LEBANON · BEIRUT
American University of Beirut
private · Founded 1866 · Languages: en, ar
In short
The American University of Beirut (AUB), established in 1866, is a prestigious institution in Beirut, Lebanon, offering over 140 academic programs and a liberal arts education. It is recognized for its strong national and international rankings, particularly in employment outcomes.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1866
- Students
- 8,000
- International students
- 1,200
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–26k/yr
- Languages
- EN, AR
- Location
- Beirut, Lebanon
Established in 1866, the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a prestigious higher education institution located in Beirut, Lebanon. AUB offers a wide array of over 140 programs, including bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees, along with various certificates and diplomas. The university is dedicated to fostering an environment of intellectual and cultural growth, emphasizing tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness among its diverse student body. AUB provides a broad-based liberal arts education, requiring undergraduate students to complete general education courses across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from extensive resources, including well-equipped libraries, laboratories, and computing centers throughout the campus. The university is committed to critical thinking, empowering students to explore, learn, and shape their futures. The Office of Research at AUB supports knowledge generation, innovation, and creative works aimed at improving individual and community well-being. The university promotes collaborative, ethical, high-quality, innovative, and globally relevant research. With a focus on a transformative educational and life experience, AUB welcomes students from various backgrounds to its vibrant campus.
Why study here
- Access to over 140 diverse academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees.
- An educational environment that emphasizes critical thinking, tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness.
- Benefit from extensive academic resources, including modern libraries, laboratories, and computing centers.
- Be part of a prestigious institution with strong national and international rankings, especially in employment outcomes.
- Experience a transformative educational and life experience in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city overlooking the Mediterranean.
Student life
AUB offers students the opportunity to live in its residence halls, fostering a rich community life on its picturesque campus. The university provides quality housing facilities and services to ensure an environment conducive to personal and academic growth. Student Housing aims to make residents feel "at home away from home" and organizes social and academic activities to enrich the AUB experience and create lasting memories. Resources for academic and mental well-being are also available to support students.
Fees
InternationalAUB charges tuition on a per-credit basis; full-time undergraduate tuition is broadly in the range of USD 18,000 to 28,000 per year depending on the faculty and credit load, with international and Lebanese students charged the same published rates.
HomeLebanese and international students pay the same credit-based tuition; need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students.
LivingStudents should budget for on- or off-campus housing, food and personal expenses in Beirut; dormitory and living costs vary widely with the local economic situation, so confirm current estimates with the university.
Tuition is assessed per credit hour and varies by program. A non-refundable application fee applies. Prospective students should verify current per-credit rates and financial aid options with the Office of Admissions, as fees are periodically revised.
Admissions
UndergraduateSophomore & Freshman; Transfer, Second Degree & Diploma
GraduateAdmission to various master's and PhD programs.
MedicineSpecific admission requirements for medical students.
Non-Degree StudentFor students not seeking a full degree.
Online ProgramsAdmission to a range of online degrees and courses.
TOEFLTypically 88 or above (iBT) for admission
IELTS6.5 or above
SATUsed in undergraduate admission review where applicable
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026#237 Worldwide
QS World University Rankings 2026#1 in Lebanon
QS World University Rankings 2026#33 Worldwide for Employment Outcomes
University scholarships
AUB Financial Aid ProgramNeed-based grants covering a portion of tuition for qualifying students
Merit ScholarshipsAwards for high-achieving incoming and continuing students
USAID University Scholarship ProgramFull scholarships for eligible Lebanese students with financial need
Accreditation
The American University of Beirut is chartered in the State of New York and accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with numerous programs holding additional specialized professional accreditations.
Programs
a selectionAmerican University of Beirut · Lebanon
Aging and Dependency in Global Populations
This program, "Aging and Dependency in Global Populations," is offered by the American University of Beirut (AUB) through its Global Health Leadership and Development (GHLAD) initiative. It is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the complexities surrounding aging populations and the implications of dependency on global societies. The course aims to equip individuals with knowledge to address related challenges in healthcare, social policy, and community support.
