About Our Scholarship Program
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is committed to building a brighter future in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), one defined by women’s empowerment across this diverse region. Guided by a fundamental belief in the transformative power of education, we view learning as the key to transcending hardship and breaking barriers, enabling every woman to achieve her dreams and realize her full potential for excellence.
Women have long been critical agents of change, community building, and development. With access to higher education, they become innovators, changemakers, and professional leaders across industries, lifting their communities and shaping a more prosperous, equitable, and just tomorrow for all.
For over 15 years, DFL has offered a scholarship program that champions, supports, and invests in the post-secondary education of women from the MENA region. Through strategic partnerships with academic institutions across the world, DFL provides fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, housing, meals, and air travel. The program is open to multiple study levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate studies.
We celebrate and recognize the individuality of each scholar by offering flexibility in program and field of study wherever possible, while providing the best available options when selection is limited. Our offerings vary annually and are subject to change depending on program availability and academic partner capacity.
Since its inception, this life-changing program has impacted nearly 100 women, empowering them to pursue education and leadership across borders. In collaboration with our diverse network of academic partners in North America, Europe, and beyond, DFL proudly works alongside like-minded institutions that share our mission to transform lives, one scholarship at a time.
Our list of participating partners and programs changes annually. When preparing your application, please review our current list of academic partners to explore available opportunities.
The DFL Scholarship Program is open to female students from all ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds across the MENA region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a strong record of resilience in overcoming personal adversity. Equally important, DFL seeks candidates who show a commitment to giving back, both during their studies and after graduation, by sharing knowledge, volunteering, mentoring, or leading initiatives that uplift others. These are the core values we look for throughout our rigorous selection process.
How to Apply
The application process for the DFL Scholarship Program consists of two steps. Please read each step carefully before starting your application.
STEP 1: Apply to the DFL Scholarship Program
- Before applying, review the DFL Eligibility Criteria under the “DFL Criteria” section below to ensure you meet all requirements.
- If you are eligible, check the list of academic partners and available programs under “Academic Partner Application” to identify institutions and programs of interest for this year.
- Once you have confirmed your eligibility and selected your preferred institutions, proceed to complete the DFL Application by following the detailed instructions provided under that section.
STEP 2: Apply to Our Academic Partners
- Each academic partner has its own admission requirements, supporting documents, deadlines, and application procedures. Be sure to carefully review the specific requirements for each program you are interested in.
- We strongly encourage applicants to apply to multiple programs or academic partners, where applicable, to increase their chances of selection. Start your applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for document submission and processing.
Application Period for the 2026/2027 Scholarship Program
- Opens: November 5, 2025
- Closes: January 23, 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The DFL Scholarship Program seeks exceptional young women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to making a difference. To be eligible, you must meet the criteria below.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply if all of the following apply to you:
- You are a female student.
- You are a citizen and current resident of one of the MENA countries.
(Dual citizens or residents of countries outside the MENA region are not eligible.) - You demonstrate financial and socio-economic need.
- You are committed to returning to your home country upon completion of your studies.
(Click the plus symbol button [+] to access more details about each requirement.)
Additional Required Criteria:
Successful candidates must:
- Demonstrate academic excellence (minimum grade of 75% or equivalent).
- Show resilience and achievement despite adversity.
- Make or aspire to make a meaningful contribution to improving the lives of others, particularly women and girls, through community service or leadership.
- Meet the English-language proficiency requirements of their university of choice.
- Obtain an offer of admission from one or more of DFL’s academic partners.
Successful candidates will:
- Embody DFL’s core values of compassion, creativity, and perseverance.
- Demonstrate a genuine passion for creating positive change through education, leadership, and community involvement.
- Show a proven commitment to giving back in three key areas:
- Within the DFL community, by remaining active and engaged through participation in events, mentoring other scholars, and contributing to DFL initiatives.
- Within their university community, by fostering collaboration, representing DFL’s values, and supporting fellow students.
- Within their home community, after graduation, by using their education and experiences to uplift others and promote long-term social impact.
Applicants should have goals that align with DFL’s mission of education, empowerment, and social impact, including:
- Creating positive change within their academic, professional, and personal environments.
- Actively contributing to the DFL community as mentors, ambassadors, and advocates of the Foundation’s mission during and beyond their studies.
- Building inclusive and supportive environments within their university communities, promoting collaboration and leadership among peers.
