The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program (OSSP) - Graduate

Through the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program, Orascom Construction provides fully funded scholarships for Egyptian students to pursue a master’s degree programs at prestigious universities in the U.S. in fields that will promote the economic prosperity of Egypt.

Endorsed Universities:

The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is granted to selected students to pursue their master’s degree in one of the following U.S. Universities:

  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fields of Study:

  • Engineering (Computer engineering and computer science are not funded by the scholarship)
  • Business Administration (MBA)

The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is only granted for the above fields of study. Applicants are encouraged to visit the endorsed universities’ websites to decide on the desirable program within the above fields of study.

For Engineering programs, preference is given to fields that contribute to Sustainable Development such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, water engineering and sustainability. Computer engineering and computer science programs/majors are not covered under the scholarship program and may only be included as a minor under the Engineering School.

Duration of Study:

2-year master’s degree program.

Eligibility Criteria - Graduate Scholarship:

Graduate applicants applying for the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program must meet the below minimum requirements:

  • Be Egyptian nationals, who are residents of Egypt (preference will not be given to dual nationality applicants).
  • Bachelor’s degree GPA of 3.5 or Very Good or above (Cumulative grade).
  • Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL iBT® test with a minimum total score of 100 Or IELTS test (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 7.5. Test score report to be submitted within the exam validity period (2 years from exam date).
  • For applicants applying to Master of Business Administration, a minimum GMAT test score: 650 or above (taken within 5 years) or a minimum overall GRE test score of 315 (Analytical Writing: 4.5).
  • For applicants applying to Master of Engineering, a minimum overall GRE test score: 315 (Analytical Writing: 4.5).
  • Extracurricular Activities: Have been involved or are currently involved in extracurricular activities.
  • A minimum of three-years working experience for applicants applying to the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  • A minimum of two-years working experience for applicants applying to Engineering.
  • Be planning to start their studies in the U.S. in the year 2025.
  • Preference is given to applicants who have not resided outside of Egypt and/or have not lived more than 2 years abroad.
  • Be committed to coming back to Egypt for two years directly after the successful completion of the degree.

Important Notes:

Candidates who already have one Master’s degree from a foreign university, or who have an Egyptian Master’s degree in the same field they are applying for will not be considered.

  • Candidates with an Egyptian master’s degree in a technical field different from the one that they’re applying for will be considered.
  • Male applicants must provide a proof of military service completion, exemption or postponement.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who have not lived, worked, or studied abroad for more than two years.
  • Selection as a nominee for the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program does not guarantee university acceptance. Nominated students should be ready to start their university applications by October 2024.
  • Nominees will be supported in applying to the endorsed U.S. universities only. If nominated for the scholarship, the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program award will be made once university acceptance is obtained.

Required Documents:

To apply for the scholarship program, applicants must submit their application online and upload the following list of documents prior to the applications deadline. Applications missing any of the required documents or test scores will be automatically disqualified and will not be considered in the scholarship screening phase. Submitting GRE or GMAT test scores is a requirement by the scholarship program even if the admission requirements in any of the programs that fall under the scholarship are test-optional. Applications missing any of the required test scores will be automatically disqualified.

  • Online application form: Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Graduate application
  • Resume.
  • Copy of test scores (GRE or GMAT) and TOEFL iBT ® or IELTS.
  • Copy of- bachelor’s degree transcripts.
  • Copy of graduation certificate.
  • Two recommendation letters.
  • Proof of military service completion, exemption or postponement (for male applicants only).

Application Feedback:

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted through the contact information listed in their application. Due to the large number of applications, we are unable to provide application status updates or feedback to unsuccessful/ineligible applicants.

Schedule of Events:

  • July 31st, 2024: Deadline for submitting online applications with all supporting documents.
  • August / September 2024: Selection of semi-finalists and personal interviews at Orascom Construction.
  • September 2024: Notification of the nominated applicants.
  • October 2024: Program orientation for nominated applicants.
  • October 2024 - April/May 2025: University applications and placement process.
  • July 2025: Award Ceremony at Orascom Construction, Pre-departure orientation and travel arrangements.
  • August – September 2025: Departure of awarded recipients to the United States.

TEST DATES AND REGISTRATION FEES:

  • TOEFL iBT has fixed dates and test centers throughout the year. This information is available on ETS website on this link or through Amideast/Egypt. The test fees rate is at $205 if registration is done online or at $245 if registration is done through Amideast/Egypt (Test Fees $205 + Amideast local registration fees $40).

  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has dates and test centers throughout the year, its available through https://www.britishcouncil.org.eg/en/exam/ielts. The test fees rate is at EGP5000 and it can be paper based or computer based."

  • The Graduate Recorded Examination (GRE) is available every day (except Friday and Saturday) at www.gre.org or at Amideast/Egypt. The test fees rate is at $216 if registration is done online or at $256 if registration is done through Amideast/Egypt (Test Fees $216 + Amideast local registration fees $40).

  • The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is available every day (except Friday and Saturday) at www.mba.com. The test fees rate is at $250 if registration is done online or at $290 if registration is done through Amideast/Egypt (Test Fees $250 + Amideast local registration fees $40).

The above registration fees are subject to change at any time. Applicants are encouraged to check directly with tests administration entities for the up-to-date fees.

For more information regarding the above exams: Please contact Amideast/Egypt at the following hotline number 19263 or visit the premises at 38 Mohie El Din Abo El Ezz Street, Dokki, Giza or 3 Faraana Street, Azarita, Alexandria, Egypt .

For inquiries, please contact: OSSP@amideast.org Or Contact AMIDEAST on 19263

Orascom Construction and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development reserve the right to reject any application at its sole discretion at any time.

  • Implementing NGO
  • Project Duration

  • Geographical Area

  • Total Budget

  • SFSD Contribution
  • Project Status

External Links:

Application Process:

Application procedures, including scholarship application form and other necessary documents, are handled by AMIDEAST.

Selection Committee:

The selection committee of this program includes representatives from Orascom Construction, and AMIDEAST along with academic consultants.

Scholarship Benefits:

The scholarship covers university fees, health insurance, educational materials, living allowance and travel expenses.