MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders (MEPI-TL)
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.
Overview
- 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)
Application window
Typical timeline based on the 2026-2027 cycle (Timeline):
| Stage | Typical date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | September 15 |
| Applications close | November 25 |
| Shortlist & interviews | January (following year) |
| Final decisions | Starting May, on a rolling basis |
TODO: Confirm whether a new cycle (2027-2028) will open in September 2026 given the foreign aid environment.
Supported universities
Applicants cannot choose their university — placement depends on each institution's admissions requirements and available spots. The three partner universities are (Source):
| University | Location | Example eligible majors |
|---|---|---|
| American University of Beirut (AUB) | Beirut, Lebanon | Computer Science, Biology, Business Administration, Economics, Nursing, Political Studies, Chemistry, and more |
| Lebanese American University (LAU) | Beirut / Byblos, Lebanon | Biology, Bioinformatics, Business (multiple tracks), Nursing, Performing Arts, Translation, and more |
| American University in Cairo (AUC) | Cairo, Egypt | Data Science, Economics, Film, Graphic Design, Political Science, and more |
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):
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Travel | Two round-trip tickets to home country per year |
| Visa & residency | Entry visa and residence permit fees covered |
| Leadership training | Workshops on civic and professional leadership, faculty mentoring |
| Internships | Internship opportunities and potential U.S. semester-abroad option |
Contacts of recipients
| Name | Year | University | Contact |
|---|
TODO: Add contacts of MEPI-TL recipients from Lebanon. Check the TL Facebook page and LinkedIn for alumni willing to share their experience.
Official program contacts:
- Program website: tomorrowsleadersprogram.org
- AUB MEPI office: aub.edu.lb/mepi
- LAU MEPI-TL office: mepitl.lau.edu.lb
- MEPI at State Department: mepi.state.gov
- U.S. Embassy in Lebanon: lb.usembassy.gov