Through this unique scholarship opportunity, ExxonMobil contributed to the Middle East and North Africa region by helping to develop highly skilled and culturally adept individuals.

Finalists for the scholarship were invited to a three day short course event, traditionally held in Turkey or the United Arab Emirates. Short course attendees developed business skills related to the energy industry and networked with colleagues from across the Middle East and North Africa regions.

Scholarship recipients were placed by the Institute of International Education in a leading university in the United States, according to the strengths and research interests of the applicant. Recipients received full tuition, housing and living expense stipends, medical insurance, and textbook and computer allowances. The award also included transportation to the United States, visa and academic support, an intensive orientation program, and a yearly professional development and networking conference.

Who sponsored the program?

The program was funded by ExxonMobil and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Who applied?

Citizens of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia or the UAE who had a Bachelor’s degree by the program start date in Geoscience, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math or Geography. Candidates must have lived in the Middle East/North Africa for 15 years & be fluent in Arabic.

Program Fast Facts

Recipients received full tuition for the completion of a Master’s Degree in Geosciences. The program also provided a stipend for housing and living expenses and includes medical insurance, textbook and computer allowances, transportation to the U.S. at the inception and conclusion of the program, visa and academic support, and an intensive orientation program.