The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a fully funded opportunity for exceptional, socially committed students, especially from Africa and disadvantaged communities, to earn world‑class degrees while developing as transformative leaders. This guide explains the program in detail and walks you through the three main tracks: On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship, Online Graduate Scholarship, and Undergraduate Scholarship, including eligibility, requirements, and documents you need to prepare.

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB is a long‑term partnership between the American University of Beirut and the Mastercard Foundation to offer fully funded education to talented but economically disadvantaged students. The program focuses on nurturing leaders who will drive social and economic change in their home communities, particularly across the African continent and among disadvantaged youth in Lebanon and the region.

Scholars receive much more than tuition funding. The program is built around four pillars:

High‑quality academic training in competitive undergraduate and graduate programs at AUB.
Comprehensive financial support, often including tuition, fees, accommodation, living expenses, books, a laptop, and health insurance for fully funded cohorts.
Leadership development through mentoring, skills workshops, seminars, and networking with peers and professionals.
Civic engagement and community service experiences that prepare scholars to become change agents in their countries.

Whether you are a high‑school graduate or a working professional, the program offers three main routes: an Undergraduate Scholarship, an On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship, and an Online Graduate Scholarship.

Table of Contents

Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Here

On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship

The On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports students who want to pursue master’s degrees—and in some cases, PhDs—on AUB’s campus in Beirut. It suits applicants who want an immersive campus experience, direct access to labs and facilities, and in‑person networking with faculty and peers.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility can vary by admission cycle, but recent calls for the AUB Mastercard Foundation graduate program generally emphasise:

Strong academic performance in a recognised bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree for some PhD options).
Demonstrated leadership potential and a track record of community engagement or social initiatives.
Proven financial need, with clear evidence that the applicant cannot afford AUB tuition without support.
Nationality and residency criteria specified for each call—recent cycles have targeted African nationals, Lebanese citizens, and refugees living in Lebanon or on the African continent, with slightly different rules for master’s and PhD applicants.

Because these details can change from year to year, always read the most recent AUB and Mastercard Foundation call carefully to confirm which nationalities, age limits, and degree programs are eligible in the intake you are applying to.

Accepted English tests for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

For admission into on‑campus graduate programs under this scholarship, AUB accepts several English proficiency or verbal reasoning tests:
AUB‑EN (AUB’s in‑house English entrance exam)

TOEFL iBT
IELTS Academic
GRE (Verbal section)
GMAT (Verbal section)
Duolingo English Test (DET)

Minimum score requirements depend on your specific graduate program, so you must check the AUB graduate admissions page of your target department or degree for exact thresholds.

How the application process works for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

The On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship typically follows a two‑part process: applying for admission and applying for funding.

1. Submit the AUB online graduate application

Complete the online graduate application for your chosen program at AUB by the stated deadline.
Upload all requested documents, including academic transcripts, test scores, CV, and essays.
Where the application form asks about “Financial Opportunities” or “Scholarships,” select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program if the option appears for your program.

2. Complete the AUB Financial Aid Application

After submitting the graduate application, you receive an email from AUB’s financial aid office within a few working days.
This email gives you access to the online Financial Aid Application, which you must complete honestly and thoroughly to be considered for the scholarship.
Your application is only considered complete when both the graduate application and the financial aid form have been submitted.

Missing either step can result in your file not being reviewed for the scholarship, even if you meet all academic criteria.

Required documents for the On‑Campus Graduate Scholarship

Although exact requirements can vary by program and year, a competitive on‑campus graduate application under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program usually includes:

Completed AUB online graduate application form.
Official university transcripts for all completed and ongoing degrees.
Degree certificate(s) or official proof of expected graduation if you are in your final year.
English proficiency test results (AUB‑EN, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, GRE/GMAT Verbal, or Duolingo English Test) that meet the minimum score requested by your program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarising academic background, work experience, and leadership or community activities.
Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees (the number and format depend on departmental rules).
Statement of purpose and/or personal statement outlining your academic interests, professional goals, leadership journey, and commitment to giving back.
Copy of passport or national identity document to confirm nationality and identity, especially important for African nationals, Lebanese citizens, and refugees.
Completed AUB Financial Aid Application plus any supporting financial documents required (income statements, tax documents, or sworn affidavits).

Starting early is essential, as some documents—particularly tests, transcripts, and recommendation letters—can take several weeks to obtain.

Online Graduate Scholarship

The Online Graduate Scholarship is a distinctive stream of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB that funds fully online master’s programs for talented African students. It is ideal if you wish to remain in your country, continue working, or support your community while studying at a leading international university.

Who can apply for the Online Graduate Scholarship?

