
FAQs
What is the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?
Sponsored by the Department of State’s U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships for accomplished students who represent the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s cultural, religious, and geographic diversity. The Program aims to serve students from socioeconomically underserved backgrounds who demonstrate strong leadership potential but lack the means to obtain an American-style education.
The Tomorrow’s Leaders program partners with prominent U.S.-accredited universities in the MENA region to build a diverse and dynamic network of future changemakers. Through the high-quality education provided by our partner institutions—the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, and the American University in Cairo—program participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for leadership at local, national, and regional levels.
Who sponsors the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) with funding provided by the U.S. Government. FHI 360, a nonprofit human development organization, is the cooperating agency that administers the outreach and application processes on behalf of MEPI.
Which countries/territories are included in the Tomorrow’s Leader Program for 2023-2024?
Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.
When is the application period for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate (TLU) Program?
The launch date of the online TLU application is September 5, 2022. The deadline to submit the applications is December 5, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST.
When is the application period for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate (TLG) Program?
The launch date of the online TLG application is September 5, 2022. The deadline to submit the applications is December 5, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST.
Who are the partner universities for Tomorrow’s Leadership Program?
The American University of Beirut (AUB)
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
The Lebanese American University (LAU)
Can I choose which university to attend?
All applicants must be willing to attend any of the three universities. While students will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred university, final admission decisions will be made based on each university’s admission requirements
Do I have to select preference to attend all three partner institutions (AUB/AUC/LAU)?
You are not required to select preference for multiple universities. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program cannot guarantee placement at a particular university if you are selected for participation in the program.
What fields of study can Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate and Graduate students apply to?
Students can find more information about the programs of study available at each of the participating universities here.
Does the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program cover medical school costs?
No, medical school is not an eligible program of study. To learn more about what degree programs are eligible, please visit our website: https://www.tomorrowsleadersprogram.org/what-can-i-study/
When would I start my studies?
Students who apply to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate or Graduate programs in 2022 are expected to start their studies in August 2023.
If I graduated in 2020 or 2021, am I eligible to apply to the undergraduate program?
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program accepts applications from current high school students or those that graduated in 2022. For applicants from Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Iraq, the Program accepts applications from current high school students or those who graduated high school in 2021 or 2022. Applicants who graduated in 2020 or earlier are not eligible to apply.
Can current undergraduate students apply for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program?
University partners review these situations on a case-by-case basis. If you decide to apply, please include copies of any undergraduate transcripts you have to date. Please also include information about why you want to make this transition in your personal statement.
Can I apply for this scholarship if I am a current student at AUB/AUC/LAU?
If you are an undergraduate and you are interested in applying to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program at one of our partner institutions, you are eligible to apply. You cannot apply for a scholarship for a current degree program that you are already enrolled in.
I do not have a valid passport. Can I apply with my national identification card (ID)?
Yes, you can submit your online application using your national ID card. If you are shortlisted, you will be advised to apply for a passport.
If my family has refugee status, can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply with proof of citizenship from one of the twelve countries/territories.
I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and another country/territory. Am I eligible to apply?
No. U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible to apply.
I am a citizen of one of the eligible countries/territories, but I am currently a permanent resident in another country/territory. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible if you are not a legal permanent resident of the United States.
I am a Palestinian residing in the West Bank or Gaza with Jordanian, Egyptian, or other citizenship documents, am I still eligible to apply to the program?
Yes. Palestinian applicants living in the West Bank or Gaza should apply under West Bank/Gaza even if they have a passport from a different country.
What is the minimum GPA/exit exam score to be eligible for this Program?
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program follows the standards set by our partner universities for admission criteria. For holders of American style diplomas, AUB and LAU do not a minimum high school GPA or exit examination score. AUC does require a 2.0 on the 4.0 scale. Additionally, all applicants are required to have been awarded their diploma and pass any applicable exit examinations. Tomorrow’s Leaders applicants are evaluated for selection by several criteria, including academic history, English language proficiency, leadership potential, and socioeconomic disadvantage. To learn more about eligibility on our website: https://www.tomorrowsleadersprogram.org/eligibility/
Do I need to maintain a specific grade point average (GPA) during my studies?
Yes, Tomorrow’s Leaders students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 0 – 4.0 scale) throughout their years of study to remain in good standing.
What does the program cover?
- Tuition and enrollment fees (for a maximum period of four academic years)
- University health insurance
- Entrance visa and residency permit fees
- Student housing (double occupancy)
- Monthly living stipend when participating in TL activities
- Textbook allowance
- Laptop (for use for the duration of the program)
- Two round-trip tickets to home country, territory, or place of residence per year
- Civic leadership and career-oriented workshops
- Internship opportunities
- Faculty mentorship and guidance
- An opportunity to study at a university in the United States (undergraduate students only)
- An opportunity to participate in graduate assistantships or research assistantships (master’s students only)
Does the scholarship provide a monthly stipend? If so, how much?
