The Arab Open University (AOU) is a prominent, non-profit open learning institution that offers a flexible and accessible education model tailored to the needs of students across the Arab world. Established in 2002 by Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz under the umbrella of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), AOU is dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering development in the region.
AOU operates across nine Arab countries, including Egypt, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on distance learning and blended learning methods.
Founded: 2002
Type: Non-profit, Open Learning Institution
Campus Location in Egypt: Cairo, Egypt (with additional branch campuses)
Accreditation: Accredited by both Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and UK Open University.
Affiliation: Part of a larger network of AOU branches across the Arab world (Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Kuwait).
The Arab Open University is known for its blended learning model, which combines face-to-face classroom instruction with online/distance learning. This flexible approach allows students to balance their education with personal or professional responsibilities, making it particularly suitable for working professionals, adult learners, and students in remote or underserved areas.
Face-to-Face Tutorials: Students attend in-person tutorials and classes at the AOU campuses, which are typically held on weekends or evenings to accommodate working professionals.
E-Learning: Students use an online platform to access course materials, submit assignments, and engage in discussions with instructors and peers. This allows for flexible learning outside of the physical classroom.
Self-Study: A large part of AOU’s learning model involves students engaging in self-study, using specially developed materials.
AOU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in collaboration with the UK Open University, ensuring international standards of education. Here’s a breakdown of the degree programs available at AOU’s Egypt branch:
Faculty of Business Studies:
Bachelor of Business Studies (BBA): Specializations include Accounting, Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources Management.
Faculty of Information Technology and Computing:
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing (BSc ITC): Specializations in Networking, Software Development, and Computing with Business.
Faculty of Education:
Bachelor of Education: Specializations in Primary Education and Special Education.
Faculty of Language Studies:
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature (BA).
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA): A flexible program tailored for professionals looking to advance their managerial skills and business knowledge.
2. Master of Computing: Specializations in Information Security and Software Engineering.
AOU’s degree programs are accredited by Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and UK Open University, ensuring that the degrees are recognized both locally and internationally.
Dual Accreditation: Degrees issued by AOU are recognized in Egypt and in other countries through its partnership with the UK Open University, providing graduates with the flexibility to pursue further education or employment abroad.
Flexible Study Options:
AOU is designed for students who need a flexible study schedule. Its blended learning model allows students to engage in both online and in-person learning, making it an excellent option for those balancing work, family, and studies.
Open Admission Policy:
AOU has a relatively open admission policy, making higher education accessible to a broad range of students, including those who might not meet the more stringent entry requirements of traditional universities. This model is inclusive, especially for adult learners or those re-entering education after a break.
E-Learning Platform:
The university uses a robust e-learning platform that allows students to access materials, participate in forums, and communicate with instructors remotely. This platform supports students with busy schedules, giving them control over their learning pace.
Supportive Learning Environment:
Although AOU emphasizes self-directed learning, students are provided with continuous support from academic staff, tutors, and fellow students through face-to-face tutorials, virtual office hours, and discussion forums.
Affordable Education:
AOU offers affordable tuition fees compared to other private universities, making higher education accessible to a broader segment of the population.
Since AOU focuses heavily on distance learning, the student life experience is somewhat different from that of traditional universities. However, AOU offers various opportunities for students to engage in both academic and social activities:
Clubs and Societies: AOU supports student clubs and societies that promote social engagement, networking, and extracurricular learning.
Workshops and Seminars: The university hosts regular seminars, conferences, and workshops that offer students opportunities to gain industry insights and develop soft skills.
Career Development: The university provides career services that include job placement assistance, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation.
Faculty |
Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Faculty of Business Studies |
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
- Accounting |
4 years (full-time) |
|
Faculty of Information Technology & Computing |
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing (BSc ITC) |
- Computing with Business |
4 years (full-time) |
|
Faculty of Education |
Bachelor of Education |
- Primary Education |
4 years (full-time) |
|
Faculty of Language Studies |
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature (BA) |
No specializations |
4 years (full-time) |
Faculty |
Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Faculty of Business Studies |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
General (no specializations) |
2-3 years (full-time/part-time) |
|
Faculty of Information Technology & Computing |
Master of Computing |
- Software Engineering |
2-3 years (full-time/part-time) |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
4 years |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing (BSc ITC) |
4 years |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
|
Bachelor of Education |
4 years |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature (BA) |
4 years |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2-3 years |
$3,000 – $4,000 |
|
Master of Computing |
2-3 years |
$3,000 – $4,000 |
|
- Specialization in Software Engineering |
|
|
|
- Specialization in Information Security |
|
Blended Learning Approach: AOU’s courses combine face-to-face tutorials with online learning, making it ideal for international students who need flexibility. Students can complete much of their coursework remotely while still having the option to attend in-person tutorials.
