Peace Through Education

Abu Darweesh Mosque from Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan

Undergraduate Scholarships

The Middle East Studies Program supports the best of its undergraduates with scholarships in support of academic excellence, research, and study abroad. Scholarships are dedicated to declared MEST majors. All prospective MEST Scholarship applicants must have secured admission to the University of Arkansas prior to the review of their application materials.

Deadlines and requirements subject to change without prior notice.  Please address any questions about deadlines and the application process to Renato Despain, MEST Program Manager.

Deadline: February 1

The King Fahd Center offers scholarships for advanced undergraduate MEST majors who have demonstrated serious commitment to study and excellence in their coursework and scholarship. Full and partial scholarships range between $5,000 and $10,000 per academic year.

In granting scholarships, the King Fahd Center considers the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, and financial need. Students are encouraged to apply for funding in the upcoming academic year if they will be undergraduate sophmores with a minimum of 30 credit hours.

Requirements:

  • Declared major in Middle East Studies
  • Minimum 3.25 overall GPA, and a GPA of 3.5 in MEST courses
  • Attainment of sophomore status (minimum 30 credit hours)
  • A 2-3 page Statement of Purpose indicating the course of study and academic ambitions

  • 2 faculty recommendation letters, at least one affiliated with the MEST program.  Transfer students are also eligible and may solicit letters from professors at their prior institution who can speak to their interest and academic potential.

Scholarships are granted for 1 academic year (2 semesters) beginning in the Fall term, and are renewable for up to 3 years (6 semesters) with approval. Scholarship awardees must maintain a 3.5 GPA in MEST core courses and a 3.25 overall GPA, and must continue to pursue a relevant course of study.

Renewing Scholarships:

Scholarship recipients seeking continued funding must submit a formal request for renewal to the King Fahd Center, along with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member affiliated with the MEST program (view Directory). 

In order to qualify for a renewal, recipients must: 

  • Have maintained a 3.5 GPA in MEST core courses and a 3.25 overall GPA, and continue to pursue a relevant course of study
  • Submit a letter formally requesting consideration for funding renewal
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member affiliated with the MEST program

Renewal applications will be considered in conjunction with new applicants and will have the same deadline.

Download the application:  PDF | Word

Deadline: February 1

The King Fahd Center offers scholarships up to $1,500 for undergraduate students majoring in Middle East Studies to be used toward study abroad programs in the Middle East and North Africa.  These scholarships are traditionally awarded for summer study abroad programs, but may be applied to programs during the Fall or Spring semester with approval from the MEST Director.

Programs must be approved by the King Fahd Center and the Office for Study Abroad and International Exchange. A limited number of grants will be available on a competitive basis.

Requirements:

  • Declared major in Middle East Studies
  • 1 recommendation letter from a faculty member affiliated with the MEST program (view Directory).  Transfer students are also eligible and may solicit letters from professors at their prior institution who can speak to their interest and academic potential.

In granting scholarships, the King Fahd Center considers the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, and financial need.

Please note: Applications for Summer 2020 and beyond are in the process of being relocated to the scholarship portal on the Office of Study Abroad & International Exchange website. If you are seeking to apply before this process is complete, please email mest@uark.edu to request an application.