The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has offered forty-one special scholarships to Armenian university students in Lebanon.

Armenian students are facing a dire economic situation in the country. In recognition of their talents and to unlock their potential, the Foundation decided to provide immediate support to ensure their continued access to higher education.

The needs-based scholarship category was added in April 2023 as an emergency response to the current situation in Lebanon, in addition to the existing merit-based scholarships offered.

The Foundation received 129 applications from students studying at various Lebanese universities. Sixty-nine were shortlisted and invited to face-to-face interviews, of whom 41 were selected, receiving 2.500 Euros each. Inspired by the Foundation’s example, a former Calouste Gulbenkian alumni from France made a donation, enabling an extra scholarship allocation.

“We are aware of the tremendous challenges faced by university students in Lebanon, and we believe that financial limitations should not hinder education,” said Dr. Razmik Panossian, the Director of the Armenian Communities Department. “Our Emergency Scholarship aims to alleviate the burden by providing support to students who have the potential to shape a better future for themselves and their communities”.

The Emergency Scholarship applications were reviewed, and the interviews were conducted by a special selection committee in Lebanon composed of members of the Union of Social Workers of the Armenian Community in Lebanon.