Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship

United States of America

• MDP Program Requirements:  
  • Four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent.  English language proficiency (see below for more information). 
  • Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is recommended.  
  • Completion of a 50-credit academic master’s program in 2 academic years.  
  • Completion of a 10 week summer field experience.  
  • English language proficiency is required. Valid TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. 

  Minimum score requirements:  

  • TOEFL iBT:

    • For exams taken before January 21, 2026:

      • Total Score: 79

      • Writing Subscore: 21

      • Reading Subscore: 19

    • For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:

      • Total Score: 4.5

      • Writing Subscore: 4.5

      • Reading Subscore: 4.5

  • IELTS:

    • Total Score: 6.5

    • Writing Subscore: 6.5

    • Reading Subscore: 6.5

  • Duolingo:

    • Overall Score: 120 or above

    • Writing Subscore: 120 or above

    • Reading Subscore: 120 or above

  • For more details on English language proficiency requirements, please visit: English Language Proficiency | The Graduate School 

  Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Applicants: 

  • Egyptian nationals residing in Egypt (preference will not be given to dual nationality holders).
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a well-reputed academic institution in a related field of study.  
  • Satisfy the entry requirements into the academic MDP program.  
  • Demonstrate excellent professional and academic track record.  
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills (extracurricular activities/community work/entrepreneurial initiative).  
  • While no specific experience or academic track is required, students with a strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills will be best prepared for academic success at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.  
  • Demonstrate a minimum of two years of work experience in the field of development.  
  • Employment in the development sector in Egypt following graduation for no less than 2 consecutive years.

Interested scholarship candidates must submit two separate applications to the Sawiris Foundation and to the Humphrey School by their respective deadlines.

1. Scholarship application to be submitted to Sawiris Foundation through this link.
2. Academic application to be submitted to the Humphrey School. For information about the Humphrey application package, please click HERE.

• Completed application form including the personal statement.
• Copy of valid passport ID page.
• Copy of National ID.
• Updated resume.
• All undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Score.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• One personal photo.
• Proof of Employment