Study Abroad
Located in the heart of the Middle East, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a state-of-the-art, US-accredited, English-language University. Established 100 years ago, AUC is one of the oldest liberal arts institutions in the region. Located in the most populous and one of the most vibrant cities in the Arab world, AUC is an ideal place to explore your academic interests while you become immersed in a new culture. AUC is Egypt’s global university, allowing study abroad students to build relationships with a diverse student body and gain important global perspectives.
Popular Programs
HOW TO APPLY
MEET ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Undergraduate applicants: A minimum GPA of 2.0 (or equivalent) and a minimum of 30 credit hours already completed at your home institution. Students from non-English language universities must submit either international TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission consideration. A minimum of 83 in TOEFL total score and 22 in writing or a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS band score and 7 in writing is required.
Graduate applicants: For regular study abroad (non-Arabic Language Intensive Program), you must be currently enrolled in a graduate program. Students from non-English language universities must submit scores from an international English proficiency exam. Check the requirements here.
MEET APPLICATION DEADLINES
Refer to AUC’s application deadlines for study abroad/non-degree students and the Arabic Language Institute. Note that your home institution may require an additional application with earlier deadlines.
APPLY ONLINE
Visit the application menu to complete your online form. Arabic Language Intensive Program applicants should fill out the application under the “Arabic Language Institute." While filling out the application, exchange applicants should click the ‘Exchange’ checkbox.
SUBMIT ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Once you submit your online form, you will receive a confirmation email from AUC’s Office of Admissions with next steps, including sending in materials outlined on the application checklist.
SELECT COURSES
Browse courses in the AUC Catalog. Once accepted into the program, follow the steps outlined for academic advising and course registration. If you have any questions or would like to request a course syllabus, email the Office of International Programs and Services at ipoadvisors@aucegypt.edu.
IMPORTANT DATES
SPRING 2021
Application deadline if you are applying for an AUC scholarship: September 15, 2020. Click here for scholarship information.
Regular application deadline: December 25, 2020
Start date (orientation): January 27, 2021
End date (last day of exams): May 28, 2021
SUMMER 2021 (Intensive Arabic Program)
Courses are offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Click here for details.
Application deadline if you are applying for an AUC scholarship: March 1, 2021
Regular application deadline: May 1, 2021
Start date: June 6, 2021
End date: July 15, 2021
FALL 2021
Application deadline if you are applying for an AUC scholarship: February 1, 2021
Regular application deadline: June 1, 2021
Start date (orientation): August 28, 2021
End date (last day of exams): December 21, 2021
For all academic calendars, click here.
COSTS
ESTIMATED SEMESTER COST: $16,500 - 17,500
ESTIMATED COST BREAKDOWN:
Tuition: $11,025 (maximum for 15 credits). Click here for details.
On-Campus Housing: $1,125 (standard double room). Click here for all room types and rates.
Student Fees: $155
AUC Health Insurance: $175. Click here for more details.
Visas: $125 (tourist visa upon arrival for most nationalities + student visa paid on campus during orientation).
Airfare, Food, Personal Expenses: $4,000 - 5,000
SCHOLARSHIPS
Students who receive federal or institutional financial aid at their home universities may be able to apply it to study abroad program costs at AUC. First meet with your study abroad students to learn about transferring aid. AUC also offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Click here to learn more.
Cultural Immersion
Hear from Study Abroad Students
I decided to pursue a semester abroad at AUC because of its Center for Migration and Refugee Studies. The center and professors here are highly acclaimed. I’m very excited to be in such a historic city and to visit its wonderful museums.
I chose to come here because I really like Egypt, even though it’s my first time to visit. It’s safe, and my parents really liked that everything is nicely explained on the AUC website. AUC is beautiful and huge, and everybody is very open and kind. I’ll be taking interesting courses that we don’t have in Holland and hopefully improve my Arabic, inshaaAllah.
Since I’ve come to Cairo, I’ve never felt in danger. AUC, in particular, is one of the safest environments that exist in Egypt and it’s frankly much safer than a lot of places I could have been to in the West.
CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
New Cairo Campus
Designed to accommodate 5,500 full-time students and 1,500 faculty and staff, AUC’s $400 million, 260-acre campus is technologically advanced and environmentally sensitive. Check out our campus interactive map here.
Student Residences
Living on-campus or near campus is a convenient and elevating experience for students. We, at the University Residences, provide living options that will serve as your home during your academic journey.
Safety and Security
At AUC, we recognize that a university campus serves as the center of a student’s academic and cultural experience, and our Office of Safety and Security is committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming campus environment for our global community of students from more than 50 countries.
Research, Internships and Service
Research
AUC houses state-of-the-art research centers and facilities that promote collaborative research across a wide array of disciplines. As a study abroad student, you have access and resources to carry out research.
Internships
AUC’s Career Center can help place study abroad students in internships. Once enrolled at AUC, you can work with the Center to find opportunities in the city.
Service
AUC has a long tradition of community service in Cairo and greater Egypt. As a study abroad student, you can join student community service clubs or enroll in a community-based learning course.
I Joined AUC Because...
September 21, Undergraduate and graduate students share the reasons they joined AUC; from its vibrant campus, diverse academic programs and unique student life experiences. #JoinAUC.
International Student Experience: Heidi Daraz
June 29, We spoke to international student Heidi Daraz about her dynamic experience studying abroad at AUC, exploring Cairo and traveling all around Egypt’s diverse grounds. Check out Heidi’s insight and advice on how to make the most out of your study abroad experience, and experience her journey first hand through Heidi’s own study-abroad vlog snippets!
New International Students
With the beginning of the new academic year, AUC welcomes the new international students from all over the globe. So the question here is how do they find their new university, and how do they spend their time here on campus? Toka Omar answers these questions and more in this story.
Language Immersion at The American University in Cairo
Study abroad student Ian Rollo saw his time at AUC as a valuable opportunity for language immersion. Through his exchange program in Cairo, he's been able to experience Egyptian Arabic spoken in context and prepare to use these skills across the Middle East.
Study Abroad: Experiencing Cairo Through AUC
Dean of Students George Marquis SAB '81, MA '87 Associate Vice President for Advancement Kim Jackson '84 and Olivia Smith, current study-abroad student from Bard College, recount their unique and life-changing experiences studying abroad at AUC and experiencing Cairo.
Egypt's Global University
With its international faculty, advanced research, liberal arts program, diverse community and expansive alumni network, AUC is Egypt's global university.
Important Resources
Contact Information
If you have not submitted an application
If you are interested in learning more and have not yet submitted an application, contact Sarah Shalash in New York Office at sarahshalash@aucegypt.edu or call +1-347-237-0963 from 9am-5pm EST.
If you have submitted an application
If you have already submitted an application and have questions, contact the Office of International Programs and Services at ipoadvisors@aucegypt.edu. Note that the work week in Cairo is Sunday through Thursday.
