Scholarship and internship opportunities for Lebanese youth

Lebanese youth, facing  significant economic and social challenges, have a strong drive to pursue education and gain practical experience.

Fortunately ,there are numerous scholarship and internship opportunities available both within Lebanese and internationally.

     Scholarship opportunities for Lebanese youth:

Scholarships are crucial for Lebanese students to access quality education, especially with the economic situation.

1.international scholarships to study abroad:

Many governments,foundations and universities worldwide offer scholarships especially for lebaneses students or for students from developing countries ,which often include Lebanon.

. Chevening scholarships (UK) :  A highly prestigious scholarship funded be the UK government for Master’s degrees.

. DAAD scholarships (Germany) : Offers a wide scholarship for various degree levels in Germany, often with a focus on development-related fields.

. Fulbright scholarship program (USA) : A competitive, fully funded scholarship for graduate study in the United States,administered by Amidest in Lebanon.

. Erasmus Mundus joint Master Degrees (Europe) : Fully Funded scholarships for joint  Master’s programs across multiple Europiean universities.

. Turkish Government scholarships (Turkiye Burslarn): Offers scholarships for undergraduate, master 's, and PhD degrees in Turkey.

. Japanese Government (MEXT)scholarships: provides scholarships for various fields of study in Japan.

. Swiss Government Excellence scholarships: For postgraduate researchers from various countries, including Lebanon.

.Saiid Foundation  Scholarships(UK) : Focuses on postgraduate study in the UK for students from levant, including Lebanon .

.Joint Japan World Bnak Graduates  Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP): for graduate studies in development-related fields.

.Various university-Specific Scholarships : Many universities in the US, Canada , Europe, Australia, and Asia offer their own scholarships for international students,some of which may have specific provisions or preferences for Lebanese applicants.

    Scolarships for study within Lebanon: Several organizations and universities offer financial aid and scholarship for students to pursue higher education locally.

.USAID Scholarship Opportunities(AUB & LAU) : Offers full scholaships to Lebanese citizens and refugees living in Lebanon to pursue undergraduate degrees at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Lebanese American University (LAU).

.Mastercard Foundation Scholars program (AUB) :Offers scholarships for graduate degrees (Masters) at AUB for Lebanese citizens and refugees .

 .DAFI(Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program : supports qualified refugee students living in Lebanon to pursue undergraduate degrees in Lebanon.

.HOPES-LEB Scholarship Opportunities :Provides refugees in Lebanon an opportunity to access or continue higher education in Lebanon.

.Local University Financial Aid :AUB,LAU,USJ,NDU,LIU,and other Lebanese universities have their own financial aid programs and scholarships based on need and/or merit.check their financial aid offices.

.NGOs and Foundations within Lebanon :

       .Association Philippe Jabre (APJ) :Offers university scholarships and financial support for bachelor 's and postgraduate degrees in Lebanon and            

       Abroad.

        .Ajjalouna (TOMOOH Scholarship Program) : In collaboration with PepsiCo,targets university students demonstrating academic excellence and   

        financial need.

        .Other smaller local foundations and charities : Often provide partial or full tuition support.

Where to look for scholarships :University International/Financial Aid Offices :Always the first stop.

Embassy websites :Embassies of countries you are interested in often list scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Search Engines :Scholars4Dev,ScholarshipBob,Fastweb,etc.

Amideast Lebanon :A key resource for U.S.-bound scholarships and exchange programs.

UNHCR Lebanon :For refugees in Lebanon,they list various scholarship opportunities.

Specific Program Websites :Cheving,DAAD,Fullbright  ,Erasmus Mundus,etc.

Internship Opportunities for Lebanese Youth.

Internships are vital for gaining practical experience, building networks,and enhancing employability.

1.International Organizations in Lebanon :United Nations Agencies (UNICEF,UNDF,UNRWA,UNESCO,etc.) :Regularly offer internships in their Beirut offices across various fields like education, human rights, development, communication, and administration.

These are often unpaid but provide invaluable experience.

International NGO 's (INGOs) :Organizations like IRC,Save the Children,NRC, Doctors without borders,and many others operating in Lebanon often have internship progras,particularly in humanities aid ,development,and social work.

2.Local Companies :Large corporations :Companies in sectors like banking (e.g.,Bank Audi,Byblos Bank),telecomunications  (e.g.,touch,Alfa),consumer goods(Fattal Group,PepsiCo),and auditing/consulting(e.g.,PwC,Deloitte,EY,KPMG) often have structured internship programs for university students,especially during summer.

SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) :Many smaller businesses in Beirut and cities offer informal internships.Networking and direct inquiries can be effective.

Starups :Lebanon 's growing tech and innovation ecosystem (despite challenges ) offers dynamic internship opportunities in tech,marketing,and business development.

LOOK FOR STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS.

3. NGOs and Civil Organizations (CSOs) in lebanon : Lebanon has a vibrant NGO sector.Many local NGOs focus on social issues,environment, human rights education, and youth empowerment.

They often welcome interns to support their projects.

SE Factory :Offers free courses in tech fields (Computer Science ,Full-Stack Web Development,Data Engineering,UI/UX Design) with a strong focus on connecting graduates to job opportunities.

Arcenciel :A leading Lebanese NGO involved in various environmental, social, and healthcare projects.

Lebanese Red-cross :Offers volunteer and sometimes internship opportunities in emergency services and healthcare.

4.Universities in Lebanon :Career Services Offices :Lebanese universities (AUB,LAU,USJ,NDU,etc.)

Have career Services departments that help students find internships,often by connecting them with partner companies and organization.

Research Centers :University-affiliated research centers (e.g.,Issam Fares Institute at AUB) offer research internships.

5.Online Platforms and Networking :job Boards :Dubizzle Lebanon,Akhtaboot,and LinkedIn are good places to search for advertised internships.

University Alumni  Networks :connect with alumni who might offer leads or insights into their companies.

Professional Associations :Industry-specific associations :Industry-specific association might list opportunities .

Direct Outreach  : don’t hesitate to send tailored cover letters and resumes directly to companies or organizations you are interested in,even if they don’t have an advertised opening.

Key tips for Lebanese youth :Start Early SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERSHIP deadlines are often well in advance.

Tailor your applications :Customize your resume and cover letter for each opportunity,highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Maintain good grades :strong academic performance is often a key requirement for scholarships and competitive internships.

Develop English and/or French Proficiency :Most international and many local opportunities require strong language skills.

Build a strong Network :Attend university events,career fairs,and connect with professionals in your field of interest.

Leverage University Career Services :they are a valuable resource for finding opportunities ,preparing applications,and practicing interviews.

Consider volunteer work :if paid internships are hard to find,volunteer positions can provide valuable experience and help build your resume.

Given the current situation in Lebanon ,perseverance and resourcefulness are key.many organizations recognize the challenges faced by lebanes youth and are commited  to providing support.