Why study a Bachelor or Master in Lebanon

Study in Lebanon

The language study in Lebanon

Although the official language in Lebanon is Arabic, the language of instruction in universities in Lebanon is English or French (the latter due to the country’s colonial past).

Why should you study in Lebanon? 

There are several reasons why you should choose to study in Lebanon:

• Some universities in Lebanon offer a wide range of programs, even liberal arts programmes.
• Lebanon is highly regarded for its science and sports programs, but it is likely that you will be able to find any program you want.
• The state can also offer specialized professional programs in business schools, medical universities, and engineering universities.
• International students coming to Lebanon will be happy to know that Lebanese cuisine is world famous.
• The locals are known for their hospitality, they enjoy welcoming visitors and treating them like family.
• You will find that the dress code is more relaxed than in other countries in the region.
  Social attitudes in Beirut are calmer than in the rest of the country.

How much does it cost?

Compared to Middle Eastern standards, Lebanon is quite expensive. Tuition fees vary between universities and may be charged on credit basis. Study costs are calculated using credits. International Students can pay up to $30,000 toward their credits for the year (two semesters). These fees may also include items such as books, equipment, and study materials.

Living in Lebanon

Living costs are similar to those in the United States and Europe, where most students set aside about $15,000 annually for accommodations, food, and travel. Average monthly living costs can range from $1,200 to $2,000.

Housing and Living 

The least expensive option is to rent a room in a shared apartment ($300-$500 average per month) for a private rental starting at $600 and above depending on size and location.

Food 

The cost of food varies depending on where you eat it, groceries are cheap if you buy normal Lebanese stuff. Western and Asian items are more expensive, there are restaurants and shops to eat or buy food. In general, for eating out, a sandwich costs $2-5, and a meal in the restaurant is $8 and up.

Transportation 

Standard taxi costs $4 and up (depending on distance), shared taxi $1.33, bus $0.66, and airport taxi $10 to $30.

Other additional costs 

Other additional costs: Basic services (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) approximately $154.54, and a local prepaid mobile phone call-minute tariff (without discounts or plans) $0.38, and Internet (60 megabits or more, unlimited data) ADSL) is approximately $55.07.

Universities in Lebanon

Higher education in Lebanon is administered by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education and all of Lebanon’s 41 universities are private, with the exception of one university. There are a total of 10 universities in Lebanon in the QS University Rankings: Arab Region 2016, a ranking dedicated to this region of the world. Three of these leading Lebanese universities are also featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17. Here are the most important of those universities:

American University of Beirut (AUB)

Founded in 1866 and based in its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education, the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a private, secular university with approximately 8,400 students, including more than 1,700 international students. They come from 77 different countries. As may appear from the name, the teaching is conducted in English. There are more than 130 programs available in seven faculties.

Saint Joseph University 

It was founded in 1875 by the Jesuits, making it one of the oldest universities in Lebanon. It is also the main French intermediate university in the country and is best known for its Hôtel-Dieu de France university hospital. Saint Joseph University has the distinction of being the only university in the Middle East that adheres to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), while still being compliant with the higher education laws in Lebanon.

Arts, Sciences and Technology University in Lebanon (AUL): 

(AUL) is an independent Lebanese higher education institution with undergraduate and graduate programs. AUL started under the name “Business and Computer College” (BCU) with two colleges but later expanded by adding the College of Arts and Humanities to the Colleges of Business, and Colleges of Science and Fine Arts, and thus the university gained its position and changed its name to meet the expansion of its main offerings.

 

Student Visa - Lebanon

Student visas are required for international students from all countries except Syria (unlimited stay), while students from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can stay in Lebanon for up to three months without a visa. All other students need a visa. You must apply for a visa at the nearest Lebanese embassy, pay a small fee and submit the following documents in French, Arabic or English:

• Acceptance letter from a Lebanese university.
• Proof of paid medical insurance. 
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Lebanon, both in terms of tuition fees and living costs, or proof of a scholarship if you have one.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Completed application form.
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your return to your country.

How to apply - Lebanon

In order to apply to a university in Lebanon, there are steps and requirements that should be fulfilled. Read on to learn how to apply to Lebanese universities and what the requirements are.

University Requirements 

Some of the requirements needed for international students to join an Lebanese university are: 

• Acceptance letter from a Lebanese university.
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Lebanon, both in terms of tuition fees and
• living costs, or proof of a scholarship if you have one.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Completed application form.
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your return to your country.
• Portfolio or samples of previous work ( for applicants to architecture, urban planning, or any design degree)
• Letter of motivation 

 

 

Scholarship in Lebanon

The Lebanese government has different scholarships for students around the world every year. If you fulfill the conditions, you can be eligible for the scholarship.

Lebanese American University (TLG) Scholarship Program: Funded by the US Department of State MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative), the Leaders of Tomorrow (TLG) Scholarship is available at the Lebanese American University. The scholarship allows for master’s level program(s) in the field of Migration Studies, International Affairs, Applied Economics taught at the Lebanese American University.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: The American University of Beirut (AUB) offers full scholarships for graduate and undergraduate education in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut aims to prepare young people to be agents of change in their communities, countries, and regions. The program requires applicants to attend a series of workshops, courses and fieldwork in addition to certifications for their courses.