Graduate Research Scholarship

• Collaborate with faculty and dive into topics you’re passionate about
• Get published by the time you receive your master’s degree
• Be guided by excellent supervisors in your thesis or project research
• Gain a solid preparation for doctoral studies

LAU is offering the Graduate Research Scholarship for research-oriented applicants who are committed to conduct and publish research projects, in line with the university’s goal of enhancing the build-up of intellectual capital.

Who It Is For

It is our ongoing goal to raise the level of graduate education at LAU, and research-oriented scholars are an essential part of that effort.

The ideal candidate is passionate about their studies and wishes to deepen their knowledge through quality work that can lead to potential publications.

Scholars are expected to devote their time and effort to this academic endeavor and hence must commit to not holding a job for the duration of the program. (See details under “Conditions” below.)

Degree Programs

The scholarship covers the following programs:

Eligibility

To be eligible, in addition to any program-specific requirements, you must:

1. Have a minimum CGPA of 3.50/4.00 – or equivalent.
2. Be admitted to the program without remedial courses.
3. Submit proof of English proficiency if your undergraduate degree is not from an English-based institution:

• Internet-based TOEFL (IBT), with a minimum score of 90. The code for LAU is 2595. The institutional TOEFL is not accepted.
• Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 7.
• The English Entrance Exam administered at LAU with a minimum score of 123.
• Duolingo English Test with a passing average of 125.

NB: Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission under this competitive scholarship.

Terms and Conditions

To maintain your status as a GRS Scholar, you must adhere to the following conditions throughout your residency at LAU:

1. Remain enrolled on a full-time basis.
2. Pursue a publishable thesis, or a publishable project in programs that do not offer a thesis option.
3. Submit at least one research paper to a peer-reviewed academic journal under the supervision of ‎a full-time faculty member. Fulfillment of this condition requires that:‎
   1. The submitted paper reaches at least the “under review” status with the journal.‎
   2. The supervising faculty member acts as the submitting author for the manuscript.‎
4. Complete the program within two academic years.
5. Do not hold any part-time or full-time employment for the duration of your studies (e.g. teaching or administrative assistantships). Exceptions may be granted only if the work is related to research or a research assistantship within your field of study.
6. Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.50/4.00.
7. Note: If your CGPA falls below 3.50, you must demonstrate substantial research engagement; subject to your host department’s evaluation; or have submitted research findings to a peer-reviewed venue (co-authored with a full-time LAU faculty member) to remain eligible. Eligibility will be reviewed at the end of the Spring semester of your first academic year for renewal or termination.
8. Maintain active participation in the department’s academic community. This includes attending departmental seminars, providing research assistance (up to 5 hours per week as assigned by your supervisor), participating in events like LAU Research Day, and attending professional development workshops.
9. Uphold the standards of the LAU community by adhering to the Student Code of Conduct and the University’s Academic Integrity policies. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and personal conduct; consequently, if a student is found responsible for a serious disciplinary or academic integrity violation, following the University’s formal process, the University reserves the right to review, suspend, or decline the renewal of the scholarship for the subsequent academic year.

Additional Provisions

• Remedial courses or courses outside the program’s requirements are not covered by this scholarship.
• Withdrawal from the scholarship or the program is not permitted except in documented, extreme cases (e.g., serious health conditions). Unauthorized withdrawal will result in a financial obligation to repay the full amount of tuition fees covered by the scholarship to date.

Admission

The application deadline for fall 2027 is March 31, 2027.

How to apply?

• Fill out and submit your application
  • Prepare your documents and apply online.
• Pay the application fee
  • Application fee of $60 can be paid online using debit or credit cards (Visa or Mastercard only), or in cash through OMT or at BLOM Bank.
• Activate your Portal
  • After you apply and you pay your application fees, you will receive an email within 3 working days to the email address you filled out in your admission application. This email will contain your unique username and tentative password and the steps you need to follow to activate your Portal account. 
• Fill the Graduate Research Scholarship application and submit it through your portal

Frequently Asked Questions

• What factors can improve my chances?
  Having any publication in a peer-reviewed venue would be an advantage.
   
• I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at LAU. Can I apply for the fall semester?
  Yes, but only if you apply and get accepted to a different program.
   
• I got my degree in a non-English-speaking university. Can I still apply?
  Yes, but you will need to submit formal proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL), as per LAU’s graduate admission requirements.
   
• Is this scholarship available for Lebanese students only?
  The scholarship, like all our academic programs, is open to all nationalities.
   
• What does this scholarship cover?
  Full tuition fees in addition to a monthly stipend for the duration of the program. Prospective students should pay the application fee.
• Fees that students should pay:
  • School liability
  • Student association fees
  • Medical insurance and NSSF in case you do not have insurance outside LAU