Self-Paced Learning: The flexible learning structure allows students to manage their time efficiently, which is particularly beneficial for those balancing work or family commitments alongside their studies.
UK Open University Accreditation: AOU is accredited by the UK Open University, which means degrees from AOU are recognized not only in Egypt but also internationally.
Dual Accreditation: In addition to the UK accreditation, all programs are approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, ensuring that the degrees are valid and respected globally.
Affordable Education: AOU offers competitive and affordable tuition fees compared to other private universities in Egypt and the region. The typical tuition fees range between $1,500 and $2,000 per year for undergraduate programs and $3,000 to $4,000 per year for master’s programs. This makes AOU a financially accessible option for many international students.
Payment Plans: AOU offers flexible payment plans, allowing students to pay in installments, which is particularly useful for international students managing their finances.
AOU offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business administration, information technology, computing, education, and English language studies. The wide range of programs allows international students to find courses that align with their academic and career goals.
Career Support: AOU’s Career Development Office assists students in finding internships and job placements, both locally and internationally. The university’s connections with industries and businesses in Egypt and other Arab countries create valuable opportunities for international students to gain professional experience.
Networking Opportunities: Through various seminars, workshops, and alumni networks, international students have the opportunity to build professional connections during their studies.
High School Certificate: Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Egyptian Students: Should provide the Thanaweya Amma certificate or its equivalent.
International Students: Must provide an equivalent secondary school qualification (e.g., IGCSE, American High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB), or other recognized international qualifications).
Minimum Grades: The required grades vary depending on the program. Applicants should check specific program requirements.
English Language Proficiency: For programs taught in English (e.g., Business and IT), applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
IELTS (minimum score of 5.5-6.0)
TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 60-80)
Applicants without these scores may need to take an English placement test at AOU.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Visit the and fill out the online application form.
Alternatively, applications can be submitted at the university’s admissions office in person.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Certified copy of the high school certificate or equivalent.
Official transcripts of previous academic records.
Passport copy (for international students) or national ID (for Egyptian students).
Passport-sized photographs.
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores, if applicable).
Any other documents requested based on the program.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee must be paid during the submission process. This can typically be paid online or at the admissions office.
Step 4: Receive Admission Offer
After reviewing the application and documents, AOU will send a provisional admission offer via email or letter. This typically includes the program you have been accepted into and any conditions for admission.
Step 5: Confirm Enrollment
Students must confirm their acceptance by paying a registration fee to secure their spot in the program.
Step 6: Attend Orientation
Once admitted, students are required to attend an orientation session where they receive information about their academic program, the university’s policies, and available resources.
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have an accredited Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in a relevant field.
A GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 is generally required.
Work Experience: Some programs, especially the MBA, may require relevant work experience.
English Language Proficiency: For programs like the MBA and Master of Computing, students must demonstrate proficiency in English.
IELTS (minimum score of 6.0)
TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 80)
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Apply through the AOU online application portal or by visiting the university’s Graduate Studies Office.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Certified copies of Bachelor’s degree transcripts and certificates.
CV/Resume detailing academic background and professional experience (if applicable).
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores, if required).
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (required for some postgraduate programs).
Two Letters of Recommendation (for certain programs).
Copy of passport (for international students) or national ID (for Egyptian students).
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee online or at the admissions office.
Step 4: Admission Review and Interview
Some postgraduate programs, such as the MBA, may require an interview as part of the admissions process. AOU will notify students if an interview is required.
After reviewing the application and interview (if applicable), the admissions committee will make a decision and notify the applicant of the outcome.
Step 5: Acceptance and Enrollment
Once accepted, students need to confirm their enrollment by paying a deposit or registration fee.
Step 6: Start Program
Attend the orientation session and begin the academic journey. The orientation covers course registration, program expectations, and other relevant information.
International students must meet the same academic requirements as domestic students but will have a few additional steps related to visa and residency applications.
Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants must provide:
Equivalent secondary education certificates for undergraduate admission or Bachelor’s degree transcripts for postgraduate admission.
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) as required by the program.
