FellowshipFully Funded Closed 93 days ago

Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) supports new graduate students with outstanding academic records who wish to pursue a graduate diploma in public administration or public policy at The American University in Cairo (AUC). This fellowship is highly competitive

Provider: The American University in Cairo
Host country: Egypt
Deadline: February 25, 2026
Region: North Africa

Official source

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Fellowships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo is open to African students applying to study in Egypt at the Fellowship level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Fellowship · applicants for Egypt
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Fellowship
Deadline: February 25, 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be Egyptian nationals, new graduate degree-seeking students who meet all AUC graduate admissions requirements. For continuing students, a minimum GPA of 3.2 is required to retain the fellowship.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Health insurance

About the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo (2026)

## Overview The Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a prestigious opportunity for new graduate students from Egypt. This fellowship is meticulously designed to cultivate future leaders in public administration and public policy, focusing on inclusive development within Egypt. It supports individuals with exceptional academic backgrounds who are committed to making a tangible impact in their country's public sector. ## Benefits Recipients of the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development enjoy comprehensive financial support, ensuring that they can focus on their studies and professional development without undue financial burden. The benefits include: * Full tuition coverage for up to nine credit hours per semester. * Coverage of student services and activities fees. * Medical service and health insurance fees. This robust funding package provides a secure environment for fellows to excel academically and contribute to the Public Policy HUB at AUC. ## Eligibility To be considered for this highly competitive fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Nationality:** Only Egyptian nationals are eligible to apply. * **Academic Standing:** Applicants must be new graduate degree-seeking students who fulfill all admission requirements for graduate programs at AUC. * **Continuing Fellows:** For those wishing to continue their fellowship after the first semester, a minimum GPA of 3.2 must be maintained. The fellowship is specifically tailored for those pursuing a graduate diploma in public administration or public policy, with a clear commitment to inclusive development. ## Required documents The article does not explicitly list required documents for the fellowship application. However, based on typical university application processes, prospective applicants should prepare: * **Academic transcripts** from all previous institutions. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume** detailing academic and professional experience. * **Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter**, outlining their interest in public administration or public policy and their commitment to inclusive development. * **Letters of Recommendation** from academic or professional referees. * Any other documents required for general AUC graduate admissions. It is crucial to refer to the official AUC admissions portal and fellowship application for a precise list of required documents. ## Application steps The application process for the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development is structured to ensure a thorough review of all candidates: 1. **Review Application Guidelines:** Carefully read the application instructions on the AUC admissions portal. 2. **Submit Online Application:** Complete and submit the general online application for graduate admissions to AUC. 3. **Submit Fellowship Application:** Once the general application is complete, proceed to fill out and submit the dedicated online fellowship application. 4. **Check Deadlines:** Verify the fellowship application cycle deadlines on the official AUC website to ensure timely submission. 5. **Inquiries:** For any questions or clarifications, contact gradserv@aucegypt.edu. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** February 25, 2026 * **Program Duration:** The fellowship initially covers two semesters, with continued support contingent on satisfactory academic performance. Applicants are strongly advised to confirm these dates on the official AUC website, as deadlines are subject to change. ## Selection criteria While specific selection criteria beyond academic excellence are not explicitly detailed, the fellowship targets individuals with: * **Outstanding Academic Records:** A strong academic history is crucial for consideration. * **Commitment to Inclusive Development:** Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to fostering inclusive development in Egypt. * **Leadership Potential:** The program aims to build future leaders in Egypt’s public sector, suggesting that leadership qualities and potential for impact are important. Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.2 is essential for continuing the fellowship, indicating a strong emphasis on consistent academic performance. ## Tips For African applicants, particularly those from Egypt, aspiring to secure the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development, consider these tips: * **Highlight your commitment to inclusive development:** In your application essays and interviews, clearly articulate how your past experiences and future goals align with the fellowship's mission of inclusive development in Egypt. * **Showcase your academic excellence:** Ensure your academic transcripts and any standardized test scores reflect your outstanding academic record. If you have research experience, emphasize its relevance. * **Craft a compelling statement of purpose:** This is your opportunity to tell your story, explain your motivations, and convince the selection committee of your potential to contribute significantly to the public sector in Egypt. * **Secure strong letters of recommendation:** Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. * **Prepare for AUC graduate admissions:** Ensure you meet all the general graduate admissions requirements for AUC, as this is a prerequisite for the fellowship. * **Engage with the Public Policy HUB:** Express your enthusiasm for working with the Public Policy HUB at AUC, as this is a core component of the fellowship. ## Official source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development, please visit the official page: [Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development at AUC](https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/fellowships/listings/swiss-fellowship-for-inclusive-development)

What the Fully Funded Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Health insurance

Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo eligibility for Egypt applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must be Egyptian nationals, new graduate degree-seeking students who meet all AUC graduate admissions requirements. For continuing students, a minimum GPA of 3.2 is required to retain the fellowship.

Documents required for the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/fellowships/listings/swiss-fellowship-for-inclusive-development and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be Egyptian nationals, new graduate degree-seeking students who meet all AUC graduate admissions requirements. For continuing students, a minimum GPA of 3.2 is required to retain the fellowship.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many The American University in Cairo awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/fellowships/listings/swiss-fellowship-for-inclusive-development, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 27 Dec 2025. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by February 25, 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 25 Feb 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, The American University in Cairo will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (February 25, 2026). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
2 Mar 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
29 Aug 2025
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
27 Nov 2025
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
26 Jan 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
25 Feb 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Fellowship level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by The American University in Cairo, and be able to relocate to Egypt for the duration of the programme.

Is the Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is February 25, 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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