The Higher Education Scholarship (HES) Program, funded by the U.S. government in Lebanon, offers around 50 scholarships each year to students from across Lebanon to pursue undergraduate degrees at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The program is open to both Lebanese citizens and non-Lebanese refugees residing in Lebanon.
According to the HES Program, its mission is "to expand access to higher education for less privileged, low-income communities across Lebanon." The statement continues: "It aims to provide educational experiences to individuals who have not previously afforded such an opportunity, enriching both scholars and the AUB community. HES scholars also serve as cultural ambassadors and are encouraged to speak about their experiences, research, and academic achievements with their communities."
Since its inception, the scholarship has helped hundreds of students build academic and professional networks in their fields. Recipients can participate in internships, community service projects, and other academic activities that support personal growth and professional development.
Eligibility requirements differ for Lebanese applicants and non-Lebanese refugees. Lebanese applicants must be citizens who have attended high school in Lebanon for at least three years and are expected to complete the Lebanese baccalaureate by summer 2026. They must meet minimum grade averages depending on whether they attended public or private schools, demonstrate financial need through a specific application process, obtain required scores on AUB’s English and Math tests, show evidence of community service involvement, and not already be enrolled at a university or have siblings who received similar U.S.-funded scholarships.
Non-Lebanese refugee applicants must be registered refugees legally residing in Lebanon with valid residency permits for themselves and both parents. They must also have completed at least three years of secondary education in Lebanon and meet different minimum grade averages based on whether they attended public or private schools. Additional requirements include demonstrating financial need, passing AUB entrance exams, showing past community service performance, not being enrolled at any university or having siblings who received related scholarships.
Standardized tests such as SAT or TOEFL are not required for this scholarship program.
Applications should be submitted online via https://join.aub.edu.lb/apply/. More information about the program can be found on the AUB HES webpage at https://www.aub.edu.lb/hes/Pages/default.aspx. Applicants with questions may contact the HES team by email at HES@aub.edu.lb.
The deadline for applications is February 16, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.