Copy of a valid passport.
Step 1: Obtain an Acceptance Letter
Once admitted, AOU will provide an official acceptance letter that will help international students apply for a student visa.
Step 2: Apply for a Student Visa
International students must apply for a student visa at the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy in their home country.
Required documents typically include:
Passport
Acceptance letter from AOU
Proof of financial stability
Step 3: Apply for Residency Permit
Upon arrival in Egypt, students must apply for a residency permit with the assistance of AOU’s International Student Office. This process typically involves submitting the visa, passport, and other required documents.
AOU follows a semester system, offering two main intakes per academic year for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Application Deadline: Typically in July/August.
Semester Start: Classes begin in September.
Main Intake: The majority of students are admitted during the Fall intake. Most programs open for new admissions in this intake.
Application Deadline: Typically in December/January.
Semester Start: Classes begin in February.
Secondary Intake: A limited number of students are admitted in the Spring intake, especially for undergraduate programs and some postgraduate courses.
AOU may offer summer courses, allowing students to take additional classes and shorten the duration of their studies. These are usually continuation courses rather than new admissions.
General Eligibility:
High School Certificate: Applicants must possess a recognized high school diploma or equivalent to the Egyptian Thanaweya Amma.
Egyptian Students: Must submit their Thanaweya Amma or equivalent.
International Students: Must provide internationally recognized qualifications such as:
American High School Diploma: Requires SAT scores in addition to the diploma.
IGCSE (British System): Requires a minimum of 8 O-Level subjects (grades A to C), and sometimes A-Level/AS-Level subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Requires a minimum of 24 points (for most programs).
Other national systems recognized by Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
English Language Proficiency:
For programs taught in English (such as Business and IT), applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency.
IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5–6.0.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 60–80.
English Placement Test: If applicants do not have standardized test scores, they may be required to take an English placement test at AOU.
Program-Specific Requirements:
Certain programs may have additional requirements based on the field of study:
Business Studies: A basic background in mathematics may be required for programs like Accounting or Finance.
IT and Computing: Applicants need to have studied mathematics at the high school level to qualify for admission to the Information Technology and Computing program.
General Eligibility:
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
For example, applicants to the MBA program must hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as business, economics, or commerce.
For Master’s in Computing, applicants need a degree in computer science, IT, or a related field.
GPA Requirement:
A minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 (or equivalent) is required for most postgraduate programs. However, each department may set specific GPA thresholds based on the program.
English Language Proficiency:
English proficiency is a must for most postgraduate programs, particularly for the MBA and Master’s in Computing.
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80.
Work Experience (for certain programs):
For professional programs like the MBA, some departments may require relevant work experience (usually 2-3 years) in managerial or professional roles.
Program-Specific Requirements:
Certain master’s programs may require additional documentation:
Personal Statement: A brief essay outlining the applicant’s academic background, career goals, and motivation for pursuing the program.
Letters of Recommendation: Some programs may require 1-2 recommendation letters from academic or professional references.
General Eligibility for International Students:
Academic Qualifications: International students must meet the same academic requirements as Egyptian students, but their secondary education certificates must be recognized as equivalent by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
Language Proficiency: English language requirements remain the same for international students. Students who do not meet the English language standards may be required to complete a language preparatory course.
Visa and Residency:
After acceptance, international students will receive an admission letter from AOU to apply for a student visa.
