Lebanon Hardship Scholarship

Jusoor operated its Lebanon Scholarship from 2014 to 2017 to provide gap funding to Syrian and Syrian-Palestinian students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Lebanon. Jusoor modified its approach for this program every year to adapt to the changing scene of higher education funding in the country, filling the gap in aid to ensure promising students who aren’t eligible for other scholarships are able to graduate. Since then, this fund was made possible by Syrian and international donors, including the Asfari Foundation. Forty-nine (49) students were awarded full and partial scholarships. Scholars studied across a variety of disciplines, including Accounting, Computer Science, Interior Design, International Business, Biochemistry, Law, and Physical Therapy.

The situation in Lebanon continues to pose additional challenges to education. These challenges are multiplied, if not tripled, to Syrians there. Jusoor is completely aware of the updates happening in Lebanon and is working tirelessly to come up with solutions to reduce the financial gap Syrian, as well as Syrian-Palestinian, students are suffering to graduate. In 2020, with the support of Jusoor’s Alumni, Nada Odeh, Jusoor decided to bring the Lebanon Scholarship back to life and call it, Jusoor Lebanon Hardship Scholarship to allow more students to apply to significant amounts and break the barrier toward earning a university degree.

The Jusoor Lebanon Hardship Scholarship aims at fulfilling the financial needs blocking Syrian, as well as Syrian-Palestinian, students in Lebanon to graduate by providing them with a one-time scholarship specifically toward their tuition fees. This program is open to Syrian university students studying at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, who are enrolled at academic institutions in Lebanon and are at risk of dropping out due to financial need.

The program provides financial assistance of up to $1,200 for one time for graduate students and $650 for one time for the undergraduate students, which the student can use towards university tuition and fees. The funds are awarded as a one-time scholarship, with the agreement that Jusoor will manage the payment on behalf of the student to the university.

• Be Syrian, Palestenian-Syrian or have a Syrian Travel Document
• Be currently enrolled at a Lebanese university, in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program
• Is currently enrolled in the last year of study
• Have a GPA 2.8 or better
• Have relevant volunteer and/or work experience to the field of study

• Academic achievement
• Personal achievement
• Financial need
• Interest in and commitment towards rebuilding Syria

This scholarship is not accepting applications anymore and candidates will be updated about the status of their applications by the 15th of February 2021.

Number of scholarships awarded

A maximum percentage of 90 of the total amount raised for this purpose will be disbursed to allow for the unexpected miscellaneous expenditures. In principle, an undergraduate student is entitled to a maximum of USD$650 while the graduate student is entitled to a maximum of USD$1,200 to cover tuition and university fees only. Although it is not possible to exceed the limit defined, it is possible to award scholarships of smaller amounts.

Please carefully read the below frequently asked questions before writing to us:

How much is the scholarship award?

The award maximum is USD$1,200 for graduate students and $650 for one time for the undergraduate students. Please note, you are not guaranteed the full amount of funding you state in your application if selected for the scholarship. Jusoor’s Scholarship Selection Committee will determine the amount of each award.

Which academic institutions are eligible?

All accredited academic institutions in Lebanon are eligible.

Is this scholarship award a loan?

No.

My GPA is slightly less than 2.8. Am I still eligible to apply?

No, we do not accept applications from students who have a GPA of less than 2.8 for this scholarship. We usually ask for a GPA of 3.0 but considering the disruptions in the education process in Lebanon during the past few years, we managed to bring this down to 2.8 as a very special exception for one time only.

What documents are required for submission?

All applicants must submit the following in addition to the application: 1) estimated tuition fees needed until graduation and any relevant invoices or documentation; 2) full transcript (official or unofficial) of the academic degree you are currently pursuing; 3) scanned copy of either your passport or national ID card; 4) resume / CV. We recommend you collect these documents as early as possible in order to ensure you complete your application on time.

I have just started my education in Lebanon or am enrolled but not yet in my last year. Am I still eligible to apply?

No, the Lebanon Hardship Scholarship is intended to serve as gap funding for students who might not otherwise graduate without financial assistance. Please see our main Scholarship Program page for other opportunities to which you may apply.

I have one year left for my graduation but I am currently taking a year/ semester off. Am I still eligible to apply?

No, in order to apply you must be currently enrolled in a program and registered for your last year.

What do you look for in the ideal candidate?

We look for a balance of the following: 1) strong academic achievement; 2) volunteer and/or work experience relevant to your field of study; 3); willingness and demonstrated intent to contribute to the redevelopment of Syria, and 5) proven financial need as this scholarship is based on the financial need of the applicant.

How many awards will be given for this cycle?

A minimum of 15 scholarships will be distributed for the school year 2021 – 2022.

When will I be notified of my application status?

All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications by the end of January or early February. Please do not send emails requesting an update on the status of your application.

How are awards disbursed?

If selected for the scholarship, the funding will be transferred directly to the university’s bank account on behalf of the student.