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Apply for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program

Apply for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program

A group of students in graduation regalia holding their diplomas

We are now accepting applications for the 2024–2025 Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP). The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program provides opportunities for full-time, undergraduate, university/institute students from Tunisia to spend one academic year of nondegree study at a U.S. university or college. 

Through academic opportunities, professional engagement, and leadership development, the program fosters economic growth, stability, and democratic development in Tunisia by equipping a network of youth with essential skills to lead positive change in their professional fields and communities.

The deadline to apply is Monday, November 27, 2023 at 5 p.m. Tunis time. Please read the application materials carefully before beginning the application. 

Program details

Eligibility

The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic as established by U.S. law. TJSP alumni have come from all 24 governorates of Tunisia.

Competition for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program is merit-based and open to anyone who: 

  • is a Tunisian citizen; 
  • currently resides in Tunisia; 
  • is enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate, university/institute student in good academic standing at the time of application at a registered academic institution in Tunisia; 
  • is NOT in the final year of their undergraduate program at the time of application 
    • Architecture students are eligible in their first, second, third, fourth, or fifth year of study.
    • Engineering students are eligible in their first or second year (preparatory classes), and third and fourth year of undergraduate study.
  • is able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa; 
  • is at least 18 years old by July 1, 2024;
  • is committed to returning to Tunisia after completion of the program; 
  • is able to achieve a TOEFL score of at least 500; and 
  • completes the academic year prior to study in the United States in good standing with a passing average (a.k.a. moyenne générale).

Please note that you do not need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to apply for this program. Only semifinalists are required to take the TOEFL, and testing will be provided for them at no cost.

How to apply 

The application must be completed online. Applicants must fill out all required sections of the application and provide contact information for two references. Reference 1 and reference 2 must be completed by two different individuals who can speak to your suitability as a potential scholarship recipient.  References may be provided by professors, advisors, managers, mentors, etc.

Complete copies of all application materials, including references,  must be received together in one package as per the application instructions by Monday, November 27, 2023 at 5 p.m. Tunis time. Only complete applications, which include a complete application form with two reference forms, will be forwarded to the selection committee.

Download the full application instructions (PDF, 221 KB).  

APPLY NOW

Other resources

To learn more about the program and share program information with interested applicants, please read the following: 

Contact 

If you have questions about the TJSP application, please e-mail thomasjeffersonscholars@irex.org.  

The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Department of State and implemented by IREX.