- Driving growth and empowerment within their home communities after graduation, using their education to uplift others and inspire future generations.
- Serving as role models for young women across the MENA region.
Contact apply@daughtersforlife.com for further assistance.
The DFL Scholarship Program is offered exclusively through our selected and participating academic partners for the 2026/2027 academic year.
As a DFL Scholarship applicant, you must complete two separate applications: one for the DFL Scholarship Program and another for your chosen academic partner(s). Please follow each partner university’s application instructions carefully.
You may apply to multiple programs within one university and/or to multiple participating universities. Please note that program availability may differ across partners, and that each university has its own requirements, policies, deadlines, and application procedures. Be sure to review these details thoroughly before submitting your applications.
Application Fees:
Some partner universities may charge an application fee. These fees are listed on each institution’s website.
DFL cannot waive or reimburse application fees and is not involved in the billing process.
Below is the list of DFL’s academic partners for the 2026/2027 cycle. Please review each partner’s key details, available programs, and useful links to prepare your university applications.
Graduate Scholarships
- KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Undergraduate Scholarships
Note: Please click on the [+] expandable lists for more details on each section.
Graduate Scholarships
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL), in collaboration with the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), is offering scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. ULB is one of Belgium’s top research institutions, and is ranked among the top 5 universities in Belgium. ULB offers programming delivered in both English and French.
Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a Master’s (graduate) Program taught in English. Please note that undergraduate programs are not available. Applications are screened by both DFL and ULB. Applicants are required to meet the selection criteria of both organizations.
DFL-ULB Scholarship Details
Eligible Programs
1 or 2-Year Master’s programs and Advanced Master’s programs that are taught in English are eligible for DFL’s Scholarship Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider 2-year (120 ECTS) Master’s and Advanced Masters programs which will offer a broader academic experience.
Find the full list of English programs offered by ULB below:
Important Links
On Language Proficiency at ULB
ULB programs taught in English have specific language requirements that vary by program. Review your program’s proficiency standards carefully, as some may have higher expectations than others.
Additionally, English-taught programs may have course-related French or Dutch proficiency requirements. When selecting a program, thoroughly review course offerings and specific requirements. You can do so by clicking the ‘Programme’ tab on each program’s respective page. For more information on ULB’s English proficiency requirements, visit their Language Preparation Information page on the university website.
Application Process
Step 1: Review Details and Seek Program Approval:
- Check admission requirements for your program of interest. Admission criteria may vary between programs. Select the programs you intend to apply to.
- Gather your documents, test scores, and other supporting materials.
- Contact DFL directly at apply@daughtersforlife.com BEFORE applying to ULB with: “ULB Application – Your Name.” in the subject line.
- In the body of the email, share the program(s) you plan to apply to.
- You will receive a response from DFL that will either approve you to proceed, or that will contain alternative program suggestions.
- Do not apply to ULB without contacting DFL first.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to ULB:
- Once your program selection is approved, visit ULB’s application page to begin the application. Carefully review all instructions and proceed.
Step 3: Apply for DFL’s Scholarship Program
- After applying to ULB, submit your application for DFL’s 2026/2027 Scholarship program.
- Visit the Scholarship Program page to access, complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
DFL-ULB’s Application Fee Reimbursement Policy
DFL Scholarship candidates who (1) advance to the initial interview stage and (2) are later shortlisted for the second interview stage will be eligible for reimbursement of their ULB application fees. Candidates must opt in to request reimbursement. All reimbursements are subject to final approval by ULB.
How to Opt-In:
- After meeting the eligibility criteria outlined above, submit your fee reimbursement opt-in request by emailing apply@daughtersforlife.com with “DFL-ULB Application Fee Reimbursement” in the subject line.
- In the email body, include:
- Your full legal name (as written in both applications)
- Your nationality
- Proof of admission to ULB (such as an acceptance letter)
- Your email address, and
- Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
- If approved, ULB will process and apply your reimbursement to the original payment method used for your application fee.
- If you do not opt-in, or if you are ineligible, you will not receive a reimbursement.
DFL and ULB’s Deadlines
- Scholarship Deadline: To be considered for the scholarship, applicants are required to apply to the DFL Scholarship Program by January 23, 2026.
- ULB Admissions Deadline: To be considered for the Scholarship, applicants are required to submit their ULB application by February 23, 2026.
