Sawiris Arts & Culture Scholarship (SACS)

Performing Arts: This field includes- but not limited to- Theatre, Drama, Dance, Musical Theatre, Folklore, Acting, Directing, Play Writing, Spoken Word.

Music: This field includes- but not limited to-  Music, Singing, Songwriting, Music Production.

Visual Arts: This field includes- but not limited to- Fine Arts, Sculpture, Photography, Video Art, Print Making, Performance Arts, Installation.

Film Studies: This field includes- but not limited to- Filmmaking, Script Writing, Film Production, Directing, Post Production, Editing, Cinematography.

For degree programs that are specified in our list of pre-approved universities.

Applicants to the Residency and Apprenticeships track don’t have to abide by the above list. Their applications, including the selection of the hosting entity, will be assessed by our panel of experts.

Period of funding for degree programs:

1. Up to 4 years for bachelor’s degree
2. Up to 2 years for master’s degree

Period of funding for residency/apprenticeships:

1. Maximum one year of funding.

The scholarship covers the following:

1. Tuition Fees
2. Learning materials (depending on the universities reference)
3. Accommodation (student dorms/housing are mandatory unless unavailable)
4. Living allowance (depending on the government and university reference)
5. Airfare
6. Transportation
7. Health insurance (depending on the government and university reference)

Kindly be advised any additional costs will not be covered by the foundation.

Eligibility Criteria for all fields:

1. Conditional admission in one of the approved universities in your targeted field for bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
2. To be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt (preference will not be given to dual nationality holders).
3. Demonstrated social and community engagement.
4. Preference will be given to applicants that have not lived abroad for more than three years.
5. Be committed to coming back to Egypt for 2 to 3 years directly after the successful completion of their degree or residency.

Additional Eligibility Criteria for degree programs in the fields of Music and the Performing Arts:

1. Music students should have obtained a level 5 in the Trinity College London theory examination or in the Royal Schools of Music. (Both available in Egypt)
2. Performing arts applicants must send at least 5 performances.
3. Music student applicants must send at least 5 solo performances in different genres.

Additional Eligibility Criteria for residency/apprenticeship programs:

1. To be a professional artist, with previous work experience in a related field. (Residency/ apprenticeship applications will be evaluated by our panel of experts.)
2. Applicants to the Residency and Apprenticeships track don’t have to abide by the above list of pre-approved universities.
3. Received acceptance to a prominent residency/apprenticeship program. (The residency/apprenticeship programs will be assessed by our panel of experts.)

Please note this year we are accepting applications through our online portal therefore the following documents will be required for a successful application submission:

1. Proof of unconditional admission for performing arts, visual arts and film studies applicants
2. Conditional admission for music/performing arts applicants
3. Artistic/cultural detailed portfolio
4. Solo performances for music/performing arts applicants
5. Copy of valid passport ID page
6. One recent personal photo on a white background
7. High school certificate
8. All undergraduate transcripts and certificates in case of applying for a master’s degree
9. Two (2) references in case of applying for a master’s degree; and one (1) reference in case of bachelors
10. Proof of employment – if applicable
11. Full program costs, please provide official references for: tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, books and equipment, health insurance, transportation and airfare.

1. Receive your admission letter alongside expected program tuition fees from one of the pre-approved universities in one of the previously mentioned fields or in a prominent residency/apprenticeships program.

2. If your university’s application deadline and admission results are released after our scholarship closing date, you may temporarily submit proof of application or a scheduled entrance examination date until the formal admission letter is available.

3-Submit the SFSD application with the required documents:

• • Access the scholarship application link HERE
  • A portfolio of your work must be included within your application

4-Interviews for shortlisted candidates

• • If candidates are shortlisted they will be required to take part in interviews with our panel of experts.

An external selection committee, consisting of prominent experts in the field of arts and culture in addition to representatives from Sawiris Foundation for Social Development will evaluate all complete applications.

For more information and inquiries, please register for the introductory session, scheduled to take place on February 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, through the following link:
Sawiris Arts & Culture Scholarship-Online Information Session

Kindly refer to the following FAQ document.

If you still have inquiries, please contact us at: sacs@sawirisfoundation.org