Undergraduate Scholarships
The Middle East Studies Program supports the best of its undergraduates with scholarships for 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 before the review of their application materials.
Deadlines and requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Please address any questions about deadlines and the application process to Renato Despain, MEST Program Manager.
Deadline: March 1
The MEST Academic Scholarship supports outstanding Middle East Studies majors, including incoming first-year students, who have demonstrated a strong record of academic achievement and promise. Awards range from partial support to full cost of attendance and typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per academic year. Students who meet the eligibility requirements below are encouraged to apply.
Both new and renewal applications must be received by March 1.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a declared major in Middle East Studies.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (high school GPA for incoming first-year students) and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in MEST courses.
- Submit a 2–3 page Statement of Purpose outlining their academic interests, course of study, and educational goals.
- Submit two recommendations, at least one of which must be from a faculty member affiliated with the MEST program (see Directory). Incoming first-year and transfer students may also request letters from instructors at their previous institution who can speak to their academic potential and interest in Middle East Studies.
Scholarships are awarded for one academic year (two semesters), beginning in the fall semester.
Renewal of Awards
Scholarships may be renewed annually for up to three additional years (six semesters), subject to approval and the availability of funds.
To be considered for renewal, recipients must:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in MEST core courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Remain enrolled as a Middle East Studies major.
- Submit the required renewal materials by the application deadline.
Renewal applications are reviewed competitively alongside new applications and are subject to the same application deadline.
Application Materials
New Applicants
- Completed Application Form
- 2–3 page Statement of Purpose
- Two recommendations (See Recommendations below)
Renewal Applicants
- A letter requesting renewal of the scholarship. The letter should include the applicant’s expected graduation date, current scholarship funding amount, academic progress during the previous year, MEST coursework completed and grades earned, current cumulative and MEST GPAs, significant academic and extracurricular activities, progress toward completion of the Middle East Studies major, and academic or professional goals for the coming year.
- One recommendation from a faculty member affiliated with the MEST program (See Recommendations below)
All applicant materials and recommendations must be received by March 1.
Recommendations
Applicants are responsible for contacting their recommenders and providing them with the MEST Recommendation Form (available for download below). Recommenders should submit completed recommendation forms directly to mest@uark.edu by the application deadline.
Deadline: March 1
The King Fahd Center offers scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in Middle East Studies to support 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.