The University

The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded in 1919 by HIGHLIGHTS

Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. The
founding president wanted to create an English-language university of http://www.aucegypt.edu
high quality that would contribute to the future leadership of Egypt and
the region. The university also has a mission to improve understanding of SEMESTER AVAILABLE: Late
the Middle East. International students comprise approximately 10% of August to late December for fall,
the combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment at AUC. late-January to early June for
spring. Full academic year is also
Throughout its history, AUC has balanced a strong commitment to liberal available.
education with a concern for the region’s needs for practical applications
and professional specializations. Today, AUC emphasizes liberal ELIGIBILITY: B average (3.0) in
education. All undergraduate students study a common set of courses in the fall and spring preceding the
the humanities and the natural and social sciences as part of the semester abroad (Princeton
University’s core curriculum. In addition, the University maintains its requirement).
strong commitment to fostering understanding across world regions,
cultures, and religions. COURSES: Full range of courses
in anthropology, Arabic Language,
Academic Setting economics, engineering, English,
After a decade of planning and five years of construction, The American mathematics, Middle Eastern
University in Cairo relocated to a 260-acre, $400-million campus in New studies, political science, sociology,
Cairo, Egypt in September 2008. Remaining at its historic campus in and the sciences.
downtown Cairo is the University’s School of Continuing Education,
management center, engineering services, and the Center for Migration ACCOMMODATIONS:
and Refugee Studies, as well as an AUC Press bookstore, Margo Veillon Placements in residence halls. Off
Gallery for Contemporary Egyptian Art, and Ewart Memorial Hall and campus accommodation is also
Oriental Hall. available.

Designed to accommodate 5,500 full-time students and 1,500 faculty and FINANCIAL AID: Students who
staff, AUC’s new campus is technologically advanced and attend the American University in
environmentally sensitive. Offering state-of-the-art resources to students Cairo for Princeton credit may use
and faculty from around the world, the new campus weaves Egyptian University financial aid to meet
urban and architectural traditions into a modern campus and is designed to expenses.
be accessible to persons with disabilities.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Academic Program  Fall semester: March 8
Students at AUC have a unique opportunity to experience the culture of  Spring semester: October 8
Egypt while studying with Egyptian and other Arab students. Courses are (Princeton deadlines)
offered in Middle East studies, Egyptology, Islamic art and architecture,
Arabic language, social sciences, economics, engineering, and the natural
sciences.
AUC offers a direct enrollment program, meaning that students select courses from general undergraduate listings
and are not limited to a fixed set of courses. AUC is accredited in the United States as well as in Egypt. This
allows students from U.S. universities to transfer AUC credits easily to their home institutions. Princeton
applicants are asked to plan a selection of courses (15-16 credit hours) to be approved by their academic advisors.

The Woodrow Wilson School offers a policy seminar at AUC in the spring.

Academic Calendar: Fall 2010 Spring 2011

Arrival in Cairo August 26 January 20
Orientation August 28-September 2 January 22-27
Classes begin September 5 January 30
Break November 15-19 April 17-25
Classes end December 16 May 19
Exams December 17-22 May 21-26

Housing
On-campus Housing: Space in campus housing is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.
According to availability at the time a request is received, every effort is made to accommodate students in their
preferred residence facility.

The American University in Cairo offers two residence facilities for students. Both student residences provide a
secure environment and offer a variety of services. Each room is climate-controlled and has a high-speed internet
connection:
 The Zamalek residence, historically a student favorite, is located in one of downtown Cairo’s most
popular residential districts, approximately 38 kilometers, or 23 miles, from the campus in New Cairo.
Shuttle buses make the 45 minute drive between the Zamalek residence and the main campus daily, every
hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
 The New Campus Residence was opened at the beginning of spring 2009 semester on the New Cairo
campus. It features living spaces for both men and women in the form of cottages or large townhouses.

For more details, see http://www.aucegypt.edu/StudentLife/residence/Pages/default.aspx.

Off-campus Housing: Some international students prefer to share furnished flats in Cairo that they find
themselves. AUC does not provide support to students seeking off-campus accommodation, although bulletin
boards on campus are available where students seeking and offering accommodation can post ads.

Extracurricular Activities
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular clubs, sports, and student—sponsored programs. Clubs
span a range of interests—everything from the Environmental Awareness Association and community service
clubs to Model UN and Model Arab League. Music, theater, and dance groups are also active. Many students take
this opportunity to travel to sites in Egypt and other countries in the region with student-organized groups or with
friends.

Princeton Credit
At the end of the semester abroad, students are issued an official transcript from AUC, which is reviewed by the
Office of International Programs for Princeton credit. Students must earn the equivalent of a C or above in courses
taken at AUC to receive Princeton University credit. Credit is not given for courses taken on a pass/fail basis.
Courses may be taken to fulfill departmental requirements and up to two general education requirements. The
general education requirements must be in two different areas.