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program provides scholarship recipients with a living stipend. The living stipend varies by the country of study. The Program ensures that living stipends are adequate to cover the basic living needs of students.
Where will students live on campus?
Each partner university has double-occupancy student housing available on campus.
Does the program send Tomorrow’s Leaders to the United States?
Tomorrow’s Leaders undergraduate students may be eligible to apply for a semester abroad in the United States.
What is required to complete my application?
A complete application will include:
- All applicable sections of the application must be completed
- Personal statement that allows the student to select one of three prompts to complete 450-600 words or upload a 5- to 6-minute video
- Two short answer essays to complete a 500-word limit response
- One additional short answer essay choosing from one of three prompts to complete a 500-word limit response
- Official transcripts for grades 10 and 11 (and 12 when available) of your secondary school when applying for the undergraduate program and your undergraduate transcripts when applying for the graduate program
- Documentation of extracurricular and/or volunteer activities
- Supporting financial documentation
- Results of a brief online English assessment completed when filling out the application
- English proficiency results from TOEFL or IELTS, which can be submitted after application submission but no later than February 28, 2023
- SAT I or SAT II score sheet (required for select majors and students who attend American-style high schools)
- Three recommendations will be required. Recommenders will be sent requests automatically through the application system. Please have the email addresses, if available, of your recommenders available when filling out the application
How can I upload documents to my application?
All documents can be uploaded to our online application system, hosted by Embark. If you have trouble uploading your documents to the online application system, please e-mail help@tomorrowsleadersprogram.org.
Do I need to submit my school transcripts or academic records?
Students who graduated from high school in 2022 must upload their official transcripts from grades 10, 11, and 12 through the online application. Students who are currently in their 12th year of high school must upload their official transcripts from grades 10 and 11. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit their year grade 12 transcripts as soon as they are available.
Students applying for Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Progam should be prepared to submit their undergraduate transcripts.
In the Education History section of the application, how do I respond to “Are you currently enrolled in any university?” question if I will be enrolled in a degree program in about a month?
For the graduate and undergraduate applications, the application period closes on December 5, 2022. You should answer the question from the perspective of what your answer would be on that date. If you move forward in the application process after December 5, 2022, you will be requested to provide final grades/scores when they become available.
I have a secondary school certificate and I do not have a mark sheet. What do I do about the program if they ask me for a mark?
Please upload a copy of the certificate. You may also attach a letter from the secondary school saying that marks/grades were not given out that year.
Who can complete the recommendation form?
The best person to provide a recommendation is someone who knows your academic history and character extensively. Teachers, school administrators, and coaches are examples of appropriate recommenders. Supervisors of volunteer or community work may also provide recommendations. At least one recommendation must come from an academic reference. Friends and family members may not serve as recommenders. Strong leadership potential and academic performance are important selection criteria for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, and the recommender should provide a positive endorsement that enables the admissions committee to better understand the applicant’s full personality and character. The recommendation form can play a crucial role in supporting your application. Make sure your recommenders know they will be receiving an email from noreply@embark.com
How will my recommender be able to fill out my letter of recommendation?
Recommendations are submitted through the online application under the “Letters of Recommendation” section of the application, where you are able to enter each recommender’s email address. After you enter the emails and when you select “Save and Next,” they will receive an email from noreply@embark.com with a link for them to complete an online recommendation. Please note that three recommendations are required.
There is an option for recommenders to fill out a printable form that you may upload to the application. This option is available only for those recommenders who do not have access to the internet or who are unable to complete the form that is emailed to them through the application. This is not our preferred method of receiving recommendations.
What do I do if I am unable to provide an email address for my recommender?
There is an option for recommenders to fill out a printable form that you may upload to the application. Instructions for submitting the downloadable recommendation form are linked in the “Letters of Recommendation” section of the application. This option is available only for those recommenders who do not have access to the internet or who are unable to complete the form that is emailed to them through the application. This is not our preferred method of receiving recommendations. If you need to use the downloadable form, please download and print the form, ask the recommender to complete the form, and then upload the form using the upload button next to that recommender’s name in the “Letters of Recommendation” section of the application. If you do not have access to a scanner, you may upload a photo taken with your phone or other device.
Where do I upload my resume?
You can upload your resume in the “Extra-Curricular” section and then in the sub-section titled “Employment/Internships.”
How can I document my volunteer experience?
You may document your volunteer experience through a certificate, a letter from the organization you volunteered with, or pictures demonstrating volunteer activities.
