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MEPI

Tomorrow's Leaders

Program continuity risk

Overview​

Program continuity risk

MEPI is funded by the U.S. Department of State. In 2025, the Trump administration imposed sweeping cuts to U.S. foreign aid and froze many State Department assistance programs (HRW, Feb 2025). The related MEPI Student Leaders Program was cancelled for 2025-2026 (mepi.state.gov). The Tomorrow's Leaders undergraduate program accepted applications for 2026-2027 and appears operational as of April 2026, but future cycles could be affected. Always verify the latest status at tomorrowsleadersprogram.org before applying.

Provider
U.S. Department of State — Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)
Type
Fully funded government scholarship (US-backed)
Description
The Tomorrow's Leaders Program provides full undergraduate scholarships and leadership training to high-achieving students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region who demonstrate financial need and leadership potential. The program partners with American-style universities to equip participants with knowledge and skills for leadership at local, regional, and national levels. Over 1,900 alumni have graduated from the program since its inception. (Source)

Grade & background requirements​

Academic level
Incoming undergraduate (current high-school seniors or students who graduated in the most recent year — e.g., 2025 graduates for the 2026-2027 cycle) (FAQ)
GPA / Baccalaureate average
Applicants should have 80 % or higher across their academic history. Once enrolled, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. (FAQ)
Nationality / residency
Must be a citizen of one of the eligible MENA countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, or Yemen. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents (including dual citizens) are not eligible. (FAQ)
Financial need
Required — applicants must be economically deserving and provide supporting financial documentation. (FAQ)
English proficiency
University-level competency required. Minimum TOEFL iBT 80 (taken within two years of the program start date) for admission/enrollment. (U.S. Embassy Lebanon)
Other
Demonstrated maturity, adaptability, leadership potential, and community service. (FAQ)

Application materials​

  • Personal statement (500 words written or 5-6 minute video, from provided prompts)
  • Transcripts for grades 10, 11, and 12 (when available) plus graduation certificate
  • Two recommendation letters (submitted electronically by recommenders through the application system)

(U.S. Embassy Lebanon)

Application window​

Typical timeline based on the 2026-2027 cycle (Timeline):

StageTypical date

Applications open
September 15
Applications close
November 25
Shortlist & interviews
January (following year)
Final decisions
Starting May, on a rolling basis

Supported universities​

3

Applicants cannot choose their university — placement depends on each institution's admissions requirements and available spots. The three partner universities are (Source):

UniversityLocation

American University of Beirut (AUB)Example eligible majors: Computer Science, Biology, Business Administration, Economics, Nursing, Political Studies, Chemistry, and more
Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanese American University (LAU)Example eligible majors: Biology, Bioinformatics, Business (multiple tracks), Nursing, Performing Arts, Translation, and more
Beirut / Byblos, Lebanon
American University in Cairo (AUC)Example eligible majors: Data Science, Economics, Film, Graphic Design, Political Science, and more
Cairo, Egypt

A full list of eligible majors at each university is available at tomorrowsleadersprogram.org/what-can-i-study. If a degree is not listed there, it is not available to Tomorrow's Leaders students.

Benefits​

The scholarship is fully funded for up to 4 academic years and includes (FAQ):

BenefitDetails

Tuition & fees
Full tuition and enrollment fees covered
Housing
University student housing provided
Monthly stipend
Living stipend while participating in TL activities
Textbooks
Textbook allowance each semester
Laptop
Provided for the duration of the program
Health insurance
University health insurance covered

Official program contacts