Application Deadline: December 8, 2020
Applications are invited for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program 2021-2022. The Thomas Jefferson Program provides opportunities for full-time undergraduate university/institute students from Tunisia to spend one academic year of nondegree study at a U.S. university or college.
The program will provide students a deeper understanding of the United States, as well as new skills, knowledge, and leadership development to help them contribute to Tunisia’s economic development.
All participants will:
• Attend classes full-time for one academic year.
• Perform at least 20 hours of community service in their host community during their first semester.
• Complete a part-time practical internship during their second semester.
Benefits
The scholarship includes:
• J-1 visa support;
• Round-trip travel from participant’s home city to host institution in the United States;
• Health insurance;
• Tuition and mandatory university fees;
• Room and board (housing and meals);
• Small incidentals allowance;
• Limited allowance for books;
• A wide variety of alumni networking and training opportunities.
Eligibility
Open to anyone who:
• Is a Tunisian citizen;
• Currently resides in Tunisia;
• Is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at the time of application at a registered university or academic institution in Tunisia;
• Is NOT in the final year of their undergraduate program at the time of application
o Architecture students are eligible in their first, second, third, or fourth year of study. Engineering students are eligible in their first or second year (preparatory classes), and third and fourth year of undergraduate study
• Is able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
• Is at least 18 years old by July 1, 2021;
• Is committed to returning to Tunisia after completion of the program;
• Is able to achieve a TOEFL score of at least 500, either at the time of application or after short-term pre-academic English language study in the United States; and
• Completes the academic year prior to study in the United States in good standing with a passing average (aka moyenne générale).
Selection Criteria
Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
• Academic excellence;
• Expressed commitment to contribute to Tunisia’s development;
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to community engagement;
• Proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Flexibility and adaptability as an exchange student;
• Ability to achieve a TOEFL score of at least 500, either at the time of application or after short term pre-academic English language study in the United States.
Application
The application must be completed online. Applicants must fill out all required sections of the application and provide contact information for two references. Reference 1 and Reference 2 must be completed by two different individuals who can speak to your suitability as a potential scholarship recipient.
Complete copies of all application materials must be received together in one package as per the application instructions by Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Tunis time. Only complete applications, which include a complete application form with two reference forms, will be forwarded to the selection committee.
For more information, see FAQ and visit Thomas Jefferson Scholarship.
