USAID Lebanon Higher Education Scholarships Phase Two (HES-II) | Up to US$30 Million Scholarship Initiative for Lebanese & Refugee Students
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Higher Education Scholarships Phase Two (HES-II) initiative to expand access to quality higher education for academically talented and financially disadvantaged students in Lebanon. Implemented under USAID’s Higher Education Advancement and Development (HEAD) Project, HES-II supports scholarships that strengthen educational opportunities, workforce readiness, and long-term economic development. The original Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sought qualified nonprofit higher education institutions to implement this multi-year scholarship programme.
Note: The specific NOFO featured on FundsforNGOs has already closed (application deadline: 11 April 2022). The information below is provided to help readers understand the programme and prepare for future scholarship calls or similar opportunities.
About the HES-II Programme
The Higher Education Scholarships Phase Two (HES-II) programme forms part of USAID’s broader Higher Education Advancement and Development (HEAD) Project. Its goal is to strengthen Lebanon’s higher education sector by improving access to quality university education, increasing employability, and developing the skilled workforce needed to support the country’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.
Rather than awarding scholarships directly to students, the NOFO invited eligible higher education institutions to implement scholarship programmes that would identify, support, and mentor qualified students throughout their undergraduate studies.
Programme Components
The HES-II initiative consists of two major scholarship components.
1. University Scholarship Program – Phase Nine (USP9)
This component provides full undergraduate scholarships to academically strong but financially disadvantaged Lebanese secondary school graduates.
The programme aims to:
- Increase access to quality higher education.
- Improve graduate employability.
- Develop future leaders.
- Support Lebanon’s economic and social development.
- Enable students to attend eligible nonprofit universities that meet standards comparable to American accreditation.
2. Refugee Scholarship Support – Phase II (RSS-II)
The second component focuses on refugees legally residing in Lebanon.
The programme offers undergraduate scholarships that enable eligible refugee students to complete university studies at qualified nonprofit higher education institutions while following standardized scholarship criteria established by USAID.
Funding Information
USAID announced its intention to award up to two cooperative agreements under this funding opportunity.
Key funding details included:
- Estimated USAID funding: US$29.8 million per award
- Potential increase to US$30 million per award, subject to funding availability
- Programme duration: Up to nine years
- Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement
- Expected awards: Up to two implementing partners.
Objectives of the Scholarship Programme
The programme seeks to:
- Expand access to higher education.
- Support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Improve workforce readiness.
- Strengthen higher education institutions.
- Develop skilled graduates.
- Promote inclusive educational opportunities.
- Contribute to Lebanon’s long-term development.
Who Was Eligible to Apply?
The NOFO was not open to individual students.
Eligible applicants were:
- Not-for-profit higher education institutions located in Lebanon.
- Institutions meeting standards comparable to American accreditation.
- Organizations eligible to receive USAID assistance.
- Institutions with the capacity to manage long-term scholarship programmes.
USAID also encouraged organizations that had not previously received USAID funding to apply.
Scholarship Benefits for Students
Under the implemented scholarship programme, eligible students could receive support such as:
- Full undergraduate tuition.
- Access to quality higher education.
- Academic support and mentoring.
- Career preparation activities.
- Opportunities to strengthen employability.
- Professional development throughout their studies.
The exact package depended on the implementing institution and scholarship component.
Expected Impact
The HES-II programme was designed to generate long-term benefits by:
- Increasing university access.
- Developing skilled graduates.
- Supporting youth employment.
- Strengthening Lebanon’s education sector.
- Improving economic resilience.
- Investing in future community leaders.
Why This Programme Matters
Higher education remains one of the most effective investments in human capital. Through HES-II, USAID sought to reduce financial barriers that prevent talented students from completing university while strengthening the country’s future workforce and supporting broader economic recovery efforts.
By combining scholarship funding with institutional support, mentorship, and career preparation, the programme aimed to create lasting educational and economic outcomes for beneficiaries.
Looking for Similar Opportunities?
Although this specific funding opportunity has closed, organizations and students interested in similar programmes should regularly monitor:
- USAID funding opportunities.
- Grants.gov.
- University scholarship offices.
- International donor scholarship programmes.
- FundsforNGOs updates.
New education and scholarship initiatives are announced throughout the year by USAID, governments, universities, and international organizations.
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Disclaimer
Vacancy Bridge shares verified international funding and scholarship information for informational purposes only. Vacancy Bridge is not affiliated with USAID, the U.S. Government, or the implementing institutions. Readers should always consult the official programme websites for the latest announcements, eligibility requirements, and future funding opportunities.
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