Daughters for Life: Empowering MENA Women with Full International University Scholarships

In line with international efforts to boost girls' education and empower women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, many educational institutions are launching scholarship programs to support outstanding female students. Among these initiatives, the Daughters for Life Scholarship program stands out, offering fully funded opportunities to study at global universities.

Behind this program is the Daughters for Life Foundation, a registered Canadian charity that has been working for years to support girls' education in the MENA region. They believe that education is the most powerful tool to empower women and help them overcome social and economic challenges.

Fully Funded Scholarships

The program offers full scholarships that cover various costs associated with studying abroad. This includes tuition fees, university accommodation, meals, and travel tickets, in addition to studying at partner international universities in Europe and North America.

The program isn't limited to just one educational level; it provides opportunities for study at multiple stages, including Bachelor's, Master's, and post-Bachelor's programs. The available specializations and programs vary annually depending on the participating universities.

This variety in programs reflects the initiative's goal to open wider educational horizons for female students, allowing them to gain academic and professional experience in advanced learning environments.

Over 100 Students Have Benefited from the Program

Since its launch over 15 years ago, the program has successfully supported around 100 female students from MENA countries. This has enabled them to pursue their studies at several prestigious international universities.

The program's impact isn't just about providing an educational opportunity; it also extends to preparing a generation of young female leaders who can transfer knowledge and experience back to their communities after graduation. This is one of the initiative's main goals.

Precise Selection Criteria

The program requires applicants to be female students from a MENA country, have a good academic record, and demonstrate financial need for educational support.

Applicants must also show an interest in community work or a desire to serve their community, along with a willingness to return to their home country after completing their studies and contribute to local development.

Academically, the program requires a minimum GPA of 75%, proof of English language proficiency according to university requirements, and acceptance from one of the program's partner universities.

The Foundation pays special attention to students who have shown the ability to overcome personal challenges and achieve success despite difficulties, seeing this as an indicator of leadership spirit and determination.

International Partner Universities

The Foundation collaborates with several international universities that host scholarship recipients. These include Université Libre de Bruxelles, KU Leuven, and University of Antwerp in Belgium, as well as Canadian universities like York University and St. Francis Xavier University.

These universities offer study programs in various fields, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, economics, and technology, giving students a wide range of options that align with their academic interests.

Application Process

The program's application process involves several stages, starting with applying for the scholarship with the Foundation, then separately applying to one of the participating universities.

Application requirements include submitting two letters of recommendation – one academic from a professor or teacher, and another from a community figure such as a leader or supervisor – in addition to academic documents and proof of financial need.

Afterward, applications undergo an evaluation process that includes file review, followed by an initial virtual interview to discuss academic background and experiences. This is then followed by a more detailed final interview before the final decision is made in collaboration between the Foundation and the partner university.

Application Deadlines

For the 2026–2027 cycle, applications opened on November 5, 2025, with the final deadline for submissions on January 30, 2026. Applications for this cycle have already closed.

The Daughters for Life Scholarship program reflects a broader vision: that investing in girls' education is one of the most important drivers of social and economic development in the region.

By supporting outstanding female students and enabling them to study at international universities, the initiative aims to prepare female leaders capable of making a positive impact in their communities and contributing to the transfer of knowledge and experience back to their home countries after graduation.

Thus, the scholarship is not just an educational opportunity; it also represents a long-term project aimed at enhancing women's role in development and shaping the future of the Middle East and North Africa region.