New partnership opens potential pathways for MEU students to complete their bachelor's degrees in the United States, including a 40% tuition discount for qualified students admitted to approved programs.
Middle East University (MEU) has taken another step toward expanding international educational opportunities for its students through a new partnership with Southern Adventist University (SAU), located in Collegedale, Tennessee, USA.
On October 8, 2026, Dr. Carlos Biaggi, President of MEU, and Dr. Ken Shaw, President of SAU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing academic pathways that will provide students with greater flexibility, international learning opportunities, and more affordable options for completing their bachelor's degrees.
The agreement reflects both institutions' commitment to creating meaningful educational opportunities and preparing students for their academic and professional futures.
A New Pathway to Study in the United States
One of the main objectives of the partnership is to develop articulation pathways that would allow students to begin their undergraduate education at Middle East University and continue their studies at Southern Adventist University.
Under the agreement, MEU may propose pathways for selected SAU degree programs, subject to SAU's approval. Once approved, these pathways would enable students to complete one to two years of coursework at MEU before transferring to SAU in the United States to finish their bachelor's degrees.
Psychology and Chemistry are the first academic programs being considered for these opportunities.
This approach would give students the possibility of building an academic foundation at MEU while gaining access to an international educational experience.
Making International Education More Affordable
A significant benefit of the new agreement is the opportunity for eligible students to receive a 40% tuition discount at Southern Adventist University.
By allowing students to complete part of their undergraduate education at MEU before transferring abroad, the partnership also creates an alternative to pursuing an entire bachelor's degree outside Lebanon.
Together, these opportunities are designed to make international higher education more financially accessible while helping students work toward their academic and professional goals.
More Choices, Greater Opportunities
For MEU students, the partnership represents more than an agreement between two universities. It creates the possibility of new academic experiences, greater flexibility in planning their education, and additional pathways toward completing their degrees.
Students participating in approved programs would have the opportunity to experience higher education in two different academic environments while continuing toward their bachelor's degrees.
The collaboration also strengthens MEU's ability to connect students with educational opportunities beyond Lebanon and support their preparation for future careers.
Advancing MEU's Strategic Vision
The partnership is directly aligned with MEU's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which identifies the development of international academic partnerships and 2+2 degree pathways as important institutional priorities.
By establishing relationships with universities abroad, MEU seeks to expand academic opportunities while keeping students at the center of its decisions and initiatives.
This agreement with Southern Adventist University represents an important step toward achieving those objectives.
Preparing Leaders for Service
At Middle East University, education is about more than earning a degree. It is about developing knowledge, character, and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Through international collaborations such as this agreement with Southern Adventist University, MEU continues to pursue its vision of preparing leaders for service.
By creating new possibilities for academic achievement and international experience, the university remains committed to helping students develop their potential, broaden their horizons, and prepare to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
