Frequently Asked Questions

• Enable underprivileged students with exceptional academic potential to enroll in and excel through better academic opportunities
• Increase Egyptian students’ access to higher educational opportunities, especially in fields that are offered in English, and follow the fee-based credit-hour system
• Enable students with exceptional academic potential and physical disabilities to have access to more university education opportunities
• Improve the students’ English language skills required to facilitate the learning process and to prepare them for the labor market requirements in Egypt
• Offer the opportunity for some students to study in some US universities for one semester
• Provide a number of opportunities for students to work on developing ideas and innovative projects and turn them into real-life projects
• Contribute to increasing post-graduation job opportunities through the enhancement of their business, leadership, and other skills required by the labor market
• Enhance scholarship students’ leadership skills and commitment to their societies and country in order to prepare them to be future leaders and advocates for the development of their local communities
• Enable students to participate in and benefit from internships and funding opportunities for innovative projects through private sector organizations
• Provide residence or residence allowance (as needed and in compliance with scholarship criteria)

The American University in Cairo

It is required to spend a preliminary preparation year for entry to The American University in Cairo

• Business and Economics
• Journalism
• Sciences
• Computer Science

It is required to spend a preliminary year at AUC. Each major at AUC has its own academic requirements. Students should obtain these requirements (prior to or after entry depending on the major) in order to join the major they prefer, if possible. Interested applicants to join the AUC are encouraged to take a qualifying English language proficiency test at their own expense. No obligation on the USAID Scholars Activity program to accept the applicant, enroll the applicant in the AUC or refund test fees.

The USAID Scholars Activity program reserves the right to distribute the applicant if accepted in a university as it sees best fitting the scholarship objectives.

The minimum required score to join the AUC under the scholarship is as follows:

• IELTS: Overall band 6 and band 6 in the writing section
• TOEFL iBT: 76-82 score and 20-21 in the writing section

Cairo University

Faculty of Engineering

• Electrical Energy Engineering
• Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
• Water Energy Engineering 
• Sustainable Energy Engineering
• Telecommunication and Computer Engineering
• Mechatronics

Faculty of Sciences

• Biotechnology

Faculty of Agriculture

• Biotechnology
• International Agriculture
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Commercial Agriculture
  • Rural Communities
• Forests Sciences
• Food Production

Faculty of Computer and Artificial Intelligence

• Network and Cyber Security
• Bioinformatics and Computers
• Software Engineering
• Data Sciences for Information Systems

Ain Shams University

Faculty of Engineering

• Civil and Infrastructure Engineering/Water Engineering Concentration
• Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering
• Communication Systems
• Environmental Architecture and Urbanism Engineering

Faculty of Sciences

• Petroleum Geophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Applied Biotechnology
• Applied Microbiology

Faculty of Computer Science

• Bioinformatics Technology
• Cyber Security
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

Faculty of Nursing

• Nursing credit- hour program- English language

Note: Interested applicants should refer to Ain Shams University regarding the qualifying admission exams to the nursing program.

Alexandria University 

Faculty of Engineering

• Gas and Petrochemicals Engineering
• Computer and Communications Engineering
• Off-shore and Coastal Engineering
• Civil and Water Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering 

Faculty of Sciences

• Biotechnology
• Software and multimedia production
• Petroleum Geology

Assiut University

Faculty of Engineering

• Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering
• Construction Engineering and Project Management
• Medical Engineering 

Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences

• Bioinformatics
• Software Engineering

Mansoura University

Faculty of Engineering

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer and Communications Engineering  
• Mechatronics

Faculty of Computer and Information Systems

• Bioinformatics
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

Faculty of Sciences

• Biotechnology and its applications
• Mining Geology
• Petrochemicals

Faculty of Agriculture

• Nutrition and Dietary Systems 

Faculty of Nursing 

• Nursing credit- hour program- English language

Note: Interested applicants should refer to Mansoura University regarding the qualifying admission exams to the nursing program.

Zewail City for Sciences, Technology and Innovation

It is required to spend a preliminary preparation year for entry to Zewail City for Science, Technology and Innovation. Interested applicants in Zewail City are encouraged to take Zewail’s admission exams at their own expense and with no obligation on the USAID Scholars Activity program to accept the applicant, enroll the applicant in Zewail City, or refund test fees. Applicants should refer to Zewail City regarding the test dates.

The USAID Scholars Activity program reserves the right to distribute the applicant, if accepted, to a university as it sees best fits the scholarship objectives.

