Dreaming of pursuing higher education in the United States? For ambitious Egyptian students, the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program offers a remarkable opportunity to achieve this goal with full financial support. This prestigious scholarship aims to empower young Egyptians by providing them with the tools and education needed to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to their communities.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program. We will explore what it offers, who is eligible, what documents you’ll need, and the step-by-step application process. Get ready to take the first step toward your academic aspirations in the USA.
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is designed to invest in the future of Egypt by supporting talented students. It focuses on academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership potential. By covering all major expenses, the scholarship allows recipients to concentrate fully on their studies and personal development at some of America’s most renowned universities.
What is the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program?
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is a fully funded initiative established by Orascom Construction. Launched in 2000, its primary goal is to invest in educational programs that benefit Egyptian communities. The program supports both undergraduate and master’s studies at select top-tier universities in the United States.
This scholarship is awarded based on merit, character, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership qualities. It seeks to nurture young Egyptian talent, providing them with the education and experience necessary to advance their careers and make a positive impact back home. The program is a prime example of private sector involvement in supporting higher education.
Benefits and Coverage of the Scholarship
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is exceptionally generous, aiming to remove financial barriers for its recipients. It provides comprehensive support to ensure students can focus entirely on their academic journey and personal growth. This makes it a highly sought-after opportunity for Egyptian students aspiring to study in the USA.
The scholarship coverage includes:
- Full Tuition Fees: All costs associated with your university tuition are covered.
- Living Allowance: A stipend to help with daily living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and personal needs.
- Travel Expenses: Funding for round-trip airfare to and from the United States.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of your studies.
- Internship Opportunities: Recipients may also be offered internship positions within Orascom Construction, providing valuable work experience.
Eligibility Criteria for the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
To be considered for the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program, applicants must meet specific criteria for both undergraduate and master’s levels. These requirements ensure that the scholarship supports students who are academically strong, committed to their future in Egypt, and possess leadership potential.
Undergraduate Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt. Preference is given to those without dual nationality.
- Study Plans: Must be planning to start undergraduate studies in the USA in 2027.
- Commitment to Return: Must commit to returning to Egypt for at least two years after completing their degree.
- International Residence: Should not have lived abroad for more than three years.
- Academic Requirements:
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0, or 90% in the Thanaweyya Amma certification or equivalent.
- Standardized Tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 100 or above.
- SAT I (Old, before May 2017): Overall 2100 (Reading 700, Math 700, Writing 700).
- SAT I (New, after May 2017): Overall 1450 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 730, Math 730).
- SAT II: Score of 600 or above in three subjects.
- Extracurricular Activities: Must demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities.
Master’s Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt. Preference is given to those without dual nationality.
- Study Plans: Must plan to pursue a master’s degree in business administration or engineering at a top US university.
- International Residence: Should not have lived abroad for more than three years.
- Commitment to Return: Must commit to returning to Egypt for at least two years after completing their degree.
- Academic Requirements:
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.5 or “very good” and above.
- Standardized Tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 100 or above.
- GMAT: Score of 650 or above (taken within the last 5 years) for MBA applicants.
- GRE: Minimum acceptable scores: Overall 302, Analytical Writing 4.5 (new scores only).
- Work Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant work experience is required.
- Extracurricular Activities: Must have participated in or currently be participating in extracurricular activities.
- Field of Study: Focus areas include Engineering, Business Administration, and Construction Management.
Important Considerations:
- Candidates with an Egyptian master’s degree in a technical field different from their intended field of study may be considered.
- Those with a master’s degree from a foreign university or an Egyptian master’s degree in the same field will not be considered.
- University acceptance is separate from scholarship nomination. Applicants will be supported in applying to specific approved universities.
Required Documents for Application
Gathering all necessary documents is a crucial step in the application process. Having these ready will ensure a smoother submission. The specific documents required vary slightly between undergraduate and master’s applications.
For Undergraduate Applicants:
- Application Form: Completed online application.
- Transcripts: Official copies of academic transcripts.
- Graduation Certificate: Copy of your Thanaweyya Amma certificate or equivalent.
- Standardized Test Scores: Copies of SAT I, SAT II, and TOEFL iBT scores.
- Resume/CV: An updated resume detailing your academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Recommendation Letters: Two strong letters of recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose Essays: Responses to the two essay prompts provided by the scholarship.
For Master’s Applicants:
- Application Form: Completed online application.
- Resume/CV: An updated resume highlighting your professional experience and academic background.
- Graduation Certificate: Copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Transcripts: Official copies of your undergraduate transcripts.
- Standardized Test Scores: Copies of TOEFL iBT, GRE, or GMAT scores as applicable.
- Recommendation Letters: Two strong letters of recommendation.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program involves several steps, and it’s important to follow them carefully. The process is managed through AMIDEAST for undergraduate applications and a dedicated portal for master’s applications.
Applying for the Undergraduate Scholarship:
- Create an Account: Visit the AMIDEAST application portal for the Onsi Sawiris Undergraduate Scholarship and create an account.
- Complete Personal Data: Fill in all required personal information accurately.
- Enter Educational Details: Provide comprehensive details about your academic history.
- Write Essays: Address the two essay questions in the Statement of Purpose section:
- Essay 1 (500 words): Discuss how attending your desired university will help you achieve success on personal, local, and national levels, considering future concerns.
- Essay 2 (350 words): Describe your passions and how you have pursued them throughout your life.
- Upload Documents: Attach all required files, including your application form, transcripts, graduation certificate, test scores, resume, and recommendation letters.
- Submit Application: Review all information and submit your application before the deadline.
Applying for the Master’s Scholarship:
- Access Application Form: Go to the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Graduate application portal.
- Fill in Details: Complete all sections of the online application form.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach your resume, graduation certificate, transcripts, and relevant test scores (TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT).
- Submit Application: Ensure all information is correct and submit your application.
For any inquiries, you can email OSSP@amideast.org or contact AMIDEAST at 19263.
Application Deadlines
Meeting the application deadline is critical for your Onsi Sawiris Scholarship application. The deadline for the 2027 intake is July 31, 2026. It is advisable to start your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues and to give yourself ample time to prepare all required materials thoroughly.
Tips for a Strong Application
To stand out among a competitive pool of applicants, consider these tips to strengthen your Onsi Sawiris Scholarship application:
- Academic Excellence: Ensure your academic records are strong and meet or exceed the minimum GPA requirements. Highlight any academic achievements or awards.
- Compelling Essays: Your essays are your chance to showcase your personality, aspirations, and unique experiences. Be authentic, thoughtful, and clearly articulate your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Meaningful Extracurriculars: Demonstrate genuine passion and commitment in your extracurricular activities. Focus on leadership roles, community involvement, or initiatives that show your initiative and impact.
- Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your skills, character, and potential. Provide them with your resume and information about the scholarship.
- Thorough Preparation: Start early, carefully review all instructions, and double-check all submitted information for accuracy. Proofread everything before submitting.
- Understand the Program’s Goals: Align your application with the scholarship’s objective of developing future leaders for Egypt. Emphasize your commitment to returning and contributing to your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program?
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program is a fully funded initiative by Orascom Construction that supports Egyptian students pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in the USA.
What does the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance, and may offer internship opportunities.
What are the main eligibility requirements for the undergraduate scholarship?
Applicants must be Egyptian nationals, plan to study in the USA in 2027, commit to returning to Egypt, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, meet standardized test score requirements, and show extracurricular involvement.
What is the deadline for the 2027 intake of the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship?
The application deadline for the 2027 intake is July 31, 2026.
