ONSI SAWIRIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (ADMINISTERED BY AMIDEAST)
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program
full · bachelors, masters
- Full tuition + living allowanceFunding type
- 4 universities (US)Stanford, UChicago, Harvard, UPenn
- 4 yrs (UG) / 2 yrs (Master's)Award duration
- ~US$80,000+ / year value (est.)Estimated total package
- Egyptian nationals onlyEligibility
- 2-year return commitmentPost-study obligation
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Egypt
Country
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program (administered by AMIDEAST)
Provider
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program funds Egyptian nationals to study undergraduate or master's degrees at four named universities in the United States: Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Launched by Orascom Construction in 2000 and administered through AMIDEAST, the programme covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel, and health insurance, and recipients may also intern at the company. Undergraduate awards run for 4 years and master's awards for 2 years. Selection weighs academic record, character, entrepreneurial drive, and extracurricular involvement, with preference for candidates who have not lived, studied, or worked abroad for an extended period. Undergraduate applicants need a GPA of 3.5 (or 90% in the Thanaweyya Amma), a TOEFL iBT of 100 or above, and qualifying SAT scores (for example, an overall 1450 on the post-2016 SAT). Master's applicants need a GPA of 3.5, TOEFL iBT 100+, a GMAT of 650 or a GRE overall of 302 with 4.5 analytical writing, and at least three years of work experience in engineering or business fields. All recipients commit to returning to Egypt for two years after graduating. Because the covered amounts, test thresholds, and deadlines are set each cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and the 2026/2027 deadline on the official AMIDEAST page before you apply.
What's covered
- Full tuition — The entire tuition cost at the admitting US university is covered for the duration of the degree (4 years undergraduate or 2 years master's).
- Living allowance — A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and day-to-day expenses while studying in the US.
- Travel — Round-trip international airfare between Egypt and the United States is provided.
- Health insurance — Health insurance coverage for the scholar throughout the period of study.
- Total package value — Combined tuition, living, travel, and insurance is estimated at about ~US$80,000+ (est.) per year at these universities; confirm exact figures officially.
- Company internship — Recipients have the opportunity to intern at Orascom Construction, gaining work experience alongside their studies.
How to apply
Applications are made through the AMIDEAST website, with separate undergraduate and master's tracks and required essays and test scores.
- Create an AMIDEAST account — Register on the AMIDEAST website and open the Onsi Sawiris undergraduate or graduate application form.
- Complete personal and academic details — Fill in personal data and educational background, and confirm you meet the GPA, language, and test-score thresholds.
- Write the required essays — Undergraduates write a 500-word essay on their goals and a 350-word essay on their passions; master's applicants complete the graduate statement.
- Attach supporting documents — Upload transcripts, graduation/Thanaweyya Amma certificate, resume, test scores (SAT/TOEFL or GRE/GMAT), and two recommendation letters.
- Review and submit — Check that every required document is attached, then submit the application before the deadline for consideration.
Eligibility
NationalityEgyptian national and resident of Egypt; preference is not given to dual-national applicants.
Undergraduate academicsGPA 3.5 / 90% in the Thanaweyya Amma (or equivalent), TOEFL iBT 100+, and qualifying SAT scores (e.g. overall 1450 on the post-2016 SAT).
Master's academicsGPA 3.5, TOEFL iBT 100+, GMAT 650+ or GRE overall 302+ with 4.5 analytical writing, and at least three years of work experience.
Return commitmentMust commit to returning to Egypt for two years immediately after completing the degree.
Abroad limitMust not have resided abroad for more than three years; preference for candidates with limited time abroad.
Candidates already holding a foreign master's degree, or an Egyptian master's in the same field they are applying for, are not eligible; nomination does not guarantee university admission.
Eligible countries
Egypt
Deadlines
2027 entry~December 2026 (est.)
Selection
Recipients are chosen on academic achievement, character, entrepreneurial drive, and extracurricular involvement. Preference is given to candidates who have not spent extended time abroad. Nomination supports the applicant in seeking admission to an endorsed university; the award is confirmed once university acceptance is secured.
Verified sources
- Onsi Sawiris Scholarship — AMIDEAST Egypt official pageamideast.orgofficial
About the provider
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program was established by Orascom Construction in 2000 to fund talented young Egyptians at top US universities; it is administered in Egypt by AMIDEAST, a non-profit organisation managing international education and exchange programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program?
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It is a fully funded scholarship for Egyptian nationals to study undergraduate or master's degrees at four named US universities.
Which universities are covered?
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Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Who is eligible?
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Egyptian nationals resident in Egypt who meet the GPA, language, and test-score requirements and have not lived abroad for more than three years.
What does the scholarship cover?
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Full tuition, a living allowance, travel, and health insurance, plus the opportunity to intern at Orascom Construction.
What is the estimated total value?
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The full package is estimated at about ~US$80,000+ (est.) per year at these universities; confirm exact figures on the official page.
What are the undergraduate requirements?
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A GPA of 3.5 (or 90% Thanaweyya Amma), TOEFL iBT 100+, and qualifying SAT scores such as an overall 1450 on the post-2016 SAT.
What are the master's requirements?
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A GPA of 3.5, TOEFL iBT 100+, GMAT 650+ or GRE 302+ with 4.5 analytical writing, and at least three years of work experience.
Is there a return obligation?
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Yes. Recipients commit to returning to Egypt for two years immediately after completing their degree.
How long does the award last?
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Four years for undergraduate study and two years for master's study.
Does nomination guarantee admission?
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No. Nomination supports your university application; the scholarship is confirmed only after you secure admission to an endorsed university.
How do I apply?
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Create an account on the AMIDEAST website, complete the relevant form, write the required essays, and upload your documents before the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Applications typically close around December; confirm the exact 2026 date on the official AMIDEAST page.