The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) offers fully funded opportunities for eligible Tunisian undergraduate students to spend one academic year studying at a university or college in the United States. The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program combines academic learning, professional experience and leadership development to prepare young Tunisians for future careers.
Sponsored by the United States Department of State and implemented by IREX, the programme aims to strengthen leadership, promote cultural exchange and equip participants with practical skills to contribute to Tunisia’s economic and social development.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): United States Department of State
- Host Institutions: Participating universities and colleges in the United States
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Scholarship Worth: Tuition, living expenses, travel and other programme-related support
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Undergraduate (non-degree exchange)
- Programme Duration: One academic year (9–10 months)
- Eligible Nationality: Tunisian citizens
- Study Destination: United States
Also Check: Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 (Fully-Funded to USA)
Programme Overview
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program provides outstanding Tunisian undergraduate students with opportunities to study at accredited American institutions while developing professional and leadership skills.
Participants undertake academic coursework, complete professional internships, engage in cultural exchange activities and contribute to community service projects during their stay in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
Based on the most recent published application requirements, applicants must:
- Be Tunisian citizens currently residing in Tunisia.
- Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate programme at a recognised university or institute in Tunisia.
- Be in good academic standing and have successfully completed the preceding academic year.
- Be in their second year or above, but not their final undergraduate year at the time of application.
- Be at least 18 years old by the programme’s specified start date.
- Be eligible to obtain and maintain a United States J-1 visa.
- Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.
- Be committed to returning to Tunisia after completing the programme.
Additional Information: Under the 2025/2026 requirements, eligible engineering students could apply during their second preparatory year or third and fourth undergraduate years, while architecture students were eligible in their second through fifth years.
Applicants shortlisted for the programme were required to achieve a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 100, with testing arranged by IREX at no cost.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial and programme support, including:
- Academic tuition and mandatory fees.
- Accommodation and living expenses.
- Round-trip international travel.
- Health insurance.
- Professional internship opportunities.
- Leadership development and cultural exchange activities.
Participants also complete approximately 80 hours of professional internship experience and at least 20 hours of community service during the programme.
See Also: United World Scholarships to Study in United States
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested applicants should follow these steps when the next application cycle opens:
- Visit the official TJSP online application portal and review the current eligibility requirements.
- Complete all required sections of the online application, including academic information, personal statements and professional interests.
- Provide contact information for two different referees who can assess your suitability for the programme.
- Review and submit the completed application before the announced deadline.
Only complete applications submitted through the official online portal will be considered.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Personal and academic information.
- Details of their undergraduate institution and study programme.
- Written responses to the application questions.
- Two references from different qualified individuals, such as lecturers, academic advisers or professional supervisors.
- Any additional supporting documents requested in the current application instructions.
Application Deadline: To be announced.
