The American University in Cairo - Onsi Sawiris School of Business

The Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC) stands as a premier institution in the region, ranked #1 in Africa and Egypt by Eduniversal’s 2024 report and holding a position among the top 100 business schools globally. Established over nearly seven decades, the school integrates AUC’s liberal arts tradition with forward-thinking business, economics, and accounting education. Its learning model emphasizes experiential, hands-on approaches across undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs, aimed at equipping students for leadership roles in dynamic, emerging markets. The school also boasts five Palmes of Excellence, acknowledging its global influence and academic excellence.

With an unwavering commitment to impact, the school promotes a mission centered on shaping entrepreneurial and responsible global leaders. It fosters a diverse, inclusive environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and social progress. The Onsi Sawiris School of Business has achieved the rare and prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)—a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide, underscoring the academic quality and industry relevance of its programs. Additionally, the school’s executive education has secured a Financial Times global ranking of #73 in open-enrollment programs, the only institution in the Arab region present on this list.

Reinforcing its focus areas—entrepreneurship, family business, responsible business, and economic development—the school supports students with five research centers, a startup incubator (AUC Venture Lab), and a dedicated digital publication on African economic trends. These initiatives drive innovation, blending rigorous academics with real-world insight. A generous endowment from the Sawiris family has further transformed the institution’s reach and capabilities, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for socio-economic advancement across Africa and the Arab world. Through cutting-edge pedagogy and regional immersion, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business empowers students to act as transformative agents in a globalized economy.

The Onsi Sawiris School of Business prioritizes career development through strategic partnerships with leading companies across the Middle East and Africa. These corporate affiliations enable students to take part in internships, live-business projects, and recruitment pipelines, offering them direct exposure to the complexities of doing business in emerging markets. Particularly strong relationships with regional firms help facilitate entrance into high-growth sectors such as finance, entrepreneurship, and operations management. This hands-on experience connected to industry needs enhances graduates' readiness for leadership roles from the moment they step into the workforce.

Graduates benefit from a robust alumni ecosystem that stretches around the globe. Leveraging the school’s top-tier academic reputation, alumni step into impactful positions in multinational corporations, local enterprises, and especially family businesses, which represent over 80% of companies in the region. The school’s flagship programs—such as the MBA with an Elective in Operations Management, the Executive MBA, and the MSc in Finance—rank #2 in Africa per Eduniversal. Furthermore, membership in the global CEMS alliance for the Master's in International Management (MIM) connects students to elite international networks and top employers worldwide, boosting global mobility and career advancement.

Beyond traditional recruiting and internships, industry integration extends into the school’s executive education offerings, ranked 73rd globally by the Financial Times. Working professionals engage through customized training programs, linking academic theories with business realities. Vibrant campus organizations such as the Entrepreneurship Society Student Club, along with affiliations like the African Academic Association on Entrepreneurship, host events and mentorship programs that cultivate enterprise-building skills. Case studies authored by faculty on regional business issues—particularly in family business succession and governance—further deepen ties with the corporate world. The overall ecosystem supplies students with the skills, networks, and credentials to lead with influence and navigate diverse global paths successfully.

The Onsi Sawiris School of Business stands out for its Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), a mark of academic excellence held by less than 1% of business schools globally. Recognized as Africa's top-ranked business school by Eduniversal with five Palmes of Excellence, it provides unmatched educational quality with a regional lens. This distinction affirms rigorous academic standards and global benchmarks tailored to emerging market needs. Being the only Arab-region school ranked in the Financial Times top 100 for executive education, the school offers unparalleled access to high-impact learning aligned with transformative growth sectors.

Curricular diversity is a hallmark of the school, blending AUC’s liberal arts foundation with specialized business training. Undergraduate programs promote a strong interdisciplinary approach, while graduate pathways like the Executive MBA, MSc in Finance, and CEMS MIM enable broad international mobility and elite-level exposure. Programs emphasize real-world applicability through business simulations, live consulting projects, and startup incubation. The school's ties with regional industries prepare students for leadership in areas spanning entrepreneurship, operations, and finance, ensuring every graduate can lead strategically in complex market environments.

The focus on regional relevance and thematic excellence deepens its differentiation. As the regional leader in initiatives surrounding entrepreneurship, responsible business, and family enterprises, the school reflects local business realities while pushing global standards. Active research centers and the digital business-economy platform create a space for innovation and cross-sectoral thinking. An inclusive educational culture enhances both academic and personal development, fostering a collaborative, respectful community. Overall, students benefit from an environment where ambition meets integrity, preparing them to drive impact across industries and borders.