Certificate
Level
Free
Tuition
—
Duration
American University of Beirut · Lebanon
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Fellowship Program
This program is designed to enhance your understanding of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), a critical global health threat. It explores potential knowledge gaps in AMR research, particularly in the context of conflict and war, which has historically been linked to the spread of infectious diseases and multi-drug resistant bacteria. The Middle East, with its history of conflicts, provides a crucial regional context for collecting vital data on AMR, which can inform global strategies. Accepted fellows will first complete a mandatory online course to build foundational knowledge before engaging in the fellowship program. The program aims to address the current scarcity of evidence-based recommendations for AMR by fostering research and data collection from diverse regions, offering a rich case example for global learning.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
American University of Beirut · Lebanon
Appropriate Health Technologies Concepts, Criteria, and Uses
This course, offered by the American University of Beirut, provides an in-depth understanding of appropriate health technologies. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts, criteria for evaluation, and practical uses of these technologies in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes a clear, plain language approach to ensure accessibility for all learners.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
American University of Beirut · Lebanon
Certificate in Climate Change & Health
This online, asynchronous Certificate in Climate Change & Health is designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills to address the health impacts of climate change, specifically focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program emphasizes social justice, resilience, and actionable policy. Through interdisciplinary content and region-specific case studies, you will critically engage with the interconnected challenges of climate change, health systems, and social inequalities. Delivered via the Global Health Institute’s (GHI) online learning platform, GHLAD, this certificate will enhance your capacity to advocate for climate-health policy reforms, design equitable interventions, and strengthen healthcare systems against climate-related threats in vulnerable settings.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
American University of Beirut · Lebanon
Certificate in Conflict Medicine (Specialty in War Wounds)
The Certificate in Conflict Medicine with a specialty in War Wounds is an online asynchronous program designed to enhance the skills of healthcare practitioners. It focuses on research and medical care delivery tailored for conflict and fragile settings. The certificate aims to equip participants with the knowledge and abilities to effectively manage health challenges in war-affected regions, particularly focusing on the clinical aspects of war wounds. This program is delivered through the Global Health Institute’s (GHI) online learning platform, GHLAD. It integrates core concepts of conflict medicine with specialized training in treating war-related injuries. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of conflict on health, ethical considerations in research, and practical strategies for medical intervention.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
—
Duration
American University of Beirut · Lebanon
Certificate in Conflict Medicine, Specialty in Infectious Diseases
The American University of Beirut offers a Certificate in Conflict Medicine with a specialty in Infectious Diseases, designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to provide medical care and conduct research in challenging environments affected by conflict and fragility. This program is delivered entirely online and asynchronously, allowing for flexible study. It is provided through AUB's Global Health Institute's online learning platform, GHLAD. The certificate program focuses on understanding the specific challenges and needs related to infectious diseases during conflicts. Students will gain conceptual knowledge and practical approaches to addressing major infectious diseases, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, as well as infection control and wound management in conflict settings.
Certificate
Level
€1k
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Lebanonfull fundingAmerican University of Beirut (AUB)
American University of Beirut (AUB) Scholarships
Open to academically able students with limited financial means applying to undergraduate or graduate programmes at AUB in Beirut, Lebanon for the 2026/2027 year. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program track at AUB prioritises students from Africa and the Middle East, including refugees and displaced people residing in Lebanon. Applicants must be proficient in English (IELTS or TOEFL), submit official transcripts and two recommendation letters, sit the GMAT for MBA or GRE for some Arts and Sciences majors, and show leadership and a commitment to their community.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What academic programs does the American University of Beirut offer?
+
AUB offers a wide array of over 140 programs, including bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees, along with various certificates and diplomas. The university provides a broad-based liberal arts education requiring undergraduate students to complete general education courses across multiple disciplines.
What are the tuition fees for international students at AUB?
+
AUB charges tuition on a per-credit basis. Full-time undergraduate tuition is broadly in the range of USD 18,000 to 28,000 per year, depending on the faculty and credit load. International and Lebanese students are charged the same published rates.
Does AUB offer financial aid or scholarships for international students?
+
Need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students, covering a portion of tuition. Merit scholarships are also awarded for high-achieving students, and specific scholarship programs may be available.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
+
For admission, a TOEFL score of typically 88 or above (iBT) or an IELTS score of 6.5 or above is generally required. SAT scores are also considered in undergraduate admission review where applicable.
What is the university's ranking and reputation?
+
AUB is ranked #237 Worldwide by QS World University Rankings 2026 and is the #1 university in Lebanon. It is also recognized globally for employment outcomes, ranking #33 Worldwide.
Last updated