About this opportunity
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State through its Middle East Partnership Initiative and administered by FHI 360. It gives academically strong young people who cannot otherwise afford a university education the chance to complete a four year bachelor’s degree at a partner university in the region, while taking part in a structured leadership and civic engagement curriculum.
The award is designed to remove cost as a barrier. Support covers tuition for up to four academic years, university health insurance, entrance visa and residency permit fees, student housing, a monthly living stipend while taking part in programme activities, a textbook allowance and a laptop for the duration of the programme. Participants also get two round trip tickets home each year, career workshops, internship opportunities and mentorship from faculty, and outstanding students may be nominated for a semester abroad in the United States.
Applicants must be citizens of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia or Yemen, or be from the West Bank and currently residing in a third country with legal residency status. The call is for current high school seniors and for those who finished secondary school in 2026, with 2025 graduates from Iraq, Libya, Syria, the West Bank and Yemen also eligible. You need strong academic records, maturity, flexibility and leadership potential, and proof of English at a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0 on the new 1 to 6 band scale or 80 on the earlier scale, awarded within the last two years. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents cannot apply.
Recruitment for the 2027-28 cohort is open now, with applications closing on 18 November 2026. Review runs from December 2026, shortlisted candidates interview in January 2027 with FHI 360 staff, U.S. Embassy staff and a programme alumnus, and the cohort joins pre-departure orientation in August 2027.
What you receive
- Tuition for up to four academic years at a partner university
- University health insurance, entrance visa and residency permit fees covered
- Student housing, a textbook allowance and a laptop for the duration of the programme
- A monthly living stipend while taking part in programme activities
- Two round trip tickets home each academic year
- A structured leadership and civic engagement curriculum alongside the degree
- Career workshops, internship opportunities and faculty mentorship
- Possible nomination for a semester abroad in the United States
Who can apply
- You are a citizen of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia or Yemen, or you are from the West Bank and currently reside in a third country with legal residency status
- You are a current high school senior or you graduated from high school in 2026, and 2025 graduates from Iraq, Libya, Syria, the West Bank and Yemen may also apply
- Current high school seniors must maintain strong academic results and pass their leaving exam
- You can show English proficiency at a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0 on the new 1 to 6 band scale or 80 on the earlier scale, awarded within the last two years
- You can demonstrate maturity, flexibility and leadership potential alongside strong academic credentials
- You are able to travel and begin the programme in August 2027
Who should not apply
- U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents are not eligible to apply
- Applicants who are not citizens of one of the listed countries or qualifying West Bank residents
How to apply
- Check the country, graduation year and English language requirements on the programme website before you start
- Book and sit the TOEFL iBT in time, since the score must be no more than two years old and available for the review round
- Open the online application through the programme application portal link on the program website
- Create an account, complete every section of the form and upload the requested academic and language records
- Submit before 18 November 2026
Selection process
- Applications receive an initial review from December 2026
- Shortlisted candidates interview in January 2027 with FHI 360 staff, U.S. Embassy staff and a Tomorrow’s Leaders alumnus
- Candidates sit the required standardised tests between February and mid March 2027
- Partner universities receive forwarded applications between February and April 2027
- Conditional offers are issued between June and July 2027, and the cohort joins pre-departure orientation in August 2027
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- Ruth Titilayo Educational Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
The Ruth Titilayo Educational Foundation is awarding undergraduate scholarships to students at Nigerian federal and state universities, with a tuition allowance up to ₦100,000 and a maintenance allowance up to ₦20,000. Applications close on 31 October 2026.
Questions applicants ask
Which countries can apply?
Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen, plus Palestinian students from the West Bank who currently live in a third country with legal residency status.
Does the award cover everything?
The programme covers tuition for up to four academic years, health insurance, visa and residency permit fees, housing, a monthly stipend during programme activities, textbooks, a laptop and two round trip flights home each year.
Do I need a TOEFL score?
Yes. You need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0 on the new 1 to 6 band scale, or 80 on the earlier scale, awarded within the last two years.
Can I study in the United States?
Outstanding participants may be nominated for a semester abroad in the United States during the programme.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying through the programme portal is free.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