As a knowledge hub for Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business actively designs impact-driven programs that align with regional socioeconomic priorities. The school’s research and academic agenda revolve around four core themes—entrepreneurship, family business, responsible business, and economic development. Through its Center for Entrepreneurship and flagship AUC Venture Lab, the school leads startup incubation efforts, executive training, and interdisciplinary innovation. These programs bridge partnerships with peer institutions globally, and its leadership in the African Academic Association on Entrepreneurship ensures cooperation on continent-wide impact initiatives.

Family business continues to be a pillar of study and practice, reflecting the region's demographic where up to 80% of firms are family-run. The school supports this ecosystem with tailored content on succession planning, governance, and cultural dynamics, producing case studies for use by businesses, educators, and policymakers. Meanwhile, the focus on responsible business emerged strongly post-Arab Spring, driving efforts around inclusive economies, ESG frameworks, and sustainable development. Courses, research, and community outreach programs equip students with a value-oriented leadership model, fostering accountable and ethical economic actors.

Innovation permeates throughout academic delivery and operational models. Five research centers contribute to a growing body of knowledge, while the digital business publication elevates insights on policy, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness in African and Arab markets. Faculty-led initiatives address financial inclusion, digital transformation, and good governance, equipping students with tools to lead scalable impact. Recognition in Eduniversal rankings and Financial Times' global listings underscores the school’s capacity as a laboratory for regional development and transformation. These layered efforts align business education with the imperative to innovate for public good, preparing graduates to meet complex global challenges.

Q1: What academic elements make the school’s programs ideal for regional business leaders?
The programs combine global accreditation standards with local-market relevance, offering applied learning through live consulting projects, internship placements, and case-based teaching in key areas such as entrepreneurship and family business.

Q2: How does the school foster a supportive environment for international students?
International students thrive in an inclusive, multicultural campus that offers accessible infrastructure, vibrant cultural events, and integration opportunities. Access to the CEMS MIM network supports global mobility and elite professional exposure.

Q3: What kind of career support can students expect outside of classroom instruction?
The school provides internships, live projects, and recruitment events through regional partnerships. Active career services and a dynamic alumni network ensure mentorship and post-graduation opportunities in high-employability sectors.

Q4: Are there opportunities for student entrepreneurship and innovation?
Absolutely. The AUC Venture Lab and Entrepreneurship Society offer platforms for incubating ideas, competing in pitch challenges, and accessing startup resources. Innovation is embedded into the curriculum and extracurricular life.

Q5: How does the school balance academic rigor and student well-being?
With an emphasis on holistic development, the campus offers cutting-edge recreational and learning facilities. Student life supports mental and physical well-being through clubs, athletics, and peer collaboration in a respectful and stimulating environment.

Admission to the Onsi Sawiris School of Business is competitive and rooted in identifying candidates with a strong academic track, leadership potential, and a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. Undergraduate applicants are evaluated based on high school performance, English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS, and AUC’s entrance assessments. Graduate candidates must submit a resume, recommendation letters, essays, and GMAT/GRE scores, though waivers are considered case-by-case. Application windows follow AUC’s academic calendar, with primary entry in the fall. The CEMS MIM program begins in September and spans 12 months, designed for students pursuing high-level management roles with global orientation.

Financial accessibility is addressed through a mix of merit-based scholarships, Sawiris endowments, and need-based financial aid. Undergraduate tuition averages around $10,000 per year, while tuition for programs like the MBA and Executive MBA is higher but offset by funding opportunities. On-campus housing is available in New Cairo’s residential facilities, situated near academic buildings, student centers, and activity hubs. Off-campus housing also exists, with student shuttle services ensuring mobility. Visa advisory services, health insurance, and orientation programs create a seamless onboarding experience, especially for international enrollees.

Students benefit from a campus designed to promote interaction, innovation, and inclusivity. Facilities include advanced classrooms, digital research labs, entrepreneurship zones, and wellness centers that support the academic journey. The online AUC portal simplifies application submission, document verification, and scholarship requests. Applicants should begin preparing by December for a fall intake, with final deadlines typically due by May. This practical support system, combined with the school’s strategic industry ties and international reputation, ensures students can focus on maximizing their impact in a vibrant academic setting aligned with their future ambitions.