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Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development

Overview​

The Hariri Foundation was created during Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990) with the conviction that "education holds the key to Lebanon's future" (source). Since 1979 the foundation has awarded 35,992 full scholarships to students from across Lebanon, enabling them to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies at 1,766 universities and institutions across 27 countries, with a cumulative investment of approximately $1.5 billion (source). In addition, the foundation continues to grant partial scholarships to hundreds of university students at Lebanon's private universities and the Lebanese University (source).

The foundation also operates five schools, one university (Hariri Canadian University), one technical institute, a CISCO Networking Academy, and 17 primary health centers across Lebanon (source).

Active scholarship tracks​

TrackLevelNotes
University Scholarships (Lebanon-based)Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Continuing EducationFull and partial scholarships at Lebanese and international universities (source)
HFUSA Student SponsorshipUndergraduate and graduate in US/CanadaInterest-free loan model; over 3,400 scholars placed at 300+ institutions since 1985 (source)
Hariri Fellowship at Georgetown McDonoughMBAMerit-based; 14 recipients since 2013-2014 (source)
Saad Hariri Endowed Scholarship at GeorgetownUndergraduate (up to 4 years)Need-based; 4 students funded since 2013-2014 (source)
Research Science Institute (RSI) at MITHigh school juniorsSix-week summer program in math/science; 78 Lebanese participants sponsored since 1993 (source)
Hariri Foundation / RHU PartnershipUndergraduate28 scholarships awarded for 2024-2025 academic year under MOU with Rafik Hariri University (source)

Boston University Program (Ended) — The Boston University / Hariri Foundation Scholarship (full-tuition Master's grants) ran from 1988 to May 2024, funding roughly 200 students with $3 million invested. The program has concluded (source).

Grade & background requirements​

  • Academic level: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate (varies by track) (source)
  • GPA / Baccalaureate average: Selection is based on merit and financial need; specific GPA thresholds are not publicly listed (source)
  • Nationality / residency: Lebanese students from across Lebanon (source)
  • Financial need: Required — financial need is explicitly part of the selection criteria for school-level and university-level aid (source)
  • Other (HFUSA): Many US-bound scholars complete intensive English language training before starting their degree, with programs hosted at Boston University, University of Arizona, and University of South Florida (source)

TODO: The foundation does not publish specific GPA cutoffs, standardised test score requirements, or a detailed rubric. Contact the foundation directly for current criteria.

Application window​

StageTypical date
Applications openNot publicly posted — contact the foundation
Applications closeNot publicly posted — contact the foundation
InterviewsNot publicly posted
DecisionsNot publicly posted

TODO: The Hariri Foundation does not publish a public application calendar. Applicants should monitor the official website and contact the foundation at info@hariri-foundation.org or +961 1 972 223 for current deadlines. For HFUSA tracks, contact Ms. Christiane G. Buck at CBuck@hfusa.org (source).

Supported universities​

Lebanon-based scholarships: Private universities across Lebanon, the Lebanese University, and Rafik Hariri University (RHU) (source, source).

HFUSA sponsorship (US/Canada): Over 300 institutions including MIT, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Stanford, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Boston University (source).

Most popular fields of study (HFUSA track):

  • Engineering (over 50% of graduates — especially electrical and civil engineering)
  • Social Sciences (business, management, economics, communications, political science)
  • Health Sciences (M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D., pharmacy, public health)
  • Computer science, mathematics, architecture, law, education, and biological sciences

(source)

Benefits​

Full scholarships (Lebanon-based, historic program)​

  • Tuition fees
  • Foreign language training
  • Travel expenses
  • Accommodation
  • Necessary academic equipment

(source)

Partial scholarships (Lebanon-based, ongoing)​

  • Partial tuition coverage at Lebanese private universities and the Lebanese University (source)

HFUSA student sponsorship (US/Canada)​

  • Interest-free loans covering tuition and related expenses (source)
  • Repayment is expected after completing academic training; monthly payment plans are available
  • A binding legal contract is required, but repayment terms are described as flexible (source)
  • Repaid funds are recycled to support future educational programs in Lebanon (source)

Georgetown fellowships​

  • Hariri Fellowship (MBA): Merit-based award at Georgetown McDonough School of Business (source)
  • Saad Hariri Endowed Scholarship: Need-based aid covering up to four years of undergraduate study (source)

Loan vs. Grant — The HFUSA sponsorship program operates as an interest-free loan, not an outright grant. Students are expected to repay after graduation, though the foundation describes repayment as carrying both "legal and moral understanding" (source). The Lebanon-based full and partial scholarships appear to be grants with no repayment obligation.

Contacts of recipients​

NameYearUniversityContact

TODO: If you are a Hariri Foundation scholarship recipient and would like to be listed here, please open a pull request.

Official program contacts: