Five Lebanese universities join EUSEEDS

Five universities in Lebanon have been selected to participate in EUSEEDS, a regional project aimed at strengthening youth employability, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) announced this week.

Funded 89% by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED program, EUSEEDS, short for Enable, Upgrade and Spread Employability, Entrepreneurship and Digital Skills, seeks to improve the transition from education to employment by supporting students, recent graduates, and marginalized groups across the Mediterranean region.

Selected universities in Lebanon

The Lebanese institutions chosen for the project are:

- Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)

- University of Venice

- Cnam Higher Institute of Applied and Social Sciences

- Beirut Arab University (BAU)

- Notre Dame University (NDU)

A total of 24 universities across five countries applied to join the initiative. According to AUF, selections were based on the expected impact of the project, institutional capacity, and long-term sustainability commitments.

Strengthening skills and entrepreneurship

Through EUSEEDS, participating universities will create or revive dedicated university centers focused on career development, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. These centers will offer training, mentoring, and guidance designed to improve professional readiness, foster innovation, and encourage student-led business initiatives.

The project places a strong emphasis on digital competencies, recognizing their growing importance in an increasingly technology-driven labor market. Entrepreneurship support will also aim to help young people create opportunities in environments where traditional employment is limited.

Inclusion and access

Beyond skills development, EUSEEDS seeks to integrate marginalized groups into higher education and the workforce. By expanding access to training and professional support, the project aims to promote more inclusive participation in Lebanon’s academic and economic life.

Linking education to the labor market

AUF and its partners said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to modernizing higher education and strengthening the link between universities and the labor market. Support for the selected institutions has already begun, including capacity-building for the new centers and the development of tailored programs.

In a country facing prolonged economic challenges, AUF said EUSEEDS aims to equip Lebanese youth with practical tools to navigate a difficult job market and build sustainable career paths.