The American University in Cairo, Egypt

People riding camels by the pyramids during sunset, in Cairo, Egypt.

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The American University in Cairo, Egypt

As the premier English-language institution of higher learning in the Middle East, The American University in Cairo () proudly maintains prestigious accreditation in both Egypt and the U.S.

Located in one of the most intriguing cities in the world, by studying in Cairo you will follow in the footsteps of ancient explorers, and simultaneously rub shoulders with distinguished faculty from around the world.

Location

Cairo, Egypt

Term

Spring, Summer, Fall, Academic Year

Housing

Dormitory

Program Highlights

The American University in Cairo is home to 6,000+ students and offers 90+ degrees and programs. All courses are taught fully in English but you can also enroll in Arabic language courses to help with creating a more immersive overall experience. Cairo is bursting with energy, effortlessly blending a modern metropolis with ancient history and culture. In your free time, you can explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the enormous Egyptian Museum. You can also head further afield to visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Valley of the Kings, or Mount Sinai, as public transit is readily available throughout Egypt.

Program Contact Information

Molly Papay

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: mpapay1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-3067

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025: October 1, 2024
Summer 2025: April 15, 2025
Fall 2025: April 15, 2025
Academic Year 2025-2026: April 15, 2025
Spring 2026: October 1, 2025

NOTE: The application deadlines posted above are for undergraduate students; please consult with an education abroad advisor for the graduate student deadlines, which are at least one month earlier.

Program Dates

Program dates vary each year based upon the host institution’s academic calendar, but the following are general guidelines:

Academic Year: Late August - Late May
Fall: Late August - Mid December
Spring: Late January - Late May
Summer: Early June - Late July

Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

an internal Kent State Education Abroad application,
and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by Kent State University does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program.

Academics

Academic Programs

The American University in Cairo offers a liberal arts education, which helps students to become well-rounded, as they engage in coursework from multiple disciplines, much like at KSU. Exchange students are able to enroll in courses from different departments and are not limited to only one area of study.

are taught fully in English in a variety of subject areas including:

Architecture
Business
Education
Engineering
Fine and Performing Arts
Humanities
Journalism
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Peace and Conflict Studies
Social Sciences
...and more!

For an academic year, semester, or summer term, Kent State students have the opportunity to complete unique courses such as Hieroglyphics, Islamic Law, Cinema in Egypt and the Arab World, Languages of the World, Migration and Refugee Movements in the Middle East and North Africa, and Contemporary Security Issues in the Middle East.

You may also participate in a Survival Arabic course, designed to help incoming international students with little or no previous knowledge of the Arabic language to transition to life in Cairo. The dialect of Arabic spoken in Egypt is the most well-known and most understood in the Arab world, making Cairo a prime language-learning center in the Middle East.

Remember that to maintain full-time student status, you must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours while abroad.

Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to Kent State University.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer.

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to Kent State University.

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to Kent State and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by Kent State faculty.

Location & Transportation

Cairo, Egypt

With a rich history that dates back thousands of years, Cairo is a city that is steeped in culture and tradition, and alive with bustling markets, lively music and delicious cuisine.

Located on the banks of the Nile River, the city provides a mixture of the vibrant cultures of the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean, and has long served as the cultural, political, and social capital of the Arabic region.

Ranked among the top 100 cities in the world for international students, Cairo is an ideal destination for those who are looking to broaden their understanding of the world.

As a student living in Cairo, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions, and make lasting connections with people from all walks of life. Studying in Cairo offers a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient history and culture of Egypt, while also experiencing a modern city that is constantly evolving and growing. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or the arts, Cairo has something to offer everyone.

Campus Information

AUC’s campus spans 260 acres and is located in the eastern end of the city in the New Cairo suburb. The modern campus has sustainability, accessibility, and safety in mind.

AUC’s campus is home to a multitude of student services and facilities to help support your success. These include on-campus residence halls, dining facilities, student disability services, counseling services, medical clinics, and more.

AUC also offers students plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus life. With 60+ student organizations and 21 men's and women's athletic teams, there are many ways to stay active and meet other students.

Transportation

When flying into Cairo, you will likely use Cairo International Airport. This airport is located to the northwest of AUC and is accessible by car or public transportation.

AUC staff members will greet you at the airport upon arrival and will guide you to the campus.

AUC has several different around campus including bike share and bus services. Many students find that Uber is an easy and affordable way to navigate the city.

Housing & Meals

The American University in Cairo offers accommodations in fully-furnished, on-campus residence halls. You may select a single room, double room, or studio apartment. Residence halls also feature 24/7 access to a service point and receptionist, a community lounge, kitchenette, computer labs, study spaces, and emergency medical services. You will also find high-speed WiFi, central air conditioning and heating, complimentary self-service laundry, and complimentary room cleaning kits. Bed linens are also provided.

Residence halls at AUC are conveniently located within walking distance of many food outlets and supermarkets, academic buildings, sports facilities, and campus shuttle bus stops.

Meal plans are not offered at AUC, but you will find a variety of cafeterias, food courts, coffee shops, bakeries, and vending machines to suit every palate.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on Kent State University-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most Kent State scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to:

determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s),
apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

Kent State University's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

William walking through Temple of Karnac in Luxor.

William Dakin

Business Management, minor in International Business

One of the main motivations for William to choose AUC was its location: “I wanted something that was going to be different from where students generally go to. I wanted to go somewhere beyond my comfort zone.”

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Why Go Abroad

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