The American University in Cairo (AUC) is inviting applications for its Graduate Fellowships for Spring and Fall 2027, offering highly competitive financial support to outstanding graduate students from Egypt and around the world. The fellowship programme combines academic merit with financial need, providing full or partial tuition coverage and, in some cases, housing support for international students.
Open to new and continuing graduate students, the fellowships support full-time study across a wide range of eligible master’s programmes at one of the Middle East and Africa’s leading universities.
About the AUC Graduate Fellowships
AUC offers two categories of graduate fellowships: institutional fellowships, funded directly by the university, and sponsored fellowships, supported by private donors and endowments. Both aim to enable talented students to pursue graduate education while reducing financial barriers.
Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to full-time graduate study. Fellowships are awarded through a competitive selection process, and funding availability varies by semester.
Fellowship Benefits
Graduate fellowship awards may provide substantial financial support throughout a student’s degree programme.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Full tuition coverage for up to 9 credit hours per semester
- Partial tuition support covering 1–8 credit hours
- Possible housing allowance for eligible full-time international students
- Coverage of remedial English courses under certain fellowship schemes
- Access to academic and teaching assistantship opportunities where applicable
Institutional fellowships generally require students to reapply each semester, while externally funded fellowships follow the specific duration outlined in the award agreement.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship programme welcomes applications from new graduate applicants and eligible continuing graduate students who meet AUC’s academic standards.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Submit an application for admission to an eligible AUC graduate programme.
- Complete the online graduate fellowship application.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.
- Intend to pursue full-time graduate study.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen programme.
Continuing graduate students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 to apply for or renew most fellowship awards.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain categories of students cannot receive institutional fellowship support.
These include:
- Graduate diploma students
- Master of Engineering (MEng) students
- Master in Computing (MComp) students
- Non-degree graduate students
- AUC faculty, staff, and dependents already receiving tuition remission benefits
- Students admitted with prerequisite undergraduate course requirements
However, applicants admitted with remedial English requirements or conditional graduate course requirements may still qualify, depending on the specific fellowship.
What the Fellowship Covers
The financial support offered depends on the fellowship awarded.
Institutional fellowships can cover either the full tuition cost of nine graduate credits or a portion of tuition between one and eight credits per semester. International students studying full time may also qualify for a housing allowance, subject to fellowship regulations.
During exchange semesters, institutional funding applies only to AUC tuition, while additional graduate support grants may assist with other approved educational expenses.
Selection Process
Fellowship applications are reviewed by a dedicated selection committee that evaluates each candidate holistically.
The committee considers:
- Academic excellence and previous university performance
- Financial circumstances
- Overall demand for fellowship funding
- Admission status and programme eligibility
- Individual achievements and potential for graduate success
Receiving admission to AUC does not automatically guarantee fellowship funding, as awards remain highly competitive.
Spring & Fall 2027 Application Deadlines
Applicants should carefully observe both admission and fellowship deadlines.
Spring 2027 Fellowship Cycle
- Applications open: 7 October 2026
- Deadline: 2 November 2026
Fall 2027 Fellowship Cycle 1
- 22 December 2026 – 17 January 2027
Fall 2027 Fellowship Cycle 2
- 6 April 2027 – 6 May 2027
Importantly, the graduate admission application must be submitted at least two weeks before the fellowship deadline.
How to Apply
The fellowship application is completed online after beginning the graduate admission process.
Applicants should:
- Apply for admission to an eligible AUC graduate programme.
- Receive an AUC student ID number.
- Allow approximately seven working days for the admission record to become active.
- Create or access their Banner Self-Service account.
- Complete and submit the online fellowship application before the published deadline.
Applicants do not need to receive their admission decision before submitting the fellowship application.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A strong fellowship application should demonstrate both academic excellence and genuine financial need.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Submit their graduate admission application well before the fellowship deadline.
- Maintain an excellent academic record and provide complete transcripts.
- Clearly explain their academic goals and how the graduate programme aligns with their career aspirations.
- Highlight research experience, leadership, community engagement, or professional achievements relevant to their field.
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete and submitted on time.
Because fellowship renewal is not automatic, successful students should continue demonstrating outstanding academic performance throughout their studies.
Why Study at AUC?
The American University in Cairo is internationally recognised for its graduate education, research excellence, and multicultural academic environment. Located in New Cairo, Egypt, AUC offers internationally accredited graduate programmes across engineering, business, public policy, social sciences, humanities, and many other disciplines.
Its fellowship programme provides talented students from across the Global South and beyond with an opportunity to pursue advanced education while benefiting from a vibrant international learning community.