Once in Egypt, international students must apply for a residency permit with the assistance of AOU’s International Office.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
For Undergraduate/Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit-Based Scholarship |
- High academic achievement (e.g., GPA, high school grades) |
Partial tuition coverage (up to 50%) |
Undergraduate/Graduate |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
- Demonstrated financial need |
Partial tuition coverage (up to 50%) |
Undergraduate/Graduate |
|
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
- Exceptional academic performance |
Full or partial tuition coverage |
Undergraduate |
|
Athletic Scholarship |
- Outstanding achievements in sports |
Partial tuition coverage |
Undergraduate |
|
Special Needs Scholarship |
- Students with disabilities |
Full or partial tuition coverage |
Undergraduate/Graduate |
|
Orphan Scholarship |
- Orphaned students (supporting documents required) |
Partial tuition coverage |
Undergraduate |
|
Sibling Discount |
- Families with more than one child enrolled at AOU |
Discount on tuition for siblings |
Undergraduate |
|
International Students Scholarship |
- Available for non-Egyptian students |
Partial tuition coverage |
Undergraduate/Graduate |
Category |
Details |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
AOU Egypt’s main campus is located in Cairo, with additional branch offices and learning centers across Egypt. |
N/A |
|
Learning Facilities |
|
|
|
Lecture Halls & Classrooms |
Modern, well-equipped lecture halls and classrooms for in-person tutorials. |
N/A |
|
Library |
On-campus library offering access to both physical and digital resources, including e-books and academic journals. |
N/A |
|
E-Learning Platform |
Access to AOU’s online learning management system for coursework, assignments, and interaction with instructors. |
N/A |
|
Computer Labs |
Available for IT and computing students, equipped with the latest software and technology. |
N/A |
|
Wi-Fi & Internet |
Free Wi-Fi access available throughout the campus for students. |
Included in tuition fees |
|
Cafeteria |
On-campus cafeteria offering meals, snacks, and beverages at affordable prices. |
$2 – $5 per meal |
|
Student Support Services |
|
|
|
Student Counseling Services |
Academic and personal counseling available to students for free. |
Free for all students |
|
Career Development Center |
Provides career counseling, internship placement, and job search support. |
Free for all students |
|
Health Services |
Access to basic healthcare services and first aid on campus. |
Pay-per-service |
|
Transportation |
Public transportation options available nearby, along with private buses in some areas. |
Depends on distance (typically $20–$50/month) |
|
Accommodation Facilities |
|
|
|
On-Campus Dormitories |
Currently, AOU Egypt does not offer on-campus accommodation. Students live in off-campus housing or rent private apartments. |
N/A |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
AOU provides guidance in securing off-campus housing near the campus. Options range from shared apartments to private rooms. |
based on location and amenities |
|
Shared Apartments |
A popular option for students, typically offering shared living spaces with separate bedrooms. |
$200 – $400 per month |
|
Private Apartments/Studios |
Students may rent a private apartment, ideal for those seeking independent living. |
$300 – $600 per month |
|
Utilities (Electricity/Water/Internet) |
Not always included in rent; students typically pay separately for utilities. |
$50 – $100 per month (depending on usage) |
Flexible Learning: AOU offers a blended learning approach where students attend face-to-face tutorials combined with online coursework. This allows students to study at their own pace while maintaining the support of in-person classes.
E-Learning Platform: The university provides an online platform that gives students access to lectures, assignments, and discussion forums. This system enables students to communicate with their professors and peers even when not on campus.
Support Services: AOU offers a variety of academic support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and student counseling, to help students succeed in their programs.
Libraries: AOU has both physical and digital libraries, offering students access to textbooks, research materials, and academic journals.
AOU Egypt encourages students to participate in clubs and societies that cater to a wide range of interests. These organizations provide a platform for students to engage in extracurricular activities, network, and develop leadership skills.
Academic Clubs:
Business and Economics Club: Organizes seminars, workshops, and guest lectures on topics related to business, economics, and management.
IT & Computing Society: For students interested in technology, programming, and software development, this society hosts hackathons, coding workshops, and competitions.
Cultural Clubs:
Cultural Exchange Club: Promotes interaction between Egyptian and international students through cultural events and festivals.
Arts & Literature Society: A club for students who are passionate about the arts, literature, and creative writing. The club organizes poetry readings, writing workshops, and art exhibitions.
Social and Volunteering Clubs:
Community Service Club: Encourages students to volunteer in the local community, organizing charity drives, fundraising events, and awareness campaigns.
Green Club: Focuses on environmental awareness and sustainability, organizing recycling drives, tree planting events, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Sports Clubs:
Football Club: Students participate in football (soccer) tournaments, with teams representing AOU in local and national competitions.
Basketball Club: The club offers opportunities for both recreational and competitive basketball play.
Table Tennis and Tennis Clubs: Available for students interested in individual sports.
AOU Egypt recognizes the importance of cultural exchange and social activities, which is why the university hosts several events throughout the academic year that encourage students to interact with one another and showcase their talents.
Cultural Festivals:
AOU organizes cultural events that celebrate diverse nationalities and traditions, especially since the student body includes people from various Arab countries and other regions. These events often feature traditional music, dance, and food.
International Day: A popular event that showcases the diversity of AOU’s student body, where students can present their country’s culture through exhibitions, performances, and food stalls.
Workshops and Seminars:
AOU regularly hosts workshops and guest lectures on a variety of topics, including business trends, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and technology.
These events are often led by industry professionals, giving students the opportunity to gain insights from experts and stay updated on current trends in their fields.