Faculty of Engineering

• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics
• Communications and Information Engineering
• Environmental Engineering (Water, soil, waste management, air pollution)

Faculty of Sciences

• Materials Sciences
• Medical and BioSciences
• Nano Sciences

Al-Alamein International University

• Faculty of Public Health

Badr University in Cairo

• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Humanities (Journalism Major)

The USAID Scholars Activity program accepts applications from qualified students from all 27 governorates of Egypt and will take into consideration the equal representation of genders, geographic distribution, the diversity of disciplines (with tuition fees) in compliance with admission criteria in the partner universities and departments, and the representation of people with disabilities.

• The student must be Egyptian
• The student has to have been enrolled in a public, experimental, or STEM school throughout all secondary education years
• Student must obtain secondary school certificate (Thanaweya Amma) in the school year 2022-2023, first exam round
• Student must obtain a total score not less than 85% from public schools, experimental schools or their equivalent in STEM schools
• The scholarship accepts only students who graduated in the science and math sections
• The scholarship accepts students from Arts section only if they are with disabilities
• Students must submit all required family financial documents.
• Active participation in extracurricular activities such as volunteering and development/community service
• Students should have leadership potential
• For students with disabilities: Must have the minimum technological knowledge to handle educational tools that should aid them in the learning process. A psychological and educational certificate must be submitted

• Payment of full-tuition fees and any other related expenses during the university study years (four to five years based on the major). This could be preceded by a preliminary year in the cases of AUC and Zewail City for Sciences, Technology and Innovation
• Improving the students’ English language skills is required to facilitate their learning process and prepare them for the labor market in Egypt
• Offering the opportunity for some scholars to study in some universities in the USA for one semester/summer semester
• Providing opportunities to work on improving ideas and innovative projects and executing them as actual projects
• Contributing to increasing post-graduation job opportunities through the enhancement of their business, leadership, and other skills required by the labor market
• Enhancing scholarship students’ leadership skills and commitment toward their societies and country in order to prepare them to be future leaders and advocates for the development of their local communities
• Enabling students to participate in and benefit from internships and funding opportunities for innovative projects through private sector organizations
• Provide residence at university dorms in compliance with university dorms criteria and policies
• Books and lab fees are covered by the program
• Monthly allowance during the school year
• Personal laptop
• Academic, social, and psychological counseling to support scholars toward success

Students should be fully aware of the admission requirements for universities and the fields of study they wish to attend as determined by the various universities and faculties and the Ministry of Higher Education during enrollment time. Admission to one of the universities participating in the scholarship is the sole responsibility of the student. It is worth mentioning that students could be redistributed to another university/major.

Yes, students can transfer to one of the partner universities in compliance with the results of students’ distribution among different majors, faculties and universities.

No, the scholarship accepts only students of Thanaweya Amma class 2022-2023.

Yes, the scholarship does in collaboration with the students. The scholarship covers all of the transfer fees.

No, students cannot change the university/major after being distributed among partner universities.

The English language preparation program aims to equip all students with the required English language they will need for academic success and beyond in their professional life. The program focuses on developing their English speaking, reading, and writing skills and refining their cultural awareness. The program continues throughout all years of study for students enrolled in participating public universities. As for students enrolled at The American University in Cairo and Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation, there will be a preliminary year for English language preparation, a requirement that students need to pass in order to be able to join a university in September 2023. The English language is the instruction language of the program. The program applies a modern interactive teaching methodology. The Arabic language is not used in teaching at all.

Nominated scholars to join the AUC are required to obtain a min score of 6 overall bands and 6 bands in the writing section of the IELTS Academic Test. Scholars who fail to obtain the required score might lose their scholarship at the AUC. Scholars are encouraged to register at their universities (assigned by Tanseeq) during the preparation year.

Other activities offered by the USAID Scholars Activity program include:

• AUC has more than 100 years of experience in offering preparation programs to students (including students from unprivileged communities) which will be put into effect to support them in adjusting to university life.  AUC will hold a pre-program orientation for students with disabilities.
• Improving leadership skills on the personal and community level through practical activities.
• Early training on entrepreneurship to help students improve their innovative ideas and to be considered for the needs of the international market whether currently or in the future.
• Career Guidance is offered by the University Centers for Career Development sponsored by USAID and implemented by AUC. The program offers training, internships, and job opportunities for students in cooperation with a diverse network of entrepreneurs from The American University in Cairo.