- Applications received after this date will not be considered for the scholarship.
On Differing Admissions Deadlines
- While ULB’s general international admissions period runs from February 16 to March 31, the February 23, 2026 deadline takes precedence for DFL Scholarship consideration.
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL), in collaboration with the historic KU Leuven, is offering scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. KU Leuven is the oldest university in Belgium, with over 5 centuries of history, and is the largest university in the country with over 60,000 students.
Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a 1 or 2 Year Master’s Program, or Advanced Master’s program (graduate degrees). Please note that undergraduate programs are not available. Applications are screened by both DFL and KU Leuven. Applicants are required to meet the selection criteria of both organizations.
DFL-KU Leuven Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
In addition to DFL eligibility criteria, KU Leuven Scholarships are only available to Palestinian applicants from Gaza who have obtained their undergraduate degree from post-secondary institutions in Gaza. Applicants must also provide a letter of endorsement from an academic advisor or professor at their post-secondary institution.
Eligible Programs
1 or 2-Year Master’s programs and Advanced Master’s programs that are taught in English are eligible for DFL’s Scholarship Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider 2-year (120 ECTS) Master’s and Advanced Masters programs which will offer a broader academic experience.
Find the full list of programs here: Eligble Master’s Programs
Ineligible Programs
All programs taught in French, Spanish or Dutch are ineligible for DFL’s Scholarship.
KU Leuven Admission: English Proficiency Requirements
All KU Leuven programs that are taught in English have language-proficiency requirements but may vary, between programs, in level of required proficiency. Please thoroughly review the English proficiency requirements for your program of interest, as specific programs may have higher proficiency expectations than others.
For more information on KU Leuven’s English proficiency requirements, visit their English Proficiency Tests Information page on the university website.
Application Process
Step 1: Review all details about your academic partner of choice.
- Check admission requirements for your program of interest.
- Select the programs you intend to apply to.
- Gather your documents, test scores, and other supporting materials.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to KU Leuven:
- Carefully review the admission requirements for any Master’s program you are interested in applying for. Admission criteria may vary between programs.
- Visit KU Leuven’s Application Page for detailed instructions on how to apply. Carefully review all instructions and proceed.
Step 3: Apply for DFL’s Scholarship Program
- After applying to KU Leuven, submit your application for DFL’s 2026/2027 Scholarship program.
- Visit the Scholarship Program page to access, complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
On Letters of Endorsement:
- Applicants for KU Leuven’s Masters Programs are only required to provide 1 letter of reference. Your nomination from your professor or academic advisor fills the requirement for the second letter.
- Applications submitted without letters of endorsement will not be considered for the DFL Scholarship. Letters of endorsement are to be sent directly to apply@daughtersforlife.com.
Step 4: (Only if applicable) Submit a Request for an Application Fee Waiver
- If informed by DFL that there is an application fee waiver being offered by KU Leuven, submit your request by emailing apply@daughtersforlife.com with:
- “DFL-KU Leuven Application Fee Waiver” in the subject line
- Your full legal name (as written in both applications)
- Your nationality
- Proof of application to KU Leuven (such as an application number or confirmation email)
- Your email address
- Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Waiver Limits: Waivers are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in quantity. If a fee waiver program has not been implemented or if the maximum number of 30 waivers has been reached, your request will not be processed.
- Using Your Waiver: The first 30 applicants to submit their request by the deadline will be issued an official DFL Letter verifying their status as a DFL Applicant. This letter must be submitted to KU Leuven to claim the fee waiver.
- If you do not send an email, you may be subject to KU Leuven’s application fee during the application process.
DFL and KU Leuven’s Deadlines
- Interested applicants are required to apply to both DFL and KU Leuven before the DFL Scholarship Program application deadline of January 23, 2026, to be considered for the scholarship.
- Be mindful that KU Leuven’s programs may have different deadlines and ensure a timely application.
- Applications received after this date will not be considered for the scholarship.
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL), in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, is offering one scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. The University of Antwerp is one of DFL’s longest standing partners in Belgium, offering diverse programs that prepare students to thrive in our modern world.
Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a Master’s (graduate) Program taught in English. Please note that undergraduate programs are not available. Applications are screened by both DFL and UAntwerp. Applicants are required to meet the selection criteria of both organizations.