The Online Graduate Scholarship targets applicants who:

Are citizens of countries on the African continent (African nationality is a core requirement for this track).
Hold a strong bachelor’s degree, typically with a good academic standing and relevant background for the chosen online master’s program.
Demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to community service, and a clear vision for how the degree will help them drive impact at home.
Meet any age criteria specified in the current call; recent calls have focused on young professionals, often with an upper age limit around 35 years, though the exact number should always be checked in the latest AUB announcement.

The program is especially suitable for early‑ to mid‑career professionals who want to upgrade their skills while remaining embedded in their local context.

Eligible online master’s programs

AUB offers this scholarship for a defined list of online master’s degrees. While the exact list can evolve, recent cycles have included programs such as:

Master’s in Engineering Management
Master’s in Computing in Education
Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master’s in Nursing Administration and Management
Executive Master’s in Healthcare Leadership

Always consult AUB’s official Online Graduate Scholarship page and the Online Graduate Programs list for the most up‑to‑date and definitive list of eligible degrees.

English language requirements and RUSE

For online master’s admission through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, AUB accepts the following tests:
TOEFL iBT

IELTS Academic
GRE Verbal
GMAT Verbal
Duolingo English Test (DET)

In addition, applicants are required to take RUSE, an online English evaluation administered by AUB. For the Fall 2025–2026 intake, for example, the RUSE submission deadline is June 20, 2025, which is later than the main application deadline.

This means you must plan for two timelines:

Main graduate application and document deadline (e.g., 16 May 2025 for that cycle).
RUSE test completion and score submission deadline (e.g., 20 June 2025).

Failing to submit RUSE results by the required date can make your application incomplete, even if you have submitted all other documents.

Application steps and key deadlines

A typical Online Graduate Scholarship application involves two main steps:

Step 1: Complete the AUB online graduate application

Choose your eligible online master’s program and fill out the graduate application form.
Upload all required documents (transcripts, CV, essays, test scores) by the stated online scholarship deadline, such as May 16, 2025, for the Fall 2025–26 cohort.

Step 2: Take and submit the RUSE test

Register for RUSE after submitting your application, following the instructions given by AUB.
Complete the RUSE test and ensure that your scores are submitted by the deadline—for example, June 20, 2025, in the current cycle.

Your file is only considered for the Mastercard Foundation Online Graduate Scholarship when both your application and RUSE scores are received on time.

Required documents for the Online Graduate Scholarship

For the online track, you should prepare a comprehensive application package that generally includes:

Completed AUB online graduate application for the relevant online program.
Official transcripts for your bachelor’s degree and any post‑graduate courses.
Degree certificate or official document showing completion of your bachelor’s degree (or expected completion if you are in your final year).
Valid English proficiency test scores (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, GRE/GMAT Verbal, or Duolingo English Test) that meet AUB’s program‑specific minimum requirements.
RUSE test results submitted by the separate RUSE deadline.
CV or résumé detailing education, professional experience, leadership roles, and community engagement.
Personal statement or essay(s) explaining your academic interests, your motivation for the selected online master’s program, and the impact you aim to create.
Letters of recommendation (usually academic or professional), as required by your program.
Copy of a valid passport or national ID showing your African citizenship.
Any additional scholarship or financial survey forms requested specifically for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in that cycle.

Because this track targets working professionals, you should also be prepared to explain how you will balance your job, personal commitments, and online study, and how your current experience aligns with your future goals.

Undergraduate Scholarship:

The Undergraduate Scholarship within the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB is tailored for high‑potential students who want to complete their bachelor’s degree at a leading university but face serious financial and social barriers. It is particularly attractive for high‑school graduates from Africa and disadvantaged communities who aspire to become leaders in their fields and communities.

Program objectives and scholar profile

At the undergraduate level, the scholarship maintains the same core philosophy: combining academic excellence with leadership and social responsibility. A typical Mastercard Foundation undergraduate scholar at AUB:

Has a strong academic record in secondary school and meets AUB’s entry requirements for their chosen major.
Comes from a financially constrained background and can demonstrate clear financial need.
Shows leadership potential through school clubs, volunteer work, community projects, or other activities.
Is committed to returning to or supporting their community and using their education to tackle real social and economic challenges.

Although the brief Undergraduate Scholarship page on AUB’s site mainly points to the program’s presence, detailed country lists, age limits, and program coverage are usually specified in annual calls and in general AUB scholarship communications.

