Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students seeking U.S. Federal Direct Loans at AUC must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
The FAFSA is a free application provided by the U.S. Department of Education and is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid programs.
Because AUC is a foreign institution, eligible students may receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Graduate PLUS and Parent PLUS). Federal Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study are not available at AUC.
The following chart provides guidance on which FAFSA should be completed for each academic year:
| If you plan to attend AUC from: | Submit this FAFSA | Using tax information from |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | 2025–2026 FAFSA | 2023 |
| July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | 2026–2027 FAFSA | 2024 |
| July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 | 2027–2028 FAFSA | 2025 |
Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year and list The American University in Cairo (Federal School Code: G05034) to ensure that AUC receives their FAFSA information.
FAFSA Tutorial
To apply for Federal Direct Loans at AUC, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
Complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov.
- Select "Foreign Country" when prompted for state information, if applicable.
- List The American University in Cairo using Federal School Code G05034.
- Students and all required contributors (parents or spouses, when applicable) must have their own FSA ID (username and password).
The FSA ID is used to:
- Access federal student aid information.
- Complete and sign the FAFSA electronically.
- Access federal student loan records and repayment information.
Dependency Status
The U.S. Department of Education will determine whether you are considered a dependent or independent student based on the information provided on your FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, parent information will be required.
Additional Federal Loan Requirements
Students borrowing Federal Direct Loans for the first time must complete Entrance Counseling before receiving loan funds.
After Completing the FAFSA
- Review your FAFSA Submission Summary for accuracy.
- Retain copies of any documents used to complete the FAFSA.
- Monitor your email and Student Portal for additional requests from the Financial Aid Office.
- Ensure that AUC receives your FAFSA information by listing Federal School Code G05034.
For additional information about completing the FAFSA, visit StudentAid.gov.