From Tunisia to LAU to Cambridge: Alaeddine Loueti Becomes Tunisia’s First Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Cambridge

Alaeddine Loueti, a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders alumnus (’23) from Tunisia, begins his MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge. Walking through the historic courtyards where Isaac Newton, John Maynard Keynes, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin once studied feels surreal for him. “You cannot stand here and not feel the weight of history,” he shares. “It reminds you that learning is a responsibility as much as it is a privilege.”

One of his most meaningful moments came when he wore the Cambridge gown for the first time. Unlike many universities, the gown at Cambridge is part of student life. It is worn at matriculation, formal halls, and university ceremonies. “When I put on the gown, I felt that I truly belonged to something bigger than myself. It connects you to centuries of scholars who walked the same paths.”

Alaeddine is also deeply proud to be the first Tunisian to receive the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Cambridge. He carries this honor with sincerity and purpose. “This scholarship is not only about me,” he explains. “It represents what young Tunisians are capable of. It reminds me that our voices matter in global conversations about development and justice.”

His path to Cambridge began at the LAU as part of the MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program. Being part of a diverse and driven community of students from across the MENA region shaped his understanding of leadership. “MEPI taught me that leadership is not about being the loudest in the room. It is about empathy, inclusion, and the courage to serve,” he says.

After graduating in 2023, Alaeddine returned to Tunisia to work on development projects and youth empowerment initiatives. These experiences strengthened his belief in building fair and resilient systems that uplift communities.

Now, as he begins his journey at Cambridge, he carries the values of MEPI and LAU with him. “I want to use what I learn here to create real change back home,” he reflects. “If my work can open doors for others, then I will feel that I honored the title of Tomorrow’s Leader.”

Alaeddine’s story is a clear reminder of the power of determination, education, and purpose. He continues to rise as a scholar and leader, building a path that inspires others across Tunisia and the whole region.