USAID — University Scholarship Program (USP)
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
Overview
- 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:
References: AUB — Largest USAID scholarship grant | AUB — 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 type | Cumulative average (Grades 10 & 11) | Baccalaureate minimum | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public school | 13.5/20 | 13.5/20 | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Private school | 15/20 | 13.5/20 | 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:
- Cannot be enrolled at or have graduated from any university
- 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
Reference: UNHCR — USAID Scholarship Opportunity
Application window
Applications are submitted separately to each university. Deadlines differ:
| University | Deadline | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| AUB — USP IX Cycle IV | February 16, 2026 | AUB — USP Requirements |
| LAU — USP IX Cohort 3 | March 3, 2025 (for AY 2025-26) | LAU — USP |
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):
- English Entrance Exam (EEE)
- Math Readiness Test
- Leadership interview
- Financial interview
- Failure to attend any step = automatic disqualification
Selection formula (AUB):
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Composite test scores (EEE + Math) | 60% |
| Financial need | 30% |
| Leadership interview | 10% |
Reference: AUB — USP Requirements
Supported universities
| University | Tracks | Approximate scholars/year | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| American University of Beirut (AUB) | USP (Lebanese) + RSS (Refugees) | ~50 HES scholars/year; 40 per Lebanese cohort | AUB — HES |
| Lebanese American University (LAU) | USP (Lebanese) + HES-II (Refugees) | — | LAU — USP |
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.
| Benefit | Coverage | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Full tuition for the entire program duration (including one preparatory year if needed) | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Housing | Student housing or transportation allowance (segregated dormitories available) | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Monthly stipend | ~$500/month for 9–11 months/year (varies by major) | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Medical insurance | Full coverage | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Books | Book allowance | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Laptop | Provided | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Counseling | Psychosocial support services | AUB — USP Requirements |
| Duration | Up to 5 years (including preparatory year) | AUB — USP Requirements |
Program requirements for scholars:
- Community service / volunteer work
- Leadership and career workshops
- Internship completion
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Reference: AUB — USP Requirements
Contacts of recipients
Past recipients who agreed to answer questions:
| Name | Year | University | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| > TODO | — | — | — |
Official program contacts:
- AUB HES Office: aub.edu.lb/hes | Contact page
- LAU USP Office: hes.lau.edu.lb/usp
- USAID Lebanon: usaid.gov/lebanon