Annual Carnival:
AOU organizes an annual carnival that features music performances, games, food stalls, and student showcases. This event serves as an informal social gathering where students can relax and socialize.
Though AOU focuses on blended learning, the university encourages students to maintain a healthy balance between academics and physical activity. Students can participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities.
Sports and Fitness Facilities:
AOU Egypt offers access to sports facilities, including football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and table tennis facilities. These are available for both casual play and competitive events.
Students can join sports teams and participate in inter-university sports competitions and tournaments, where AOU teams compete with other universities.
Fitness Clubs:
Some campuses also provide access to fitness centers or partner with local gyms, allowing students to maintain their fitness and health.
Sports Competitions:
AOU regularly organizes sports competitions for students, such as football tournaments, track and field events, and friendly matches against other universities.
AOU Egypt is committed to helping students prepare for their professional careers by offering a wide range of career development services.
Career Development Center:
The Career Development Center (CDC) provides students with career counseling, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation. It also helps students identify internships and job opportunities.
The CDC organizes career fairs, bringing companies and employers from various industries to the campus to meet students and discuss potential job openings.
Internship Opportunities:
AOU collaborates with local businesses, multinational corporations, and NGOs to offer students internship placements in fields such as business, technology, education, and more. These internships provide valuable work experience and can often lead to full-time job offers after graduation.
Workshops and Seminars:
The university regularly hosts professional development workshops on topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, and teamwork, giving students the opportunity to hone their skills before entering the workforce.
AOU provides a range of support services designed to assist students both academically and personally throughout their university journey.
Academic Advising:
Students have access to academic advisors who help them with course selection, understanding program requirements, and addressing any academic challenges they may face.
Counseling Services:
The university offers personal and academic counseling to help students deal with stress, time management, and other personal or academic challenges.
Health Services:
On-campus medical services are available to provide basic healthcare and first aid. AOU also assists students in finding local healthcare providers for more serious medical issues.
Transportation Services:
AOU’s campus is well-connected via public transportation, and students can easily commute to and from the campus. The university also offers shuttle services to nearby locations for certain events and activities.
AOU Egypt has a multicultural student body, with students coming from various Arab countries as well as other parts of the world. This diversity enhances the learning experience and fosters a global perspective among students.
The university provides dedicated support services for international students, helping them with orientation, language barriers, visa processes, and cultural integration.
Arabic Language Courses are available for non-Arabic speaking students, helping them adapt to life in Egypt and improving their communication skills.
AOU Egypt has a growing alumni network that plays an active role in helping students transition from university to the workforce. Alumni often return to campus to give talks, participate in career fairs, and mentor current students.
The Career Development Center (CDC) at AOU Egypt plays a central role in helping students transition from university life to the professional world. The CDC provides a range of services designed to enhance students’ employability and career readiness.
A. Key Services Offered by the CDC:
Career Counseling: One-on-one sessions with career advisors to help students develop a clear career path, explore job opportunities, and set realistic career goals.
Resume and CV Building Workshops: The CDC holds workshops to teach students how to create professional resumes, cover letters, and CVs, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply for jobs.
Mock Interviews and Interview Skills: AOU offers mock interview sessions where students can practice their interview skills with career professionals. This helps them gain confidence and refine their responses.
Job Search Assistance: The CDC helps students identify job openings, prepares them for the application process, and connects them with potential employers.
B. Career Fairs and Networking Events:
Annual Career Fairs: AOU Egypt organizes career fairs where students can meet potential employers, explore internship opportunities, and submit their CVs. These events attract local businesses, multinational companies, and government organizations from a variety of industries.
Networking Opportunities: Regular networking events and seminars allow students to interact with industry professionals and alumni, expanding their professional connections.
C. Internship Placement:
The CDC assists students in securing internships with leading companies in Egypt and abroad. These internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, making them more competitive in the job market.
Internships are especially emphasized in programs like business administration, information technology, computing, and education.
AOU Egypt has established strong ties with various industry partners, local businesses, and international organizations to facilitate placements and career opportunities for its students.
A. Key Industry Partners:
AOU works closely with multinational companies, local enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government sectors to provide placement opportunities and internships for students. Some key industries where AOU Egypt has a presence include:
Business and Finance:
Collaborations with banks, multinational corporations, and financial institutions allow business administration graduates to find positions in marketing, finance, human resources, and management.
