US-MEPI Student Leaders Program for Students from the Middle East and North Africa

Summary

The Student Leaders program is a rigorous exchange program for up to 60 undergraduate and graduate students from the Middle East and North Africa. Students are divided among U.S. academic institutions where they develop leadership skills and expand their understanding of civil society and participatory governance and how both may be applied in their home communities. Participants have the opportunity to meet their American peers, engage in local community service activities, and observe and take part in the governmental process on the local, state, and federal levels. The program includes academic coursework, as well as study tours to various regions of the United States.

Benefits

• Tuition and enrollment fees (for a maximum period of four academic years for undergraduate students and two academic years for graduate students)

• University health insurance

• Entrance visa and residency permit fees

• Student housing

• 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 (graduate students only)

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate Program

  • Current high school seniors or applicants who graduated from high school in 2024.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, received within two years of admission date (August 2025).

  • Demonstrate financial need. Applicants should be underrepresented or economically deserving students and should provide supporting financial documentation.

  • Ability to travel and start their undergraduate program in August 2025.

  • Strong academic credentials. 

  • Maturity, adaptability, and leadership potential.

• Graduate Program

  • Evidence of academic English proficiency as required by the relevant graduate program.

  • Commit to completing their master’s degree within two academic years.

  • Meet admission requirement at host university, additional information provided on each institution’s website.

  • Demonstrate financial need. Applicants should be underrepresented or economically deserving students and should provide supporting financial documentation. 

  • Ability to travel and start their graduate program in August 2025.

  • Strong academic credentials. 

  • Maturity, adaptability, and leadership potential.

Application Deadline:

November 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST

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