Do applicants need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
You do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to submit your application to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, which is due December 5, 2022. All applicants are required to take a free online English assessment provided by Arizona State University (ASU) as part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders application. Once you begin your application, you will be provided with a link to the ASU assessment. If you are a shortlisted finalist for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, we will contact you in January 2023 and ask you to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Shortlisted finalists are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS to confirm their English language skills before selections are confirmed. You must submit your results by February 28, 2023. The program will cover travel and testing costs for shortlisted finalists. If you have already taken the TOEFL or IELTS and the results are less than 2 years old you may submit those results when applying and before December 5, 2022.
How is the ASU English language assessment structured? How many times can I take it?
The Arizona State University (ASU) is an English language assessment which evaluates listening, reading comprehension, and grammar skills. Students should take the ASU assessment only once. We recommend taking the ASU assessment in a quiet place with a good internet connection where you can concentrate and not be distracted for approximately 30 minutes. If you lose power or the internet drops while you are taking the ASU assessment, you will be able to start over once you are able to login again.
My English language proficiency is at a low level. Can I apply?
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is for undergraduate and graduate programs with course work instruction in the English language. For students to succeed, they need to be able to speak, comprehend, and write in English at the university level.
Do you accept Duolingo English assessment?
Acceptance of the Duolingo English assessment varies among our university partners. LAU accepts the Duolingo English assessment for both undergraduate and graduate applicants; AUB only accepts the Duolingo English assessment for graduate applicants; and AUC does not accept the Duolingo English assessment. If you have already taken the assessment, you may upload your results with your application. All applicants are required to take the Arizona State University (ASU) English language assessment as part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders application due December 5, 2022. Shortlisted candidates will likely still have to take the TOEFL prior to February 28, 2023.
What score will I need in Duolingo?
If you have not already done so, we do not recommend taking the Duolingo assessment to document your English proficiency because two of our university partners do not accept these results for undergraduate admissions and one partner does not accept it for graduate admissions. You should plan to take the TOEFL or IELTS if shortlisted. If you have already taken the Duolingo exam, you may upload the results with your application.
Do I need to take the SAT for the undergraduate program?
Each Tomorrow’s Leaders partner university has different requirements for the SAT. If you have an American High School Diploma or are interested in any of the listed programs below, or want to be considered for American University of Beirut you should plan on taking the SAT.
The American University of Beirut (AUB)
AUB requires the SAT for all undergraduate applicants.
- Science track – 1250 minimum score required
- Liberal Arts track – 1170 minimum score required
The American University in Cairo (AUC)
AUC requires the SAT for undergraduate applicants who have an American High School Diploma. If you have an American High School Diploma, then you must have a minimum combined score of 950 on the SAT.
AUC requires the SAT if you are applying for any of the following majors:
- Engineering programs – 560 minimum Math score required
(no minimum Evidence-based reading, no minimum Writing)
- Actuarial Science – 560 minimum Math score required
(no minimum Evidence-based reading, no minimum Writing)
- Data Science – 560 minimum Math score required
(no minimum Evidence-based reading, no minimum Writing)
- Computer Science – 560 minimum Math score required
(no minimum Evidence-based reading, no minimum Writing)
AUC does NOT require the SAT if you are not applying to any of the majors listed above AND if you do not have an American High School Diploma.
The Lebanese American University (LAU)
LAU requires the SAT for undergraduate applicants who have an American High School Diploma.
LAU requires the SAT if you are applying to any of the following majors:
- Biology (B.S.) – 1050 minimum score required
- Bioinformatics (B.S.) – 1000 minimum score
- Nutrition & Dietetics-Coordinated Program (B.S.) – 1050 minimum score
- Graphic Design (B.F.A.) – 1000 minimum score
- Interior Design (B.F.A.) – 1000 minimum score
- Fine Arts (B.A) – 870 minimum score
- Nursing (B.S.) – 1000 minimum score
- Civil Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Computer Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Electrical Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Industrial Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Mechanical Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Mechatronics (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
- Petroleum Engineering (B.E.) – 1150 overall with 600 minimum in Math
LAU does NOT require the SAT if you are not applying to any of the majors listed above AND if you do not have an American High School Diploma.
If I have multiple SAT scores, which should I submit?
Please submit your highest SAT score, provided it was taken within two years of the program start date, September 2023. If your highest score is before September 2021, then you must submit the highest score from an SAT taken after September 2021. The program will not accept an SAT score from before September 2021.
What if my SAT scores aren’t available yet?
If your SAT scores are not yet available, you should still apply. If an applicant is shortlisted for the Program, you will be able to submit your SAT scores at a later time. Your SAT scores must be available by February 28, 2023.
Do I need to take the GRE if I am applying to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program?
Each Tomorrow’s Leaders partner university has different requirements for the GRE for those applying to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program.