Companies like HSBC, Commercial International Bank (CIB), Procter & Gamble, and PepsiCo are frequent recruiters of AOU graduates.
Information Technology and Computing:
AOU partners with IT companies and software development firms to offer placements for students specializing in software engineering, networking, and computing with business.
Companies like Microsoft, Vodafone, Orange, and IBM have been known to offer internships and job placements to AOU students.
Education Sector:
Students pursuing degrees in education often secure teaching roles, internships, or administrative positions at international schools, private institutions, and special education centers.
Logistics and Supply Chain:
Graduates of business and IT programs also find roles in logistics, supply chain management, and operations with companies like Aramex, DHL, and FedEx.
B. Internship Programs:
Many of AOU's programs include mandatory internships, which help students gain relevant work experience. These internships are facilitated through the university’s partnerships with companies in Egypt and the Middle East.
AOU’s internship programs are aligned with the curriculum, ensuring that students apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.
Though AOU Egypt does not publish official employment statistics or placement rates, the university is known for its success in helping students secure jobs across various industries. Based on available data and feedback from alumni, the following trends have been observed:
A. Employment Rate:
It is estimated that 70-80% of AOU graduates secure employment within 6-12 months of graduation, thanks to the university’s career services and strong industry connections.
B. Program-Specific Placement Rates:
Business Graduates:
Business graduates typically find employment in multinational companies, banks, and private businesses. Common roles include marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resource officers, and business consultants.
Information Technology and Computing Graduates:
Graduates from IT and computing programs often secure roles as software developers, network administrators, IT consultants, and project managers in Egypt’s growing technology sector.
With the rise of remote work, many IT students also find employment with international companies through remote job opportunities.
Education Graduates:
Graduates from AOU’s education programs often secure positions as teachers, educational consultants, or administrators at private schools or special education centers in Egypt and abroad.
C. Entrepreneurship:
AOU actively promotes entrepreneurship among its students, offering guidance on how to start their own businesses. Many AOU graduates have gone on to establish successful startups in fields such as e-commerce, IT services, and education.
AOU Egypt maintains an active alumni network, which plays an important role in supporting current students and recent graduates. Alumni engagement helps graduates stay connected to the university and the business community.
A. Alumni Mentorship:
Alumni often return to campus to offer mentorship and career advice to current students, sharing their experiences and insights from their industries.
Alumni participate in career fairs, networking events, and guest lectures, giving students a chance to connect with professionals who have been in their position.
B. Job Placement Assistance:
AOU continues to support its graduates by offering post-graduation career services, including job search support, resume reviews, and interview preparation.
Graduates can stay in touch with the Career Development Center to receive assistance even after completing their degrees.
AOU Egypt is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among its students. The university provides resources and support for students interested in starting their own businesses.
A. Entrepreneurship Workshops and Competitions:
AOU hosts entrepreneurship workshops, where students can learn about business development, funding, and startup management.
The university also organizes business plan competitions, where students present their startup ideas to panels of experts, and winners may receive funding and mentorship opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
B. Partnerships with Incubators:
AOU collaborates with business incubators and accelerators to help students access the resources they need to launch and grow their businesses.
Open Admission Philosophy:
AOU follows a more inclusive and accessible approach to education, often described as open learning. The university aims to make higher education available to a broader range of students, including those who might not meet the stringent entry requirements of other institutions.
This open admission philosophy results in a higher acceptance rate than that of more selective universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Admission is based on meeting the minimum academic requirements for each program. For undergraduate programs, applicants must hold a recognized high school diploma or its equivalent, while postgraduate programs require a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
AOU’s blended learning model, which includes a combination of online and in-person education, is designed to accommodate students with different needs, including working professionals and adult learners.
English Language Proficiency:
Some programs, particularly those taught in English (such as Business Administration and Information Technology), require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Students who do not meet these language requirements may still be offered conditional admission with the requirement of completing English preparatory courses.
Given AOU’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity, it is estimated that the acceptance rate could range from 60% to 80%, depending on the program and the number of applicants. Open learning institutions like AOU tend to have higher acceptance rates as they aim to provide opportunities for a wide range of students, including those who may have had gaps in their education or are returning to school later in life.
City: Cairo, Egypt
Address: Arab Open University, 19 El-Shaheed Ismail Fahmy St, El-Khalifa El-Maamoun, Cairo, Egypt
Region: Nasr City, one of the most well-connected and student-friendly districts in Cairo.