DFL-UAntwerp Scholarship Details
Eligible Programs
The University of Antwerp is offering one scholarship for one of the following Master’s programs (graduate) taught in English:
- Applied Economic Sciences: Economic Policy (1-Year)
- Biology (Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration, Global Change Biology) (2-Year)
- Biomedical Sciences (Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Neurosciences) (2-Year)
- Bioscience Engineering: Sustainable Urban Bioscience Engineering (2-Year)
- Business Economics (1-Year)
- Business Engineering: Financial Engineering (2-Year)
- Chemistry (2-Year)
- Computer Science (2-Year)
- Digital Business Engineering (2-Year)
- Digital Text Analysis (1-Year)
- Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology (1-Year)
- Epidemiology (2-Year)
- Laws (LL.M) (2-Year)
- Linguistics and Literary Studies (1-Year)
- Physics (2-Year)
- Political Science (1-Year)
- Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (2-Year with a Bridging Program)
Important Links
UAntwerp Admission: English Proficiency Requirements
All UAntwerp graduate programs that are taught in English have proficiency requirements. Meeting the minimum language requirements is mandatory and cannot be waived by DFL or UAntwerp. Here are a list of accepted tests and target scores for admission purposes:
- TOEFL iBT (In-Centre Test Only): Minimum score 80
- IELTS Academic Test (In-Centre Test Only):
- Minimum overall score 6.5
- Minimum score in each part 6.0
- Cambridge English: Minimum score: B2 and at least 176
On TOEFL and IELTS Test Score Submission
Applicants who write the TOEFL or the IELTS tests must nominate the University of Antwerp as a valid recipient of the test scores to ensure they are received and considered during the application evaluation.
Application Process
Step 1: Review all details about your academic partner of choice.
- Check admission requirements for your program of interest.
- Select the programs you intend to apply to.
- Gather your documents, test scores, and other supporting materials.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to UAntwerp
- Visit the DFL-UAntwerp Scholarships Page for eligible programs and application information. Carefully review all instructions and proceed by submitting your online application.
Step 3: Apply for DFL’s Scholarship Program
- After applying to UAntwerp, submit your application for DFL’s 2026/2027 Scholarship program.
- Visit the Scholarship Program page to access, complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
DFL and UAntwerp’s Deadlines
- To be considered for the scholarship, applicants are required to submit their UAntwerp application and apply to the DFL Scholarship Program by January 23, 2026.
- Applications received after this date will not be considered for the scholarship.
On Differing Admissions Deadlines
- While UAntwerp general international admissions period runs until March 1, the January 23, 2026, deadline takes precedence for DFL Scholarship consideration.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Applications are jointly screened by both DFL and York University. Applicants must meet the minimum selection criteria of both parties for further consideration.
DFL-York University Scholarship Details
Eligible Programs
All 4-year Bachelor’s (undergraduate) programs offered by York University are eligible under DFL’s Scholarship Program. Find the full list of undergraduate programs offered by York University here: Undergraduate Programs.
York University Admission: English Proficiency Requirements
York University has specific English Language proficiency requirements for international applicants. As the main language of instruction will be English, applicants must meet the following requirements for testing and scores:
- TOEFL iBT (York University’s TOEFL code is 0894)
- Minimum score: 88
- IELTS International English Language Testing Service (Academic Module)
- Minimum score: 6.5
- Pearson PTE Academic
- Minimum score: 60
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- Minimum score: 60
- Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE, CPE)
- Minimum score: C1 Advanced
- Duolingo
- Minimum score: 120
On Conditional Offers, English Testing and Admission
Conditional offers of admission are possible for applicants who have yet to complete a language test at the time of applying, or whose results are pending release. For detailed information on York University’s English Proficiency requirements, visit their Undergraduate Language Proficiency Requirements page on the university website.
Important Links:
- Undergraduate Programs
- International Student Admission Requirements
- Required Documentation for Undergraduate Applications
- Undergraduate Language Proficiency Requirements
Application Process
Step 1: Review all details about your academic partner of choice.
- Check admission requirements for your program of interest.
- Select the programs you intend to apply to.
- Gather your documents, test scores, and other supporting materials.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to York University:
There are 2 ways you can apply for admission:
- Method 1: You can apply to York University using the OUAC application
- Method 2: You can visit York University’s application page and use York University’s internal application to apply.
Step 3: Apply for DFL’s Scholarship Program
- After applying to York University, submit your application for DFL’s 2026/2027 Scholarship program.
