The Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship (YLSS) 2026 offers eligible Egyptian students an excellent opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master of Development Practice (MDP) in the United States. The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development offers the scholarship in partnership with the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
The Master of Development Practice is a two-year graduate programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to address major global development challenges, including poverty, health, population, climate change, conservation, human rights and sustainable development.
For the 2026 intake, the scholarship application deadline is 24 October 2026, while the academic programme is expected to begin in late August or early September 2027.
Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship 2026 – Overview
Scholarship Name: Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship (YLSS)
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Programme: Master of Development Practice (MDP)
University: University of Minnesota
School: Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Study Location: Minnesota, USA
Duration: Two years
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 24 October 2026
Programme Start: Late August/Early September 2027
About the Master of Development Practice
The Master of Development Practice is a graduate programme focused on sustainable development and global development challenges. It prepares students to understand and respond to complex issues affecting communities worldwide.
The programme covers development-related areas, including poverty, social justice, health, climate change, conservation, population, and human rights. Students also gain practical experience through a required summer field experience.
The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School describes the programme as preparing graduates for careers in international development and public affairs.
What Does the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship Cover?
The YLSS is a fully funded scholarship. Selected scholars receive financial support covering the major costs associated with studying in the United States.
The scholarship covers:
University Tuition: Full tuition costs for the programme.
Living Expenses: Financial support towards the student’s living costs.
Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage.
Travel Expenses: The scholarship also covers travel expenses.
These benefits allow successful scholars to undertake their master’s studies without bearing the major costs of tuition, living and international travel.
Eligibility Criteria for YLSS 2026
Applicants must meet both the requirements of the scholarship and the Master of Development Practice programme.
The main eligibility requirements include:
Egyptian Nationality: Applicants must be Egyptian nationals residing in Egypt. The foundation states that it will not give preference to dual-nationality holders.
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised academic institution.
Relevant Academic Background: Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field. A strong liberal arts background can be useful, while previous coursework in mathematics, statistics and economics is recommended.
Academic and Professional Record: Candidates should demonstrate an excellent academic and professional record.
Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of professional experience in development.
Interpersonal and Community Skills: Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills through activities such as community work, extracurricular activities or entrepreneurial initiatives.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants must provide a valid English-language test score accepted by the programme.
Return-to-Egypt Commitment: Selected scholars are required to work in Egypt’s development sector for at least two consecutive years after graduation.
English Language Requirements
Applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo.
According to the current YLSS requirements:
IELTS: Overall 4.5, with 4.5 in writing and reading.
Duolingo: Overall score of 120 or above, with 120 or above in writing and reading.
For TOEFL iBT, minimum requirements vary depending on when the exam was taken, so applicants should check the current requirements before submitting their score.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the scholarship application:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Personal statement
- Valid passport ID page
- National ID
- Updated CV or resume
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Graduate transcripts, if applicable
- Valid TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score
- Two recommendation letters
- Recent personal photograph
- HR letter from the current employer, including salary information or salary slip
- Bank statement if unemployed
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
How to Apply for the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship?
Applicants need to complete two separate applications as part of the process.
Step 1: Apply for the Scholarship
Candidates must submit the YLSS scholarship application through the Sawiris Foundation’s application system.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Applicants should upload all required academic, identification, employment, English-language and recommendation documents.
Step 3: Apply to the University
Applicants must also submit an academic application to the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
The Sawiris Foundation states that selected scholarship candidates will receive guidance regarding the university application process.
Step 4: Shortlisting and Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interviews. The current timeline indicates that interviews are expected in early November 2026.
Step 5: University Admission
Selected scholars will proceed with the University of Minnesota admission process, with the university application stage scheduled from approximately mid-November to mid-December 2026.
YLSS 2026 Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship is:
24 October 2026
Applicants should submit their applications and supporting documents before the stated deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship 2026 Timeline
24 October 2026: Scholarship application deadline
Early November 2026: Personal interviews for shortlisted candidates
Mid-November to mid-December 2026: Selection of scholars and University of Minnesota application
Late August/Early September 2027: Beginning of the academic year at the University of Minnesota
Why Choose the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship?
The YLSS is particularly valuable for students who want to develop careers in sustainable development and public affairs. It combines a fully funded master’s education with practical development training at a major US university.
The programme also exposes students to international development challenges and prepares graduates for professional roles in development, public policy, and social impact.
However, prospective applicants should carefully note that the scholarship is specifically designed for Egyptian nationals residing in Egypt and includes a post-study commitment to work in Egypt’s development sector.
Final Thoughts
The Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship 2026 provides a fully funded route to a Master of Development Practice at the University of Minnesota. With tuition, living expenses, health insurance and travel expenses covered, it can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the USA.
Eligible Egyptian applicants with a strong academic record, relevant development-sector experience and a commitment to contributing to Egypt’s development sector should consider preparing their applications well before the 24 October 2026 deadline.
Applicants should always check the official Sawiris Foundation scholarship page for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and deadline updates.
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