The American University In Cairo (AUC) African Graduate Fellowships 2025/2026 For African Master’s Students: Apply Now!

About the American University in Cairo (AUC) African Graduate Fellowships 2025/2026 for African Master’s Students

The AUC African Graduate Fellowships program is a prestigious opportunity for exceptional African students to further their academic careers through a fully funded master’s degree at the American University in Cairo. Annually, this fellowship supports African students (excluding Egyptian nationals) who are eager to pursue graduate-level studies in a variety of fields offered by AUC, enabling them to engage in rigorous academic work, develop professional skills, and contribute to Africa’s intellectual community.

Designed to nurture Africa’s next generation of scholars, the African Graduate Fellowships program offers not only financial support but also academic and professional development resources for full-time master’s degree students. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to their field, and the motivation to contribute to Africa’s growth and development.

This highly competitive fellowship seeks students who bring a minimum overall academic rating of “very good,” equivalent to a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and meet the specific AUC graduate admissions standards, which vary across programs. Admission to the program is contingent on satisfying these rigorous standards and submitting all required materials, including academic records, test scores for certain disciplines, and proof of English language proficiency through either the TOEFL iBT or IELTS exams.

The AUC fellowship also requires that students maintain a GPA of 3.2 or above throughout their studies to remain eligible for funding. Fellows must be fully committed to a full-time course load, typically requiring at least nine credits per semester. A distinctive element of this fellowship is its expectation of active academic engagement: recipients are assigned 12 hours per week of relevant academic work within their program, which can include research or academic support roles. Additionally, fellows involved in teaching assistance must undergo a specialized training course to prepare for these responsibilities, although this training is only required once.

Benefits of the African Graduate Fellowships

The fellowship package is extensive, covering essential aspects of student life to reduce financial stress and allow full focus on academic pursuits. Fellows receive full tuition coverage for up to nine credits per semester, which significantly reduces the financial burden associated with a high-quality education.

The fellowships also provide a monthly stipend to support living expenses, as well as additional fees for student services, activities, medical services, and health insurance to ensure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. For students coming from outside Cairo, the fellowship includes a monthly housing allowance or provides accommodation in AUC’s residences on the New Cairo Campus, enabling fellows to fully integrate into campus life and benefit from the academic and cultural environment offered by AUC.

How to Apply for the African Graduate Fellowships

Prospective fellows must carefully follow a two-step application process:

Step 1: Involves completing the AUC graduate admissions application. This requires applicants to compile all essential documents, including transcripts, language test scores, and any program-specific materials such as GRE or GMAT scores for certain fields.

Step 2: Applicants must complete the fellowship application itself through AUC’s online fellowship application portal, making sure that all forms and supplementary materials are accurately submitted before the cycle’s deadline. Given the competitive nature of this fellowship, applicants are advised to allocate ample time to prepare a compelling application that highlights their academic achievements, personal motivations, and readiness for graduate study. For more details about the program and teaching assistantships, applicants are encouraged to explore the AUC fellowship webpage.

Application Deadlines

The AUC fellowship application process is divided into two distinct cycles, offering prospective candidates flexibility in timing and planning their application submissions.

The first cycle, opening on December 19, 2024, and closing on January 16, 2025, is ideal for students who have gathered all necessary documents early and wish to secure a place in the program well in advance. This early submission can provide applicants with additional time for planning their transition to Cairo if accepted.

The second application cycle runs from April 8, 2025, to May 8, 2025, giving applicants additional preparation time for their applications or those who missed the first cycle a chance to apply.

However, AUC strongly recommends that applicants prepare their materials as early as possible, ensuring they meet the fellowship’s competitive standards, such as official academic transcripts, test scores (e.g., GMAT or GRE for specific programs), language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), and all relevant application forms. Whether applying in the first or second cycle, candidates must carefully monitor deadlines and submit their applications by midnight on the closing date to be considered for this prestigious award. Click the link below to get started.

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