- Visit the Scholarship Program page to access, complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
Step 4: (Only if applicable) Submit a Request for an Application Fee Waiver
- If informed by DFL that there is an application fee waiver being offered by York University, submit your request by emailing apply@daughtersforlife.com with:
- Your full legal name (as written in both applications)
- Your nationality
- Proof of application to York University (such as an application number or confirmation email)
- Your email address
- Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- If a fee waiver program has not been implemented, your request will not be processed.
DFL and York University’s Deadlines
- Interested applicants are required to apply to both DFL and York University before the DFL Scholarship Program application deadline of January 23, 2026, to be considered for the scholarship.
- Applications received after this date will not be considered for the scholarship.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
How to Apply
STEP 1 – Choose the right application form
Select the form that matches your intended level of study:
- Undergraduate Application: Bachelor’s degrees and undergraduate diplomas
- Graduate Application: Master’s degrees and post-baccalaureate diplomas
STEP 2 – Access the application portal
- Click the appropriate button below to open the online application form.
- Read and follow the instructions at the top of the form carefully before starting.
Important: You must also apply directly to your chosen academic partner university or universities. Refer to the Academic Partner Applications tab for full details on university-specific requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.
Documents to Upload in the Application Form
- Academic transcripts (high school and/or university, as applicable)
- CV or résumé
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Completed Financial Needs Analysis
Accepted file formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, or PNG
Tip: Combine multi-page documents into a single file whenever possible and use clear filenames (e.g., Lastname_Firstname_Transcript.pdf).
Reference Letters (submitted separately by referees)
You must provide two reference letters:
- One academic reference (teacher, professor, or academic advisor)
- One community reference (community leader, supervisor, or mentor)
Ask each referee to email their letter directly to apply@daughtersforlife.com using the subject line: Letter of Reference – [Your Full Name]
Format: PDF on official letterhead, signed and dated
Recommendation: Ask referees to submit their letters before the application deadline.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or require assistance during the application process, please email apply@daughtersforlife.com.
Our team is here to help you through every step of your application.
Important: DFL Scholarship positions are highly competitive and limited. Final selection is based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, personal attributes, and alignment with DFL’s mission and values.
Selection Process Timeline
Phase 1: Application Panel Review (November – January)
- All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not move forward.
- If any issues are found with your submission, you will be contacted directly.
- Applicants are encouraged to notify DFL if they receive admission offers from any academic partners during this phase.
Phase 2: First Interviews (February – March)
- Eligible applicants will be invited to a virtual interview.
- This interview focuses on your academic interests, personal experiences, and readiness for post-secondary education in an international setting.
- Successful candidates will advance to the shortlist for the scholarship.
- Applicants not selected for further consideration will be notified.
Phase 3: Second Interviews (March – April)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a second, in-depth interview.
- This stage explores your motivation to become a DFL Scholar and your alignment with the Foundation’s values.
- A representative from your chosen academic partner institution may join this interview.
- Applicants’ parents or guardians will also be asked to attend.
Phase 4: Final Approval of Scholars (April – June)
- Final candidates will be reviewed by both the DFL Scholarship Committee and the partnering academic institutions.
- Successful applicants will receive a formal scholarship offer and onboarding details.
- All applicants reaching this stage will receive feedback, regardless of the final outcome.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Scholarship Academic Partners
2026/2027 Academic Partners
For 15 years, the Daughters for Life Foundation has partnered with over 29 post-secondary institutions across North America, Europe and across the world. We thank all of our past and present partners for their collaboration and commitment to advancing education equity. Here are some of our previous partners:
DFL Mentorship Program
The DFL Scholarship Mentorship Program is designed to connect scholarship applicants to members of DFL’s exclusive network of scholars and alumni. With their support, insight and guidance, applicants can submit stronger applications, become more competitive, and benefit from an environment of support and empowerment.
Interested applicants will be invited to complete a Google Form to register as mentees. A select number of participants will be connected with a DFL Network member to receive support.
Mentee registration for the 2026/2027 Scholarship Mentorship Program is now open until November 30th, 2025.
Click the button below to visit the Scholarship Mentorship Program page, learn more and apply.
GET INVOLVED
Many factors in the Middle East can make education for young women very difficult. But with your donation, we can help many talented women, access the best education possible. We believe that investing in young women’s education is the key to long lasting peace and better future for all of us.