Introduction

The MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027-28 offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships for eligible students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Supported by the U.S. Department of State through the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the program combines university education with leadership development. Applications are being accepted for students who can begin their undergraduate studies in August 2027.

The program supports academically deserving students who demonstrate financial need and the potential to contribute to their communities. Alongside coursework, participants engage in leadership training, internships, volunteer activities, and mentoring. Its broader purpose is to prepare future leaders who can contribute to social, political, and economic progress in their home countries.

Scholarship Overview

Tomorrow’s Leaders, also known as TL, brings together undergraduate study, civic engagement, and professional development. The scholarship provides financial support for a maximum of four academic years of an undergraduate degree. Students study at participating American-style universities in Lebanon while accessing opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership skills and international perspective.

• Program: MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027-28
• Funding: Fully funded
• Study level: Undergraduate
• Host country: Lebanon
• Expected start: August 2027
• Application deadline: November 18, 2026

Host Country

Lebanon is the host country for this scholarship opportunity. Participants pursue their undergraduate education at the participating universities listed below. The program also includes an opportunity to study at a university in the United States for one semester.

Host Institution or Organization

The participating host universities are the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Lebanese American University (LAU). Both are identified as American-style universities in the program information. The U.S. Department of State supports Tomorrow’s Leaders through the Middle East Partnership Initiative.

Degree Level

This opportunity is for undergraduate education. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and recent high school graduates who meet the specified graduation-year conditions. Scholarship coverage for tuition and enrollment fees extends to a maximum of four academic years for an undergraduate degree.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship covers academic costs and provides support for several practical aspects of university attendance. Benefits include accommodation, health insurance, study resources, and specified travel expenses. Applicants should note that the monthly living stipend is provided when students participate in TL activities.

• Full tuition and enrollment fees for up to four academic years.
• University health insurance and student housing.
• Entrance visa and residency permit fees.
• A monthly living stipend during participation in TL activities.
• A textbook allowance and a laptop.
• Two round-trip tickets each year to the student’s home country, territory, or place of residence.

Beyond financial assistance, scholars receive opportunities for internships and leadership workshops. The program includes civic leadership and career-oriented workshops, together with faculty mentorship and guidance. It also offers the opportunity to spend one semester studying at a university in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the program’s geographic, educational, academic, and financial eligibility conditions. English proficiency and readiness to begin study in August 2027 are also required. The program seeks applicants who demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and leadership potential.

• Eligible countries and applicant groups: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank, Yemen, and Palestinian students currently living in a third country with legal residency status.
• School status: Current high school seniors or applicants who graduated from high school in 2026.
• Additional graduation-year eligibility: Applicants from Iraq, Libya, Syria, West Bank, and Yemen, as well as Palestinian students legally residing in a third country, may also apply if they graduated in 2025.
• Academic standing: Strong academic credentials and academic merit.
• English: Proficiency in English, with TOEFL iBT 80 stated in the eligibility information.
• Financial circumstances: Demonstrated financial need.
• Availability: Ability to start the undergraduate program in August 2027.
• Personal qualities: Maturity, flexibility, and leadership potential.

Required Documents

The application requires academic records, recommendations, and documentation of activities outside the classroom. Applicants must complete all applicable application sections and the brief online English assessment during the application process. The SAT score-sheet requirement applies to select majors and students attending American-style high schools.

• Official transcripts for grades 10 and 11, plus grade 12 when available.
• Graduation certificate or diploma.
• Documentation of extracurricular activities and/or volunteer work.
• Results of the brief online English assessment completed while applying.
• Two recommendation letters.
• SAT I or SAT II score sheet where required for select majors and students attending American-style high schools.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the organizer’s official website. Applicants need to create an online account, complete the application form, and fill in all applicable sections carefully. Required documents must then be uploaded before the application is reviewed and submitted.

Before submitting, compare your completed form with the eligibility criteria and document requirements. Check that uploaded files are readable and that names, dates, and academic details are consistent across the application. Submit the reviewed application before November 18, 2026.

Important Dates and Deadline

The application deadline for the MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027-28 is November 18, 2026. Applicants must also be available to begin their undergraduate studies in August 2027. These dates should guide preparation of academic documents, recommendation letters, and the online application.

Tips for Applicants

As general preparation advice, start by checking your eligibility before gathering documents. Pay particular attention to the graduation-year rules, because the 2025 exception applies only to specified applicant groups. Make a checklist that separates documents already available from those you still need to request.

Request transcripts and recommendation letters early rather than leaving them until submission week. Give your referees sufficient time and explain the program’s emphasis on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential. Keep organized copies of your documents so you can identify and upload the correct files.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

The following guidance is general advice, rather than an additional set of program requirements. Wherever the application allows you to describe activities, use specific examples of your responsibilities and contributions. Explain what you did in extracurricular or volunteer work without exaggerating your role or achievements.

Choose recommenders who know your academic work or community involvement well enough to provide concrete examples. Review every response for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with your supporting records. Leave time for a final check of missing sections, incomplete uploads, and spelling errors before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the program?

Applicants must belong to an eligible country or applicant group and meet the school-status conditions. Current high school seniors and 2026 graduates are eligible, while 2025 graduates qualify only within the listed exception groups. Academic strength, financial need, English proficiency, and availability for August 2027 are also required.

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers tuition and enrollment fees for up to four academic years, housing, university health insurance, and entrance visa and residency permit fees. It also provides a textbook allowance, a laptop, and two round-trip home travel tickets per year. A monthly living stipend is available during participation in TL activities.

Where will scholars study?

The listed host universities are the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University in Lebanon. Undergraduate education is combined with leadership and career-development activities. The program also offers an opportunity to study at a United States university for one semester.

How and when should applicants apply?

The application is completed online through the organizer’s official website. Applicants must create an account, complete the relevant sections, and upload the required documents. The submission deadline is November 18, 2026.

Conclusion

The MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program 2027-28 combines funded undergraduate education with leadership training, civic participation, and professional development. Eligible applicants should carefully review the country and graduation-year conditions before preparing their materials. A complete, accurate online application must be submitted by November 18, 2026, for studies beginning in August 2027.