The American University of Beirut (AUB) has waived the GRE requirement for all Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program applicants.
The American University in Cairo (AUC) only requires the GRE for applicants to the Master of Arts in Economics in International Development program. Applicants to all other Master’s degree programs at AUC are not required to take the GRE.
The Lebanese American University (LAU) does not require applicants to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program to take the GRE.
What financial documents are required?
- Letter from Employer of father/ mother/other guardian with net annual income for the prior year (from January 1st – December 31st) after deducting taxes and social insurance, if they are employed․ The letter must clearly state all variables (e․g․, bonus, profit shares, and others)․ Any loan payments should not be deducted from the annual income․ Monthly salary statements or monthly pay slips are not accepted․
- Official statement of father/mother/guardian’s pension if they are retired
- Business net annual income/loss statement from the certified public accountant (CPA) for prior year if father/mother/guardian are self-employed after deducting taxes and business-related expenses
- Updated rental contract of real estate generating income of father/mother/ guardian (if applicable)
- Handwritten declaration confirming total family savings (inclusive of mother/father/ guardian) and annual interest generated․
- Loans or installments statement, including the schedule of payments and maturity date of the loan.
- Siblings’ school/university enrollment letter, clearly stating their annual tuition and fees for the prior year. Payment receipts are not valid and will not be accepted.
- Current residence rental contract if family is living abroad
- Medical reports and medical payment receipts and/or insurance premiums
- Up-to-date statement from the social insurance office to prove unemployment status if father/mother/ guardian is unemployed․ A handwritten declaration of employment status may be uploaded if official statement cannot be obtained․ A copy of their national ID is not valid․
- Proof of unpaid leave for mother/father/ guardian (if applicable)
- Divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Death certificate of deceased parents (if applicable)
If I am not able to upload financial documents, will it affect my application?
One of the criteria for Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is demonstrated financial need. The documents you choose to upload will help Tomorrow’s Leaders Recruitment team to understand your unique financial situation. The more complete and more comprehensive the documentation you provide, the clearer your case will be for the review panel. While documents from third parties like employers or government agencies add credibility, you may create, sign, and submit a financial statement summarizing your family’s financial details. If you or your parents create your own financial statement, make sure to include all household income and savings, clearly state the currency, and include how many people live in your household.
If my parents are unemployed, what documentation should I include in my application?
If your parents are unemployed, please submit the following documentation:
a) A current statement from the social insurance office to prove the unemployment status of the father/mother/guardian.
b) A handwritten declaration confirming total family savings (inclusive of mother/father/guardian) and annual interest generated.
c) An official statement of father/mother/guardian’s pension if they are retired.
d) Loans or installments statements, including the schedule of payments and maturity date of the loan(s).
Do I need to fill out the university’s financial aid application?
No, you do not need to fill out financial aid applications from our partner institutions to apply for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.
Do I need to translate my application documents into English if they are written in Arabic?
Please include the original Arabic documents along with an English translation. The best option would be to have the documents officially translated and notarized. If that option is not possible, please include an unofficial English translation (you can do this translation yourself). Misrepresentation of any of your application documents or transcripts will be grounds for immediate disqualification from consideration for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.
My grades are low, but my English and extracurriculars are good. Will my application be considered?
All completed applications will be considered, however students must meet the admission requirements of our partner universities. Generally speaking, you should have passing grades in whatever grading system your school uses. If you feel your application will be weaker in one area, we suggest you show how you are stronger in other areas. You may also want to address, as a part of your personal statement, why your grades were low and what you will do differently if you are accepted into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.
What happens after I submit my application? How will my application be reviewed?
After your application is submitted, your application will be reviewed for initial English proficiency, academic achievement, socioeconomic profile as well as leadership experience and potential. Shortlisted candidates will be notified at the beginning of January 2023 to attend online interviews in January and complete TOEFL or IELTS testing, if necessary. Offers of acceptance to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program will be made in June 2023.
When and how will I know if I am selected for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the beginning of January 2023 and scheduled for interviews in January 2023. Final selections will be notified in June 2023.
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In addition to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program application, do I need to fill out a separate application to AUB, AUC, or LAU?
Applicants to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program do not need to submit a separate application to the American University of Beirut (AUB), the American University in Cairo (AUC), or the Lebanese American University (LAU).
Applicants to the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program are required to apply to their preferred degree program(s) at AUB and AUC separately, in addition to applying to the Tomorrow’s Leaders application. The application deadline for AUB is the same as the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, December 5, 2022. The application deadline for AUC is ten days later on December 15, 2022. You are not required to complete a separate application for LAU.
Who can I contact for more information?
Students can contact the Tomorrow’s Leader program via help@tomorrowsleadersprogram.org