Excellence Scholarship Program
About the Program
Through the Excellence Scholarship Program, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is looking to attract outstanding students from diverse backgrounds who embody academic excellence, have demonstrated strong talent and have the potential and passion for advancing themselves, their communities and the world.
Through the Excellence Scholarship Program, the University offers a variety of highly competitive scholarships that, when combined, may provide tuition coverage from 20% to 100% in total, for the very best students eligible in the various categories. Because excellence is multidimensional, AUC’s scholarships are based on a number of criteria. Excellence is the common thread that combines all categories of scholarship. These highly competitive scholarships are based on excellence and are sensitive to financial need. This ensures that AUC is accessible to the most outstanding students, regardless of their financial ability.
Criteria for Maintaining Your Scholarship
The requirements for keeping a scholarship vary depending on the type of scholarship. Each recipient must sign an agreement specific to the award, outlining the terms and conditions, benefits and percentage of coverage, duration and number of credit hours. It also includes the rules for maintaining the scholarship—such as following a graduation plan for one major, registering for a minimum number of credits each semester (Fall and Spring), maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA and the conditions for dropping and/or repeating courses. Some scholarships may also have extra requirements, suc as completing additional credit hours, participating in certain activities, or submitting a portfolio.
By the Numbers (2026 - 2027)
**The AUC Excellence Scholarship Program is highly competitive. Academic scores are a primary criterion for all categories in addition to videos and supporting documents for the talents/leadership and community service/liberal arts major categories. Excellence Scholarships are merit-based and sensitive to financial need. The number of available scholarships, cut-off scores, award percentages and average tuition coverage may vary between cohorts.
Excellence Scholarship Categories
Academic Achievement
AUC is looking for students who are top academic performers — the best of the best — in their degree certificates. Awardees are top achieving students from all high schools’ certificates, including national, international, private and public schools. Students will compete against peers of the same or similar certificate. Coverage starts at 20% and can reach 100% for highest scoring top achievers in the various certificates based on the pool of applicants and budget.
*All eligible scholarship applicants will automatically be considered for this scholarship based on certificate scores.
International Diversity
As the gateway between Egypt, the Arab region and the rest of the world, AUC is home to a diverse student population that hails from more than 60 countries. Students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and come from across the globe to study in the heart of the Arab world are an important part of the AUC experience. Coverage up to 30%. Certificate scores are a factor in selection for this category.
*All eligible scholarship applicants will automatically be considered for this scholarship based on certificate scores. Applicants for the international diversity category must apply to AUC as international students.
Talents
AUC recognizes students who have distinguished themselves in the areas of Athletics, Music and Performing Arts, and Arts. Coverage up to 30%, certificate scores, videos and documents evidencing talent are factors in selection for this category.
Leadership and Community Service
At the core of AUC’s liberal arts education are the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for the next generation to tackle the most pressing issues facing their community and the world. To that end, we are looking for applicants who have shown impactful leadership and are actively engaged in community service. Coverage up to 30%. Certificate scores, videos and documents evidencing service are factors in selection for this category.
Liberal Arts Majors
Top students interested and committed to specializing in one of the selected liberal arts majors are eligible for this scholarship. The selected set of liberal arts majors include Anthropology, Arabic Studies, Egyptology, English and Comparative Literature, Film, History, Middle East Studies, Music, Philosophy, Sociology, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Coverage up to 30%. Certificate scores, videos and supporting documents are factors in selection for this category.
How to Apply?
- On the admission application, you should check yes to the question “Are you interested in applying for a scholarship?" If you do not check the box, you will not be considered for AUC scholarships and there will not be another opportunity later on to apply for scholarships for Spring 2027/Fall 2027.
- Once you submit the admission application, you will receive an email with a link to the scholarship application. If you do not receive an email, contact enrolauc@aucegypt.edu.
- On the first page of the scholarship application, you must check the box in order to be considered for scholarships. If you do not check the box, you will not be considered for AUC scholarships and there will not be another opportunity later on to apply for scholarships for Spring 2027/Fall 2027.
- Once you submit the scholarship application, you will receive an email with a link to complete the Scholarship Financial Assessment Application. If you do not receive an email, contact enrolauc@aucegypt.edu. Submission of the scholarship financial assessment application is mandatory.
What are the Criteria for Selection?
1. Certificate Scores
Scholarship evaluation for American diploma students is based on SAT I and/or ACT I scores.
Cut-off scores for scholarships are significantly higher than admission and vary from semester to semester.
Videos and Supporting Documents
2. Videos and supporting documents for all categories (except academic achievement and international diversity).
Deadlines
Deadline for Application for Spring 2027
- Regular Admission: November 1, 2026
Priority for scholarship slots with higher percentages is given to students who submit admission, scholarship and financial need assessment applications by November 1, 2026.
Deadline for Application for Fall 2027
- Early Admission: February 1, 2027
- Regular Admission: June 1, 2027
Priority for scholarship slots with higher percentages is given to students who submit admission, scholarship, and financial need assessment applications by the February 1, 2027 early admission deadline.
Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive. Eligibility and percentage of financial support may differ for applicants who are provisionally accepted and complete their files after February 1, 2027 and before June 1, 2027. Any applications submitted after June 1, 2027, will be put on a waiting list pending the availability of vacant slots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check our Spring 2027/Fall 2027 frequently asked questions, to learn more about the scholarship program and the different awards.