Typical eligibility patterns for undergraduate applicants

While you should always consult the most current AUB admissions information, recent patterns across Mastercard Foundation undergraduate calls emphasise:

Completion (or near completion) of secondary education with certifications such as national secondary school certificates, WAEC, national baccalaureate, A‑Levels, IB, or other recognised qualifications.
Meeting AUB’s minimum grades and subject requirements for your desired major (for example, specific math and science results for engineering).
Demonstrated financial hardship, supported by documentation and financial questionnaires.
Evidence of leadership and commitment to community service (even informal roles in local youth groups, NGOs, religious organisations, or family businesses can be relevant).

Undergraduate application steps for the Mastercard Foundation

Although the Undergraduate Scholarship page is concise, it follows the broader pattern of AUB scholarship processes:

1. Apply for undergraduate admission at AUB

Complete the official online undergraduate application form, choose your preferred major(s), and upload all academic documents.
Respect all deadlines for the admission cycle you are applying to.

2. Indicate interest in scholarships and financial aid

When prompted in the application, indicate that you want to be considered for scholarships and financial aid; in some years, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is explicitly listed here.

3. Complete financial aid forms and submit documentation

Watch for communication from AUB’s financial aid office and fill out any additional scholarship or financial aid applications you are sent.
Provide honest, detailed information about family income, dependents, and expenses, backed up with documents where possible.

4. Attend interviews or assessments if requested

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews, online meetings, or additional assessments as part of the selection process.

Carefully following instructions and timelines is just as important as strong grades—many strong candidates lose out simply by missing a form or deadline.

Required documents for the Undergraduate Scholarship

A strong application for the Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship at AUB typically includes:

Completed AUB online undergraduate application.
Official secondary school transcripts, including results from multiple years if requested.
National or regional examination results (e.g., WAEC, national baccalaureate, A‑Levels, IB, or other recognized certificates, depending on your education system).
Proof of high‑school completion or, for ongoing students, a document stating expected date of completion.
English proficiency test scores if required by AUB—for example, TOEFL or IELTS if your previous schooling was not in English.
CV or activity list summarizing leadership roles, extracurricular activities, sports, arts, community work, and any part‑time jobs.
Personal statement or motivation essay explaining your academic interests, career ambitions, and how you plan to contribute to your community and country.
Recommendation letters from teachers, school counselors, or community leaders (according to AUB’s admissions guidelines).
Financial documentation for the scholarship/aid process, such as parents’ income statements, tax documents, or statements of unemployment or informal work.
Copy of passport or national ID for identification and nationality verification.

Preparing these documents early, even before applications open, will give you a major advantage when deadlines approach.

Side‑by‑side comparison of AUB Mastercard Foundation scholarship tracks
To help you quickly decide which route best fits your profile, here is a concise comparison of the three scholarship types at AUB.

Practical tips to strengthen your scholarship application

Beyond meeting the basic requirements, you can take several steps to make your application stand out and give yourself the best chance of winning one of these competitive scholarships.

Start early and organise your documents

Scholarship deadlines are firm, and missing even a single test or transcript can disqualify you. Create a simple timeline that lists:

When to take English tests (and when scores will arrive).
When to request transcripts and recommendation letters.
All AUB and Mastercard Foundation deadlines for your chosen track (application, RUSE, financial forms).

Use a folder system—digital or physical—to keep copies of every document you upload or send.

Highlight leadership and community impact clearly

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not just about grades; it heavily emphasises leadership, service, and social impact. In your CV and essays:

Describe specific projects or roles (for example, organising a tutoring group, leading a community clean‑up, or coordinating youth activities).
Explain your role, what changed because of your involvement, and what you learned.
Connect these experiences to your future goals and how AUB will help you scale your impact.

Concrete examples are more convincing than general statements like “I am passionate about helping my community.”

Align your goals with AUB and the Mastercard Foundation mission

A strong application shows that your academic and career goals match both AUB’s strengths and the Mastercard Foundation’s focus on inclusive development and social justice. Show that you:

Understand the context and challenges in your community (for example, energy access, public health, education, youth employment).
Have realistic, actionable plans for how your degree will help you address these issues.
Are committed to returning to or supporting your home community after graduation.

Final thoughts: Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB right for you?

If you are an academically strong, socially engaged student facing financial barriers, and you see yourself as a future leader and change maker, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut is one of the most powerful fully funded opportunities you can pursue. With dedicated tracks for undergraduates, on‑campus graduate students, and online graduate learners, it offers flexible pathways for both fresh secondary‑school graduates and working professionals.

Your next step is to visit the official AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program pages for the On‑Campus Graduate, Online Graduate, and Undergraduate scholarships, check the latest eligibility rules and deadlines for your intake, and start assembling your documents as early as possible. With careful preparation and a clear vision, you can turn this opportunity into a transformative educational and leadership journey.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB: Fully Funded

What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB?