IREX Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program 2024-2025

IREX is 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.

• Table of Content
• About International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX)
• Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program
• Requirements for Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX)

A nonprofit organization committed to global development and education, IREX has focused on people and communities since 1968. Our organization was created to bridge geopolitical divides by fostering the exchange of scholars, teachers, students, and ideas. IREX then built on our expertise and network of relationships in Eurasia to support people driving educational reform, leading newly empowered movements in civil society, and building effective and accountable governance. IREX became a leader in improving access to information technology, strengthening independent media, and empowering yo... continue reading

Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program

Requirements for Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program Qualification

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.

Application Deadline

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.

For more details, visit IREX website.