The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship 2026, a premier fully funded USA exchange, invites Tunisian undergraduate students to experience a transformative one-academic-year non-degree program at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX, this Tunisian undergraduate exchange USA engages 60+ participants annually in fields like engineering, social sciences, business, arts, humanities, and natural sciences. Since 2012, over 500 students from Tunisia’s 24 governorates, with 70% from outside Tunis and 30% from border regions, have become global leadership pioneers, addressing challenges like economic development, democratic governance, and sustainability, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) offers full-time coursework at institutions like University of Maryland, Arizona State University, or Smith College, including a tailored leadership curriculum. Participants complete 20 hours of community service in their first semester, volunteering at nonprofits, schools, or community centers, and undertake 80 hours of professional internships in their second semester with organizations like local governments, tech startups, or NGOs in fields such as civil engineering, data analytics, or public policy. Workshops on soft skills, job search strategies, and cross-cultural communication, plus a Washington, D.C. leadership summit, enhance career readiness, with 100% of alumni reporting improved problem-solving and teamwork skills (IREX, 2024). The program’s 98% completion rate underscores its impact.
Emphasizing global cultural exchange, TJSP fosters cross-cultural networking among Tunisian scholars, American peers, and U.S. communities. Participants engage in cultural presentations, sharing Tunisian heritage through virtual exchanges or in-person events like Tunisian cultural nights. Community service includes tutoring, fundraisers, or disaster relief, with 8,000+ internship hours contributed by alumni since 2012 (IREX, 2024). The TJSP Alumni Network, connecting 500+ graduates, supports entrepreneurship and community projects, with 50% of alumni launching startups or NGOs in Tunisia. IREX’s 1,200+ global partnerships, including U.S. embassies, amplify the transformative U.S. academic immersion.
Scholars immerse in U.S. cultural vibrancy, exploring landmarks like New York’s Empire State Building, San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island, Chicago’s Art Institute, or D.C.’s Smithsonian Museums. Cultural events like Thanksgiving celebrations, Boston’s Marathon, or New Orleans’ Jazz Fest enrich the experience. U.S. campuses, equipped with advanced research labs, digital libraries, and student innovation hubs, support academic excellence, with connectivity to Paris, Dubai, and Singapore. The USA’s dynamic cities (QS Best Student Cities 2025: Washington, D.C. #17, Chicago #34) complement the program, ideal for Tunisian undergraduates.
Candidates complete an online form, answer questions in English, and may attend virtual interviews with U.S. Embassy staff or IREX coordinators. Semi-finalists take the TOEFL at no cost. Join the Tunisian cohort to champion global leadership, embrace U.S. academic excellence, and shape a transformative future with Thomas Jefferson Scholarship 2026!
Thomas Jefferson Scholarship 2026 Program (TJSP) in USA:
Host Country:
•United States
Host Organization:
•IREX
TJSP Duration:
•1 year
Study Areas:
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) covers a broad range of study areas, primarily focusing on fields relevant to fostering community engagement and leadership skills, including:
•Business & Entrepreneurship: Marketing, Finance, Management
•Engineering & Technology: Software Engineering, Renewable Energy, Mechanical Engineering
•Agriculture & Environmental Studies: Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science
•Applied Sciences & Health: Public Health, Biology, Nutrition
•Humanities & Social Sciences: International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Education
Financial Support of the TJSP Non-Degree Program:
This US scholarship covers:
•J-1 visa support.
•Round-trip travel.
•Health insurance coverage.
•Tuition and required university fees.
•Housing and meals provided.
•Small allowance for incidentals.
•Limited book allowance.
•Access to alumni networking and training opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria of the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP):
1. Must be a Tunisian citizen and currently living in Tunisia.
2. Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program in Tunisia, in good academic standing.
3. Eligible if in the second year or above (first and final-year students are ineligible).
4. Architecture students: eligible in years 2-5; engineering students: eligible in years 2-4.
5. Able to secure a U.S. J-1 visa.
6. At least 18 years old.
7. Committed to returning to Tunisia for two years post-program.
8. Achieve a minimum Duolingo score of 100.
9. Complete the academic year prior in good standing.
10. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.
Documents required for Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) in USA:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Proof of Community Involvement (e.g., volunteer certificates, extracurricular activities)
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in December 2025!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
