MastersFully-funded

The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 offers fully-funded scholarships for online Master’s degrees to citizens of African countries. Key eligibility includes being 35 or younger, strong academic standing, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to community. Applications close on May 18, 2026, with RUSE scores due by June 30, 2026. The scholarship covers online Master’s in Engineering Management, Computing in Education, Business Administration, Nursing Administration and Management, and Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership. Applicants must complete an online graduate application and submit English proficiency scores. This program aims to support talented individuals who demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.

Provider: American University of Beirut (AUB) & Mastercard Foundation
Host country: Lebanon
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study is open to African students applying to study in Lebanon at the Masters level, with fully-funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for Lebanon
Funding: Fully-funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Key eligibility criteria

* Citizens of countries on the African continent
* 35 years or younger
* Strong academic standing in their previous degree
* Talent that exceeds financial resources

See full eligibility criteria ↓

What the fully-funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study (2026)

## Overview The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offering fully-funded scholarships for online Master’s degrees for the Fall 2026-27 academic year. This program is specifically designed for citizens of countries on the African continent who demonstrate strong academic standing, leadership potential, and a commitment to community engagement. The scholarship aims to provide talented individuals with the opportunity to pursue advanced education online, thereby fostering their development and empowering them to contribute positively to their communities and continent. The application period for these prestigious scholarships is now open, with a deadline in May 2026. ## Benefits The AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial support for selected candidates. This is a fully-funded scholarship, which means it is intended to cover the full cost of the online Master’s degree program. While the specific components of the fully-funded status are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, typically such scholarships include tuition fees, required course materials, and potentially other academic-related expenses. The program also emphasizes additional learning experiences and workshops, which scholars are committed to attending, indicating a holistic approach to their development beyond just academic funding. This ensures scholars receive a well-rounded education and develop crucial skills for future leadership and community impact. ## Eligibility To be considered for the American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet several key eligibility criteria. Firstly, candidates must be citizens of countries located on the African continent. This geographic criterion highlights the program's focus on empowering individuals from this region. Secondly, applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application. Thirdly, a strong academic record from their previous degree is required, indicating a capacity for rigorous graduate-level study. Fourthly, candidates must demonstrate talent that surpasses their financial resources, signifying a genuine need for scholarship support. Finally, applicants must exhibit demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to engaging with their communities. Successful applicants will also need to commit to additional learning experiences and workshops that are integral to the Scholars Program. ## Required Documents While the source text does not explicitly list "Required Documents" as a separate section, it does indicate that applicants must complete the AUB online graduate application and "upload supporting documents." Although the specific list of supporting documents is not provided, typically for graduate applications and scholarship programs, these may include: academic transcripts from previous degrees, a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or personal essay, and potentially other program-specific requirements. Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the individual webpages of their chosen online Master's program for any additional admission requirements. Furthermore, applicants must submit scores demonstrating their Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) by June 30, 2026. Acceptable tests for RUSE include TOEFL IBT, IELTS (Academic), GRE (Verbal), GMAT (Verbal), or DUOLINGO English Test (DET). ## How to Apply The application process for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program involves two main steps. Step 1 requires applicants to complete the AUB online graduate application and upload all necessary supporting documents by May 18, 2026. This initial application initiates the formal consideration process for admission to the university and the scholarship. Step 2 involves submitting scores for the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) by June 30, 2026. It is crucial to note that an application is deemed complete only after both the online graduate application with supporting documents and the RUSE scores have been submitted. Prospective applicants are encouraged to meticulously check the specific admission requirements for their chosen online Master's program, as each program may have additional, unique requirements that must be met for a successful application. ## Key Dates The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for online Master's study in Fall 2026-27 has two critical deadlines. The primary deadline for completing the AUB online graduate application and uploading all supporting documents is **May 18, 2026**. This date is crucial for initiating the scholarship application process. The second key deadline is **June 30, 2026**, by which all applicants must submit their scores for the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE). Failure to meet either of these deadlines will result in an incomplete application and potential disqualification from the scholarship program. Applicants are strongly advised to mark these dates and plan their application submissions accordingly. ## Selection Criteria Selection for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is based on a holistic assessment of several factors, reflecting the program's commitment to identifying impactful leaders. Key selection criteria include: a strong academic standing in the applicant's previous degree, demonstrating the capacity for rigorous academic work at the Master's level. Crucially, applicants must show talent that exceeds their financial resources, indicating a genuine need for scholarship support and confirming the program's mission to remove financial barriers to education. Furthermore, demonstrated leadership potential is a vital criterion, alongside a clear commitment to community engagement. This emphasizes the program's focus on nurturing individuals who are not only academically strong but also poised to make significant contributions to their communities and continent. Finally, selected scholars must commit to attending additional learning experiences and workshops, which are an integral part of the Scholars Program, suggesting a preference for individuals dedicated to comprehensive personal and professional development. ## Tips To maximize your chances of success for the AUB Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, consider the following tips: **Start Early:** The application process involves multiple steps, including gathering documents and taking English proficiency tests. Begin well in advance of the May 18, 2026, deadline for the online application. **Tailor Your Application:** Clearly articulate your leadership potential and commitment to community engagement. Provide specific examples of your experiences and how they align with the scholarship's values. **Showcase Academic Excellence:** Ensure your academic record is strong and highlights your ability to succeed in a demanding online Master's program. **Address Financial Need:** While "talent that exceeds financial resources" is mentioned, consider how you can implicitly or explicitly convey your financial need through your application materials. **Prepare for English Proficiency:** The RUSE scores are mandatory by June 30, 2026. Choose an accepted test (TOEFL IBT, IELTS, GRE Verbal, GMAT Verbal, or DUOLINGO) and prepare adequately to meet the requirements. **Check Program-Specific Requirements:** Each of the five online Master's programs may have additional admission criteria. Thoroughly review the webpages for your chosen program to ensure you meet all prerequisites. **Proofread Everything:** Submit a polished application free of grammatical errors and typos to demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism. **Follow Instructions Precisely:** Adhere strictly to the application instructions and deadlines to ensure your application is considered complete. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for Online Masters study, please refer to the official program website: [https://www.aub.edu.lb/mcf/Pages/online-graduate-scholarship.aspx](https://www.aub.edu.lb/mcf/Pages/online-graduate-scholarship.aspx)

What the Fully-funded The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study eligibility for Lebanon applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

* Citizens of countries on the African continent
* 35 years or younger
* Strong academic standing in their previous degree
* Talent that exceeds financial resources
* Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to community engagement
* Commitment to attend additional learning experiences and workshops required by the Scholars Program
* Demonstration of Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) by June 30, 2026 (TOEFL IBT, IELTS (Academic), GRE (Verbal), GMAT (Verbal), or DUOLINGO English Test (DET) accepted).

Documents required for the The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.aub.edu.lb/mcf/Pages/online-graduate-scholarship.aspx and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "* Citizens of countries on the African continent * 35 years or younger * Strong academic standing in their previous degree * Talent that exceeds financial resources * Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to c…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.aub.edu.lb/mcf/Pages/online-graduate-scholarship.aspx, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Not available — check official website (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, American University of Beirut (AUB) & Mastercard Foundation will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Editorial verification note

AI returned past date "May 18, 2026". The deadline for applications is May 18, 2026 for Fall 2026-27.

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by American University of Beirut (AUB) & Mastercard Foundation, and be able to relocate to Lebanon for the duration of the programme.

Is the The American University of Beirut (AUB) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026/2027 for Online Masters study fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully-funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Not available — check official website. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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