

Check your intended programme

Not every degree at AUB or LAU is available through Tomorrow’s Leaders.

Review the current approved fields carefully.

Check your English readiness

The programme is conducted in English, and applicants need to demonstrate the ability to succeed academically in an English-language environment.

Prepare your recommenders

Two recommendations are required.

Contact your recommenders before submitting the application and make sure they understand the deadline.

Prepare your transcripts

Gather your secondary-school transcripts and graduation documentation early.

Document your leadership

Prepare evidence of extracurricular, volunteer, community, or leadership activities.

Do not wait until the deadline

The deadline is November 18, 2026. Starting early gives applicants time to address missing documents, complete the English assessment, and review their application carefully.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the application through the official Tomorrow’s Leaders Program application portal.

Official programme website:
https://www.tomorrowsleadersprogram.org/

Application portal:
https://fhi360.govfa.net/wfzYp4Y

Applicants should complete all required sections, upload the required documentation, provide their recommenders’ information, and complete the required ASU English assessment.

No separate undergraduate application to AUB or LAU is required for the Tomorrow’s Leaders application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?

It is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored undergraduate scholarship and leadership-development programme for eligible students from the Middle East and North Africa.

Who sponsors the programme?

It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative and administered through FHI 360.

What universities participate in the 2027–2028 undergraduate programme?

The current programme lists the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University.

Can I choose my university?

You can indicate a preferred university, but applicants must be willing to attend either partner institution. Final placement depends on university admission requirements and candidate selection.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

The programme covers major educational and living costs, including tuition and enrollment fees, university health insurance, student housing, a living stipend during programme activities, textbooks, a laptop, and two annual round-trip tickets to the home country, territory, or place of residence.

Is medical school eligible?

No. Medical school is not an eligible programme of study under the current undergraduate programme.

Do I need TOEFL or IELTS before applying?

No. Applicants first complete the free ASU English assessment as part of the application. Shortlisted candidates may subsequently be required to take TOEFL or IELTS.

Do I need the SAT before applying?

No. The SAT is not required to submit the initial application, although shortlisted applicants are encouraged to take it for university consideration where relevant.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 18, 2026.

When does the programme begin?

Accepted students are expected to travel to their universities in August 2027.

Can current undergraduate students apply?

Potentially, but such cases are reviewed individually by the university partners. Applicants in this situation should provide their undergraduate transcripts and explain their proposed transition.

Can U.S. citizens apply?

No. U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible.

Can I apply if I do not yet have a passport?

Yes. The initial application can be submitted using a national identification card. Shortlisted applicants will be advised to obtain a passport.

Visit HERE to learn more about Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028.

Conclusion

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027–2028 represents a significant undergraduate scholarship opportunity for academically capable and leadership-oriented young people from eligible countries and territories in the Middle East and North Africa.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative and administered by FHI 360, the programme combines university education with leadership development, career preparation, internships, mentorship, and international academic exposure.

Successful Scholars can receive tuition and enrollment support, university health insurance, student housing, a monthly living stipend during programme activities, textbooks, a laptop, and two annual round-trip tickets to their home country, territory, or place of residence. The programme also provides leadership and career-oriented workshops, internship opportunities, faculty mentorship, and the possibility of applying for a semester of study in the United States.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, eligible applicants come from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen, with specific provisions for Palestinian students residing in a third country with legal residency status. U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible.

Applicants should also pay close attention to the academic and age-related eligibility provisions, graduation-year requirements, English-language requirements, required transcripts and recommendations, and the specific list of approved undergraduate programmes.

The application period opened on October 1, 2026, and the final application deadline is November 18, 2026.

Prospective applicants should begin early, carefully prepare their documents, identify appropriate recommenders, complete the required English assessment, and ensure that their intended field of study is available through the current Tomorrow’s Leaders programme.

For the latest eligibility requirements, approved fields, application instructions, and programme updates, applicants should rely on the official Tomorrow’s Leaders Program website and application portal.

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