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USAID

University Scholarship Program (USP)

Program Status — Suspended / Likely Cancelled

Overview​

Program Status — Suspended / Likely Cancelled

USAID was officially closed on July 1, 2025 under the Trump administration, with 83% of programs cancelled. The USP scholarship in Lebanon was suspended — students received emails that their scholarships were discontinued. AUB and LAU temporarily covered costs during the freeze. It is unclear whether this program will continue under the State Department (which absorbed remaining USAID functions) or if it has been permanently terminated. Check directly with AUB and LAU before relying on this scholarship.

References: USAID shutdown — impact on Lebanon | Arab students in limbo | NPR — USAID programs cut

  • Provider: USAID (United States Agency for International Development), administered locally through AUB and LAU under the Higher Education Scholarships (HES) program
  • Type: Government-funded scholarship (US-backed)
  • Founded: 2011–2012 (HES program at AUB)
  • Description: The University Scholarship Program (USP) provides full undergraduate scholarships to promising public high school students and technical school graduates from all governorates of Lebanon. Since launch, over 800 scholars have received HES awards at AUB alone, with more than 550 having graduated. A separate Refugee Scholarship Support (RSS) track serves non-Lebanese refugee students residing in Lebanon. The program is funded through approximately $66 million in total USAID grants to AUB, with additional university cost-sharing.
  • Official links:
  • AUB — USP IX Requirements & Benefits
  • LAU — USP

Sources:AUB — Largest USAID scholarship grantAUB — HES Program

Grade & background requirements​

Lebanese students (USP track)​

  • Nationality: Lebanese citizen. Cannot hold US dual citizenship, US green card, or US asylum seeker status.
  • Academic level: High school students completing their Lebanese Baccalaureate (or technical Baccalaureate) in the current year.
  • Schooling: Must have attended a Lebanese public or private high school for at least the last 3 years of secondary education.
  • GPA minimums:

School typeCumulative average (Grades 10 & 11)

Public schoolBaccalaureate minimum: 13.5/20
13.5/20
Private schoolBaccalaureate minimum: 13.5/20
15/20

Source:AUB — USP Requirements

  • Financial need: Required. Formal financial aid application with supporting documents.
  • Community involvement: Must demonstrate past and present community service activities.
  • Other restrictions:
  • Must register as a full-time student
  • No siblings currently in USP or other US-funded undergraduate scholarships
  • Private school applicants must contribute annually to tuition proportional to prior school fees

Refugee students (RSS track)​

Status
Refugee or displaced student legally residing in Lebanon with valid residency permit
Schooling
Enrolled in Lebanese public or private school (or UNRWA facility) for at least 3 years
GPA
Cumulative average of 13.5/20 or higher (Grades 10–11)
University status
Not previously enrolled or graduated from any university

Source:UNHCR — USAID Scholarship Opportunity

Application window​

Applications are submitted separately to each university. Deadlines differ:

  • AUB — USP IX Cycle IV
    Apply byFeb 16, 2026
  • LAU — USP IX Cohort 3
    Apply byMar 3, 2025

Required documents

  • Online admission and financial aid application
  • Two recent passport-size colored photos (taken within 6 months)
  • Clear photocopy of identity card or individual civil record
  • High school grades for Grades 10 and 11 (uploaded, then official sealed copies by mail)
  • Certified copy of official Lebanese Baccalaureate (or technical Baccalaureate) when available
  • All financial aid supporting documentation

Selection process (if shortlisted)

  1. English Entrance Exam (EEE)
  2. Math Readiness Test
  3. Leadership interview
  4. Financial interview
  5. Failure to attend any step = automatic disqualification

Selection formula (AUB)

ComponentWeight

Composite test scores (EEE + Math)
60%
Financial need
30%
Leadership interview
10%

Source:AUB — USP Requirements

Supported universities​

2

UniversityTracks

American University of Beirut (AUB)Approximate scholars/year: ~50 HES scholars/year; 40 per Lebanese cohort
USP (Lebanese) + RSS (Refugees)
Lebanese American University (LAU)Approximate scholars/year: —
USP (Lebanese) + HES-II (Refugees)

Available faculties at AUB: Students may select three major preferences across six faculties: Agricultural & Food Sciences, Arts & Sciences, Engineering & Architecture, Nursing, Health Sciences, and Business.

Benefits​

The scholarship is fully funded — one of the most comprehensive awards available to Lebanese students.

BenefitCoverage

Tuition
Full tuition for the entire program duration (including one preparatory year if needed)
Housing
Student housing or transportation allowance (segregated dormitories available)
Monthly stipend
~$500/month for 9–11 months/year (varies by major)
Medical insurance
Full coverage
Books
Book allowance
Laptop
Provided
Counseling
Psychosocial support services
Duration
Up to 5 years (including preparatory year)

Source:AUB — USP Requirements

Program requirements for scholars

  • Community service / volunteer work
  • Leadership and career workshops
  • Internship completion
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Source:AUB — USP Requirements

Official program contacts