Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation American University of Beirut Graduate Scholarship 2026 for PhD International Students

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation American University of Beirut Graduate Scholarship 2026 for PhD International Students

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut ($\text{AUB}$) has opened a special application window for $\text{PhD}$ scholarship opportunities exclusively for African nationals seeking Spring $\text{2026}$ admission. This is more than just a scholarship; it is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate talented young leaders committed to giving back to their communities. Applying for an opportunity this robust requires demonstrating exceptional character; review the 10 Top Qualities of Scholarship Winners.

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The program prepares diverse young people with the skills and mindsets they need to pursue their aspirations and enrich their communities by offering a holistic support system. The commitment to global engagement, even while studying abroad, is a key component; consider the Best Top 10 Reasons to Study Your Masters Abroad as context for a $\text{PhD}$ commitment.

Successful applicants will join a community dedicated to mentorship, leadership development, and service. Understanding the commitment involved in such a transformative program is the first step toward application success; learn How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully.

Program Summary

• Host Institution: American University of Beirut ($\text{AUB}$), Lebanon
• Study Abroad: Study in the Middle East
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | $\text{PhD}$ Scholarships | Leadership Fellowship
• Eligible Candidates: Citizens and Refugees of countries on the African Continent
• Duration: Full $\text{PhD}$ duration
• Reward: Full Tuition Coverage | Living Expenses | Mentoring | Internship Opportunities
• Age Limit: $\text{35}$ years or younger
• Admission Window: Spring $\text{2026}$
• Application Deadline: November 6th, 2025
  

Scholarship Benefits

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at $\text{AUB}$ offers a fully funded and comprehensive package, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their doctoral research and leadership training.

The benefits include:

• Financial Coverage: Covers full tuition and basic living expenses, including accommodation and monthly stipends. This extensive financial support classifies it as fully funded; read How to Win a Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship for comparable funding insights.
• Holistic Development: Offers mentoring, leadership skills development, tutoring, internship opportunities, and career services. This focus on professional skills is critical for career placement. To maximize your academic journey, you might consider using study techniques like those described in the Top 11 Mind-Blowing Study Tips Elite Students Use to Pass Exams.
• Financial Security: The coverage of basic living expenses removes the need for student loans; compare this benefit to the challenges outlined in the Ultimate Guide to Student Loans for International Students.

Eligibility and Selection Requirements

Candidates must meet the following requirements and display the necessary qualities during the selection process:

• Citizenship: Open to Citizens or Refugees living in any country on the African Continent.
• Age Limit: Must be $\text{35}$ years or younger at the time of entry to the program.
• Academics: Good academic standing in the previous degree is mandatory. If there are any discrepancies in your record, learn the Best Way to Explain Low GPA in Personal Statements.
• Financial Need: Demonstration of talent that exceeds financial resources. Your personal statement should articulate this need compellingly; see Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay: A-Z Guide.
• Commitment: Strong commitment to giving back to the community, country, and region, and a willingness to attend all required additional learning experiences and workshops. Before undertaking a $\text{PhD}$ abroad, ensure your career goals align by considering the Best Top 10 Questions to Help You Decide If Studying Abroad Is Right for You.
• Language: Demonstration of Readiness for University Studies in English ($\text{RUSE}$).
• Leadership: Proven leadership skills.

$\text{PhD}$ Courses Offered

The $\text{PhD}$ scholarships are open to candidates seeking doctoral degrees in specific engineering, health, and science fields:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Theoretical Physics

Method of Application

The application process is two-fold and requires candidates to complete both the academic application and the financial aid application by the deadline.

1. Step $\text{1}$: Complete $\text{AUB}$ Online Graduate Application: Interested and qualified applicants must first complete the $\text{AUB}$ online graduate application and upload all supporting documents by the deadline. Writing a strong application essay is vital for this initial screening; learn How to Write a Scholarship Essay that Wins.
2. Step $\text{2}$: Select Scholarship and Financial Aid:
   • Select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program under the Financial Opportunities section of the online graduate application.
   • Crucially, applicants must also complete the AUB Financial Aid Application. Both the $\text{AUB}$ online graduate application and the $\text{AUB}$ Financial Aid Application must be completed for the application to be considered. For a $\text{PhD}$ application, securing a strong recommendation is essential; see How to Ask for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship.
3. Post-Graduation Planning: The commitment to return to the African continent suggests focusing on regional impact, though understanding post-study options is still valuable; review How to Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Application Deadline: November 6th, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply for this $\text{AUB}$ Mastercard Foundation $\text{PhD}$ scholarship?

The scholarship is specifically open to Citizens and Refugees from countries on the African Continent.

2. Is there a specific age restriction for applicants?

Yes, applicants must be $\text{35}$ years or younger at the time of entry to the program.

3. What does “fully funded” cover under this program?

The scholarship covers full tuition and basic living expenses, in addition to providing mentoring, leadership training, tutoring, and career services.

4. What is the deadline for this special application window?

The application is for the Spring $\text{2026}$ admission. Candidates should check the $\text{AUB}$ admissions website for the specific deadline for Spring $\text{2026}$ graduate intake.

5. What are the two mandatory steps for a complete application?

For an application to be considered complete, candidates must complete both $\text{(1)}$ the $\text{AUB}$ online graduate application AND $\text{(2)}$ the $\text{AUB}$ Financial Aid Application.

6. What kind of support does the Scholars Program offer beyond financial aid?

It offers a holistic package including mentoring, leadership skills development, tutoring, internship opportunities, and career services.

7. What does $\text{RUSE}$ stand for, and is it required?

$\text{RUSE}$ stands for Readiness for University Studies in English. Demonstration of $\text{RUSE}$ is a requirement for the program.

8. Is the scholarship open to all $\text{PhD}$ fields at $\text{AUB}$?

No, the scholarship is targeted at specific fields primarily in engineering, health, and science, such as Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Epidemiology, and Theoretical Physics.

9. Do I need to demonstrate a financial need to be selected?

Yes, a key selection criterion is the demonstration of talent that exceeds financial resources.

10. What commitment is expected of scholars after completing their $\text{PhD}$?

Scholars must show a strong commitment to giving back to their community, country, and region upon completion of their studies.