The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship for Tunisian undergraduate students to spend an academic year in the United States. This program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, implemented by IREX, aiming to develop Tunisia’s youth through academic opportunities, professional engagement, and leadership development.
Scholarship Overview
- Sponsor: U.S. Department of State
- Organizer: IREX
- Host Country: United States
- Type of Funding: Fully Funded
- Program Duration: One academic year
- Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
Program Activities
- Full-Time Academic Study:
- Attend classes for one academic year at a U.S. university or college.
- Complete an online leadership curriculum alongside academic coursework.
- Community Service:
- Perform 20 hours of community service in the host community during the first semester.
- Professional Internship:
- Undertake a part-time internship during the second semester.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the TJSP:
- Citizenship & Residency:
- Must be a Tunisian citizen and currently residing in Tunisia.
- Enrollment:
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at a registered academic institution in Tunisia.
- Architecture Students: Eligible in their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year of study.
- Engineering Students: Eligible in their 2nd (preparatory classes), 3rd, or 4th year of undergraduate study.
- Year of Study:
- Must be in their second year or above during the application period.
- Students in their first or final year are not eligible.
- Age:
- Must be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2025.
- English Proficiency:
- Must achieve a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 100.
- Commitment:
- Must agree to return to Tunisia for two years after completing the program, as per J-1 visa regulations.
- Academic Performance:
- Must maintain good academic standing and have a passing average in the academic year prior to the program.
- Visa Eligibility:
- Must qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa.
Selection Criteria
Selection is conducted through a merit-based, open competition. Applicants are evaluated on:
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic records and achievements.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership and community engagement.
- Commitment to Tunisia’s Development: Clear vision of contributing to the country’s progress.
- English Proficiency: Strong skills in written and spoken English.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive as an exchange student in the U.S.
Scholarship Benefits
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program provides:
- Full Tuition and Fees: Covers costs for the academic year.
- Living Stipend: Supports accommodation, meals, and other living expenses.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Covers travel to and from the U.S.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage during the program.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Includes internships, leadership training, and community engagement activities.
Read More About:
- University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship 2025/2026
- Wageningen University & Research Africa Scholarship Programme 2025 (Fully-funded)
- Fully Funded Swire Scholarships at St Antony’s College, UK 2025
Application Process
- Online Application:
- Complete the application in English (except where specified).
- Include two references from professors, advisors, mentors, or employers.
- Deadline:
- Submit the completed application and references by December 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. Tunis time.
- Submission Instructions:
- Applications must be submitted together as a complete package. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact:
Email: thomasjeffersonscholars@irex.org
For further details, visit the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program Official Website.
Take this opportunity to expand your academic and professional horizons while contributing to the development of Tunisia! Apply by December 4, 2024.