Scholarships

Why are scholarships needed?

Years of war and instability have taken a toll on Lebanon, but its people have remained committed to giving their children the best opportunities for a high quality education, and a chance at a new life.

A university in a rural area, like UOB, attracts many students from the less privileged areas of the country, particularly Tripoli, Akkar and Koura, as well as the greater Beirut area, south Lebanon and the Beka'a. These students, who are accepted after a competitive application process, are serious; they work hard; they know that education is their passport to a good life. The university wishes to be able to accept as many high performing students as it can though it is keenly aware that a good number of these who come from the less privileged communities in Lebanon or Syria are hard pressed to meet tuition costs. Currently some 30% of students benefit from a tuition scholarship or another form of financial aid.

Over the next three years, it is estimated that about 1500 students annually will need to benefit from scholarships and other forms of financial aid. This translates to about $4 million annually. The aim of the Foundation is to support the University in building up this fund.

How should I designate my donation for a scholarship?

The Foundation prefers that donations to the Scholarship Fund be unrestricted so that the Scholarship Committee can award assistance where it is needed most. But it is recognized that some donors prefer to specify the field of study, or the profile of recipients (e.g. a woman student, a student from a specific geographic region etc). Scholarship recipients will be required to maintain a high academic average and to participate actively in sports, student activities, or community service. In all cases the name of the donor will be associated with the scholarships and publicly recognized as such, unless the donor requests otherwise.

What is the Metropolitan Philip Scholarship Fund?

This is a newly-established fund in honor of his eminence, Metropolitan Philip, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

Will all the money raised in Metropolitan Philip Scholarship Fund go to students?

Absolutely! This money is earmarked for scholarships to deserving and in-need students.

How will recipients of this fund be chosen?

A joint committee from the Foundation and the University is developing exact requirements and guidelines for students wishing to apply. The committee will then evaluate the applicants based on merit and need. Scholarship recipients will be required to maintain a high academic average and to participate actively in sports, student activities, or community service.

The University and the Foundation place the highest priority on the Scholarship Fund as the most effective instrument in ensuring that students who have the desire and potential to pursue higher education will not be prevented from doing so for lack of financial means. Helping these young people is one of the highest expressions of caring for the less privileged. Few acts are more rewarding than putting young students on the track to a successful career and giving them an opportunity to be the best they can be.

To contribute, visit our contribution page.