The American University in Cairo (AUC) launched the Excellence Scholarship Program, offering scholarships to high-quality students who demonstrate excellence in academic and non-academic endeavours while also considering their financial needs, the university announced on Tuesday. This scholarship, which will start its first cohort in Fall 2023, will provide financial support that covers between 20% to 100% of tuition. "We are proud to introduce the new Excellence Scholarship Program, which will allow us to continue attracting and supporting the brightest, most talented students regardless of their financial ability," said AUC President Ahmad Dallal. As part of our pursuit of academic excellence and access to AUC's top education, we seek to attract a diverse group of the very best students in all fields, from across Egypt and the world. By investing in these students, we are investing not only in their future but in the positive role they will play in Egypt and the region and as global citizens, Dallal explained. Outstanding students who are selected for the scholarship will be expected to show excellence in one or more of the following categories: academic achievement, international diversity, Egyptian national certificates, talents, leadership and community service, and commitment to liberal arts majors. The amount awarded is based on the number of categories in which the student demonstrates excellence. The more areas they excel in, the higher the percentage of their tuition coverage. For instance, a star squash player with an impressive academic record and a commitment to community service will have matched three of the criteria and be awarded the corresponding amount of tuition coverage. While excellence is a necessary condition to compete in this program, financial need is also considered. Those students who demonstrate both merit and need will be highly competitive. "By expanding the categories for financial support, this scholarship program will raise the standard for AUC students both in and out of the classroom," said AUC Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman. "The Excellence Scholarship Program aims at attracting not only top academic performers but also outstanding students in various fields. In order to successfully confront the challenges that lie ahead, it is imperative that we produce graduates equipped with a diverse range of experiences and skills. These graduates must possess a creative and innovative mindset and be able to apply their unique potential to address the needs and issues of their communities," he added. The six categories of the scholarship program allow top students to compete in many ways in which they excel. Academic achievement targets top academic performers in all degree certificates, including national, international, private and public schools. In addition, there is a special category for students who earn Egyptian national certificates like Thanawiya Amma, STEM and Nile, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools. Ahmed Abdel-Meguid, associate provost for enrollment management, explained that AUC is looking for students who will have an impact on the world. "We want to invest in students who have the potential to become agents of change." While the scholarship recipients are expected to maintain their excellence during their journey at AUC, Abdel-Meguid explained that the University will provide them with the support and guidance needed to continue to excel. The new Excellence Scholarship Program is only one of a number of scholarship programs at AUC, including the many AUC-funded and donor-funded scholarships. This year, AUC allocated $40m for scholarships and other forms of financial support. As of Spring 2023, more than 3,700 students or roughly 58% of all students at AUC do not pay full tuition and receive financial support. Of that number, more than 1,200 receive full-tuition coverage.