The official AUC transcript becomes a part of the returning student’s permanent file. A copy of the transcript will
be sent to the student’s academic department. Courses, but no grades, will be listed on the Princeton transcript;
and the transcript will indicate that the student studied at AUC as part of Princeton’s study abroad program.
Application Procedures
Study abroad applicants attend AUC as non-degree-seeking visiting students. Study abroad students are expected
to meet the same requirements for admission as degree-seeking students. Priority in admission is given to students
who present a strong academic record and demonstrate an interest in the Middle East.

Completed applications should be submitted it to the Office of International Programs, 36 University Place,
Suite 350 by March 8 for the fall and October 8 for the spring, with the following materials.

N.B.: This list of materials is shorter than the list on the AUC Study Abroad Application. Additional information
will be required after admission and prior to enrollment, as noted on the application form.
Checklist of materials to submit:

1. Completed and signed copy of the AUC online application form for study abroad students. You must first
register at https://www.applyweb.com/apply/auc/menu.html and then complete the application.

2. Three identical passport-size photographs with full name printed on the back of each photograph.

3. Official copy of transcript for each college attended.

4. Completed International Student Data Form (ISD)

(https://www.applyweb.com/apply/auc/saa_files/int_data_form.pdf) with a photocopy of the information
page of a valid passport and copy of all pages on which are stamped any previous Egyptian visas
(required of all non-Egyptians for student visa clearance). ISD forms without a copy of the passport
information page are not valid.

Although you no longer need to submit a course plan with your application, you should review course offerings
on the AUC Registrar’s webpage: http://www.aucegypt.edu/currstudents/registrar/Pages/default.aspx to prepare
for completing your Princeton Study Abroad Approval form.
Expenses per semester for 2010-11
Tuition fees (one semester) US$ 10,516
Housing fee US$ 2,000 (per semester in double room)
Housing deposit US$ 325
Student Services & Activities fee US$ 140
Medical Service fee US$ 85
Comprehensive Insurance fee US$ 115
Food US$ 1,000
Books and supplies/lab fees US$ 410
Personal expenses US$ 2,000
Course-related travel US$ 550
Round trip travel to Cairo US$ 2,000
Visa US$ 25
Total US$ 19,166

These estimates do not include funds required for personal travel outside Cairo and for major purchases. Each
student’s needs will vary according to his or her lifestyle and spending habits.

Note about the Visa: All non-Egyptians must obtain a tourist visa for entry to Egypt. It is strongly recommended
that you obtain a tourist entry visa before coming to Egypt. This will help greatly to ensure that you will be
allowed to leave the airport and will not encounter residence problems after arrival. AUC students who register
for full-time study at AUC will then begin the process of obtaining a student residence visa.

The tourist visa fee is $15 for U.S. Nationals (higher for other nationalities). To apply for a tourist visa, you must
hold a passport valid for up to three months beyond the end of your program.
If you do not have a valid passport, you should apply for one immediately. If you wait until an admission
decision is made, you may not be able to obtain your passport in time to travel to Egypt. AUC cannot be
responsible for the denial of a tourist or student visa by the Egyptian Government to a person admitted to the
University. Check with the Egyptian Consulate serving your area if you believe the Government of Egypt may
refuse to issue you a tourist and later a student visa. The student residence visa (issued after registration at AUC)
is $13 per semester. You may not apply for a student residence visa unless full payment of tuition and fees has
been made to AUC. Information on Egyptian visas can be found at http://www.egyptnyc.net/english/visas.asp.

Passport: Students are responsible for ensuring that their passports are valid for their entire stay. U.S. passport
fees are $75 (application fee) plus a $25 execution fee, if you are applying or renewing in person at an Acceptance
Facility or Passport Agency (fees are $75 if you renew your passport by mail). For further information on
renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, please consult the U.S. State Department passport website at
www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Students who are not U.S. citizens should determine whether a visa will be required for entry.

Insurance: All students are required to carry health insurance. Student health insurance that is valid overseas may
be purchased through Princeton University for $725 per semester. Students who are covered by other insurance
plans must confirm that they will be covered while studying abroad and that their coverage is equivalent to the
Princeton plan.

Personal Expenses: Personal expenses vary widely depending upon each individual. Students who plan to travel
outside Cairo before or after the program should budget carefully.

Financial Aid
Students who are approved to study abroad at the American University in Cairo for Princeton credit may use
Princeton financial aid to meet expenses. Students must complete a budget form, available from the
Undergraduate Financial Aid Office. The Undergraduate Financial Aid Office will review the budget and adjust
the financial aid award as appropriate. The budget should include tuition, room, board, travel, books, and personal
expenses. You should provide the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office with the costs as they are estimated by
AUC so that your budget can be approved.

Descriptive information about Cairo and AUC is excerpted directly from the AUC website at:
http://www.aucegypt.edu/intstudents/Pages/default.aspx.

Contents of this brochure are subject to change without notice. Last updated 3/15/10.