The American University in Cairo (AUC) Donor-Funded Scholarships 2026
The American University in Cairo (AUC) offers a wide range of Donor-Funded Scholarships, supported by generous alumni, corporations, and philanthropists. These scholarships aim to make world-class education accessible to academically talented students who face financial challenges, particularly from Egypt, the MENA region, and conflict-affected communities. Covering partial to full tuition and additional benefits, these awards support students throughout their undergraduate studies at one of the Middle East’s most prestigious universities.
Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is Egypt’s premier English-language institution and a leading global hub for liberal arts education in the Middle East. Accredited in both the United States and Egypt, the university serves a diverse community of nearly 7,000 students from over 60 countries, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to foster critical thinking and cross-cultural leadership. In 2008, the university moved its main operations to a state-of-the-art, 260-acre campus in New Cairo, which is celebrated for its sustainable, eco-friendly design and advanced research facilities, while still maintaining its historic presence at the iconic Tahrir Square campus in downtown Cairo. As a non-profit, independent institution, AUC is renowned for its academic freedom and its role as a vital intellectual and cultural crossroads, consistently ranking among the top universities in Africa and the Arab region.
Degree Level
All AUC Donor-Funded Scholarships are available for Undergraduate Degree Programs.
These scholarships support students from their first year through graduation, subject to academic performance and scholarship terms.
Available Subjects
- Most scholarships support all undergraduate majors offered at AUC
- Some scholarships specify restrictions like The Egypt Education Platform Scholarship excludes Engineering majors
- Eligible fields include but are not limited to:
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Public Policy
Students must be admitted into an eligible undergraduate program to receive scholarship consideration.
Benefits
The benefits vary depending on the specific scholarship but may include:
- Full or partial tuition and mandatory fees
- Monthly living stipend (selected scholarships)
- On-campus housing in AUC student residences
- Transportation or bus subscription fees
- Book allowance
- Laptop provision (for select scholarships)
- Financial support for up to four academic years
These benefits significantly reduce the financial burden on students while allowing them to fully focus on their academic and personal development.
Eligible Nationalities
Nationality or residency requirements as specified by each scholarship (Egyptian, Palestinian, Yemeni, Jordanian, Arab, or MENA-region students)
Eligibility Criteria
While each donor-funded scholarship has unique requirements, the general eligibility criteria include:
- Applicant must meet AUC undergraduate admission requirements
- High school graduate of last academic year, or transfer student with no more than one year completed
- Demonstrated strong academic achievement
- Proven financial need
- Required English language proficiency, meeting one of the following:
- IELTS: Minimum overall band 6.0 (Writing: 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 76 (Writing: 20)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum 125
Application Procedure
Applicants must follow a mandatory multi-step process:
- Apply for Undergraduate Admission to AUC and select the option “Interested in Scholarships.”
- Complete the Scholarships Application and check the “Donor-Funded Scholarship” box.
- Monitor your email for a message from the AUC Admissions Office containing instructions to access the scholarship application through Banner Self-Service.
- Upload all required documents in the correct sections before the deadline.
Failure to select interest in scholarships or upload required documents correctly will result in automatic disqualification.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: October 16
- Application Deadline: November 15
