The Rafik Hariri Foundation is a non-profit foundation founded by HE PM Rafik Hariri in 1979. It is an educational institution responding to a dire national need that resulted from the events caused by the war in Lebanon. The Foundation aims at helping students to join higher education institutions; keeping some universities running and able to maintain their role; adopting a number of schools facing financial problems; founding schools that are seeking better educational standards; and establishing health institutes.
Support to Higher Education
The Rafik Hariri Foundation supports higher education through the University Loan Program and the University Training Program.
Type of Support
Scholarships
● The University Loan Program: The Rafik Hariri Foundation provides partial or full loans for scholarships that cover students’ tuition fees, housing, accommodation, transportation, books, etc. Scholarships are offered to individuals and institutions all over the Lebanese territories. The scholarships cover BSc, MBA, Master’s and PhD degrees in all fields of study.
● The number of scholarships given per year depends on the Foundation’s annual budget for scholarships. In 1986/1987, the annual budget for scholarships was USD 96 million and the Foundation offered 3,600 scholarships; and in 2008/2009, the annual budget for scholarships was USD 6 million and the Foundation offered 200 scholarships. Up to the end of February 2010, the Rafik Hariri Foundation has helped 35,831 students to join higher education in Lebanon and the Arab countries (23,846), Europe and North Africa (8,694), and America (3,291).
Training
University Training Programs: The programs aim at making it possible for students to overcome the language barrier which is a prerequisite for university admission. The programs comprise the following components:
● Special English Training: In collaboration with AUB, the British Council, AMIDEAST, and the Lebanese American University (LAU), the Foundation sends its students to these institutions to become proficient in English.
● The Medical Training Program: The Program is for the benefit of Lebanese doctors who have completed their university education abroad and wish to continue their specialization in Lebanon. This program prepares the participants both linguistically and academically.
● Planning and Guidance to Make Available Various Fields of Specialization: The Program informs applicants of the needs of the labor market.
● Career Guidance Program: The Program offers career counseling to individuals and helps them reach a mature career decision that suits their personality and abilities.
Duration of Support
Scholarships
The University Loan Program: Varies according to the student’s score during the period of funding.
Training
University Training Programs
The Medical Training Program: one year.
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarships
● Applicants could be graduates of higher education institutes based in Lebanon or individuals of Lebanese nationality.
● For individuals, the Foundation takes into consideration the applicants’ family income and their high academic achievements.
● Academic qualifications as delineated by Hariri Foundation are based on:
o An achievement test given in collaboration with the American University of Beirut (AUB).
o The student's rank in his/her school.
o The student's Baccalaureate grades.
o The entrance examination to AUB.
Training
● Applicants could be graduates of higher education institutes based in Lebanon or individuals of Lebanese nationality.
● For individuals, the Foundation takes into consideration the applicants’ family income and their high academic achievements.
● Academic qualifications as delineated by Hariri Foundation are based on:
o An achievement test given in collaboration with the American University of Beirut (AUB).
o The student's rank in his/her school.
o The student's Baccalaureate grades.
o The entrance examination to AUB.
Application Procedures
Scholarships
● Applications should be filled at the Rafik Hariri Foundation head office.
● Selection criteria are based on the date of admission.
Training
● Applications should be filled at the Rafik Hariri Foundation head office.
● Selection criteria are based on the date of admission.
Deadlines
Scholarships
Applications can be sent starting from July until mid August.
Training
Applications can be sent starting from July until mid August.
Contact
Additional Information
The Rafik Hariri foundation offers grants that aim at holding scientific conferences. The grant amount ranges from 25% to 50% of the total amount needed. The Foundation also provides in-kind contributions. All contributions are subject to study of approval and denial based on the applying institute.