Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, student travel to Egypt requires additional approval.  Please meet with the program coordinator before beginning an application to this program.

• Live and learn in the heart of the MENA, gaining firsthand insight into Egypt's history, culture, politics, and contemporary society while studying in Cairo.
• Take courses taught entirely in English across a wide range of disciplines, with the option to add Arabic language study to your academic schedule.
• Study alongside local Egyptian students and peers from around the world, creating a truly international classroom experience and meaningful cross-cultural connections.

The American University in Cairo (AUC) offers students the opportunity to study at Egypt's leading English-language, American-accredited university while experiencing life in one of the most influential cities in the MENA. Exchange students can choose from a broad selection of courses across many academic disciplines and may also enroll in Arabic language courses. AUC combines a rigorous liberal arts tradition with strong professional programs, allowing students to deepen their academic interests while gaining valuable intercultural skills and firsthand exposure to the cultures, histories, and contemporary issues shaping the region.

To explore course options, you can use AUC’s All Programs webpage to explore courses according to discipline. Seeking an immersive Arabic program? AUC’s Intensive Arabic for Professionals and Non-Degree Seeking Learners (ALIN) offers a 12-15 credit semester long immersion program open to beginners to advanced students. 

Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is a city where ancient history and modern life intersect every day. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the city also serves as a major cultural, political, and economic hub for the Arab world and Africa. Students can explore world-renowned museums, historic neighborhoods, vibrant markets, cafés, and contemporary art and cultural scenes while experiencing daily life in a fast-paced global metropolis. Studying in Cairo provides a unique opportunity to understand both the rich history of Egypt and the rapidly evolving dynamics of the modern Middle East.

The American University in Cairo
Founded more than a century ago, AUC is a U.S.-accredited, English-language university known for its rigorous academics and internationally diverse community. Located in New Cairo, the university offers state-of-the-art facilities, extensive library resources, modern classrooms, and a vibrant campus environment. Students benefit from an American-style educational experience while gaining access to perspectives and opportunities unique to the region.

AUC follows a U.S.-style academic system that emphasizes active participation, critical thinking, discussion, research, and collaboration. Exchange students enroll directly in courses with degree-seeking AUC students, creating an immersive academic experience rather than a separate study abroad track. All courses are taught in English, and students may select classes from a wide range of disciplines while also having the option to study Arabic. The university is particularly well known for offerings related to Middle Eastern studies, Arabic language, political science, international affairs, business, engineering, and the social sciences. 
Undergraduate students attending this program will be required to enroll in 15 credit hours per semester. Graduate students will be required to enroll in 9 credits. Should students want to take additional courses, they will be charged an additional fee. 

To apply:

• Complete the KU American University of Cairo application to be nominated by KU
• After nomination, complete AUC’s application. This may include submitting a photocopy of your passport, passport-style photos, and /or a letter of recommendation. 

Exchange students typically have access to AUC's student residences in New Cairo. Housing options include furnished rooms and apartments within a residential community designed to support both academic and personal development. Residence halls are located either on campus or within a short distance of campus, with convenient access to classes, dining facilities, supermarkets, recreational spaces, and university services. Amenities include furnished accommodations, Wi Fi, study spaces, laundry facilities, air conditioning, community lounges, and professional residential support staff. Living in university housing provides an excellent opportunity to connect with Egyptian and international students and become part of AUC's vibrant campus community.

AUC’s Cairo and Living in Cairo webpages provide information on the city and what to expect. Their Arrival in Cairo page provides details on what you need to know before and after you arrive. 

AUC’s International Programs and Services Office can assist you as you prepare to depart and while you are at AUC for your study term.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to KU undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants are required to have a 2.5 GPA, have completed at least 30 hours of college credits, and meet KU’s study abroad eligibility criteria. 

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Brooke Stock 
Have a quick question? Email me at: brooke.stock@ku.edu  
Looking for more detailed information? Book an appointment.
Book an in-person appointment
Book an online appointment

Visa 
Students will need to obtain a visa to study in Egypt. Requirements and when to apply will depend on your citizenship and the passport you will be travelling with. 
 

Health Insurance
After acceptance to AUC, you will be enrolled in AUC’s comprehensive health insurance policy. This is mandatory and will occur automatically. Be sure to read about the policy coverage on the Health Care and Insurance webpage.