The Swiss Fellowship for Inclusive Development (SFID) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) provides a fully funded opportunity for Egyptian nationals to pursue graduate-level study in public administration or public policy. This fellowship is designed to support students with strong academic records who are committed to advancing inclusive governance, public service, and policy development in Egypt. By providing financial coverage and structured engagement opportunities, the fellowship enables students to focus on learning, skill-building, and professional growth while contributing to meaningful public policy initiatives.
The SFID fellowship covers essential academic and support costs for a full year of study, including tuition for up to nine credits per semester, student services and activities fees, and medical service and health insurance. This comprehensive support ensures that fellows can dedicate themselves fully to their graduate diploma studies, without the distraction of financial concerns. The fellowship is awarded for two semesters, with a review at the end of the first semester to confirm satisfactory academic progress. This approach allows AUC to ensure that fellows are meeting program expectations while maintaining high standards of academic excellence.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility for the Swiss Fellowship is focused on Egyptian nationals who are newly admitted to graduate study at AUC. Applicants must meet all admissions requirements for the graduate diploma programs in public administration or public policy. Continuing students who wish to retain the fellowship must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2. All fellowship recipients are required to be enrolled full-time to qualify for financial support.
The Swiss fellowship targets individuals who are committed to public service and inclusive development. Applicants should demonstrate both academic capability and a genuine interest in contributing to governance, policy analysis, or public administration initiatives. The program’s structure encourages fellows to integrate classroom learning with practical experience in Egypt’s policy environment.
Opportunities and Career Impact
Fellows who complete the graduate diploma program are positioned to continue their studies toward an MPA (Master of Public Administration) or MPP (Master of Public Policy) degree, though fellowship funding is limited to the diploma program. The Swiss Fellowship provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue careers in public administration, policy analysis, governance reform, and inclusive development initiatives.
Through its combination of academic rigor, financial support, and experiential learning, the fellowship equips recipients with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Fellows gain insight into policymaking processes, project management, and inclusive development strategies, preparing them to contribute effectively to Egypt’s governance and public service landscape.
Responsibilities of Fellows
In addition to academic requirements, fellows are expected to actively engage with the AUC community and participate in hands-on initiatives. Responsibilities include:
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Enrolling full-time in the eligible graduate diploma program
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Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.2 throughout the fellowship
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Completing at least 12 working hours per week with the Public Policy HUB, where fellows gain practical experience in policy-related projects
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Responding to reporting requests and participating in fellowship events as required by AUC
These responsibilities are designed to ensure that fellows gain professional experience in addition to academic knowledge. By contributing to the Public Policy HUB, fellows learn to apply their coursework to real-world public policy challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in government, civil society, or international development.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete two steps to be considered for the fellowship:
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Submit an application for graduate admission to AUC, ensuring they meet all program requirements for the public administration or public policy graduate diploma programs.
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Submit the SFID online fellowship application through AUC’s official platform.
The fellowship cycle for Fall 2026 is open from April 2, 2026 until May 3, 2026.
Learn more and apply by clicking this link.
The fellowship is a unique opportunity for Egyptian graduate students to access high-quality education, gain professional experience, and develop the skills necessary for leadership roles in public policy and inclusive development. By combining academic study with hands-on engagement through the Public Policy HUB, recipients graduate with both knowledge and practical experience, enabling them to make meaningful contributions in their careers.
Looking for more opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website.