• Fill in the “free” application form which will be activated soon
• Attach all supporting documents mentioned to the application. Read the following instructions carefully

Application Instructions

• You cannot complete more than one application for each applicant. This will lead to the rejection of your application
• The application should be completed by the applicant him/herself. Applicants should not seek help with their applications
• You should use a computer or a laptop to complete the application. It is not preferable to use a mobile phone
• Make sure that you have an active email account. Email is an essential means of communication with applicants
• You should complete all the required essay questions
• All required/applicable fields should be completed
• All documents should be scanned and uploaded to the application. Applications with incomplete documents will be discarded
• All attached documents files should be renamed under the full name of the student. Example: Tamer Kamal Fathy Amin/National ID
• Uploaded files for each question should not exceed 16 MB. It is recommended to combine files together for each question
• Original documents should be ready in case of request
• All uploaded files should be in PDF format except for the applicant’s photo in jpg format

Applicants with Disabilities

• USAID Scholars Activity accepts applicants with visual, hearing and motor disabilities only. Other types of disabilities are not accepted
• Applicants with a disability should submit detailed medical reports proving the disability status. These reports should be signed and sealed by a governmental hospital
• Applicants with disabilities should provide all relevant information about their disabilities in order for the USAID Scholars Activity to provide the required medical support and convenient academic environment
• All information provided by the applicants with disabilities is dealt with confidentiality

Application Documents

• A recent photo
• A scanned copy of the applicants’ national ID
• A scanned copy of the applicant’s parent or legal guardian’s ID
• A proof of monthly expenditure on home electricity
• Financial statement(s) for the past six months for all of the family’s bank/post saving accounts, loans, and such if any
• A scanned copy of an original, sealed and detailed parent’s salary pay slip, or pension. In case of self- employed, a copy of a recent tax report is required
• If the family is a beneficiary of the Governmental Pension Program “Takaful and Karama”, a scanned copy of the family ID card or a sealed document as a proof
• A scanned copy of a sealed certificate form the applicant’s secondary school. The certificate should prove that the applicant’s school is a government or STEM school and that the applicant spent the three high school years in the school
• Scanned copies of certificates of achievement, completion, appreciation, and others
• Scanned copies of lease or ownership contracts for home, car, land, and others
• Scanned copies of all required documents and medical reports of applicants with disabilities

The applications will be reviewed to select the qualified students. First, an evaluation committee reviews and filters all submitted applications, then, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview appointment to be conducted by the USAID Scholars Activity evaluation team.

Interviews will be conducted face to face in Cairo.

A committee will visit the candidates’ homes to get to know them and their families and to answer any scholarship-related questions.

A face-to-face camp will be held in Cairo. Candidates will be required to attend the camp.

Yes, there will be preparations to accommodate and facilitate the needs of students with disabilities in the camp and the scholarship in general. Applicants with disabilities should submit the required documents to prove their disability.

Yes, all accepted students only will be announced and contacted, and you will be asked to sign an acceptance/commitment letter for the USAID Scholars Activity.

The American University in Cairo, which is responsible for administering the scholarship, emphasizes the following conditions in order to maintain the scholarship:

• Showing improvement in English language skills
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 or what is required by their university
• Being involved in at least one social activity, either a civic engagement project, a non-curricular/extracurricular activity, or a summer training/internship in every academic year
• Attending all preparation programs and events and scholarship periodical meetings
• Participating in leadership and experiential learning programs
• Attending entrepreneurship, job counseling, and other programs
• Registering for the maximum number of subjects in all semesters and making sure to meet study major and graduation timeline. (Students with disabilities, emergencies, and special cases will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis)
• Abiding by all USAID Scholars Activity Program rules and regulations

Yes, students can travel to their hometown if they don’t have courses or any other activities related to the scholarship. This can only be done on the condition that the students provide their university’s program coordinator with a written travel notification of their travel plans.

USAID Scholars Activity program will organize some activities during some of the mid-year and summer breaks, and The American University in Cairo realizes how important it is for students to return to their hometowns to spend time with their families and friends. Students who need additional English language training after the first year may be required to spend part of the summer vacation in intensive English classes. It is worth mentioning that it is preferable for students to spend summer vacations in their hometowns and participate in community service projects.

No, the USAID Scholars Activity covers all fees including tuition fees, books, labs, housing, and living expenses during the program. Yet, students should spend their stipend wisely; otherwise, they will have to find another source of money to feed their expenses.

No. Scholars are not allowed to participate or join any other training programs during the scholarship duration. Scholars should focus on their studies and the other supplemental activities and training provided by the scholarship.

The USAID Scholars Activity scholarship provides academic advising and psychological support for all scholars in order to guarantee their success. In case of failing a subject, the scholarship will look into the causes. The student will receive a warning letter and will be asked to submit a study plan in order to avoid repeating failure. The scholar might pay for the failed subject cost in coordination with the scholarship management. The scholarship could be terminated for this scholar in case of repeated failure.

Yes, partner universities have available academic and personal counselors to help students. There will also be a USAID Scholars Activity coordinator who will be the prime contact person for all students and to provide all necessary help and support whether life or academic ones.