Sawiris Application Information

Sawiris Penn Scholars

The Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program brings up to five scholars from partner universities in Egypt to the University and fully immerse them in the Penn experience. Selected students will study at the University of Pennsylvania for a full academic year, fully immersing themselves in the academic and student life fabric of Penn. Nominations for the 2026-2027 academic year will be sent to Penn in February 2027 and the deadline to apply through Penn is March 1, 2026. Review the information on the page to learn more and access the application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following requirements:

Must be Egyptian nationals currently enrolled in the architecture engineering or electronics and electrical communication engineering programs at Ain Shams University or in the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at the American University in Cairo

Will have completed at least two years of study at your home university by the start of the program.

Students will be enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences but will take classes across Penn’s undergraduate schools.

Undergraduate applicants only.

Proof of English language competency via either an IELTS score of 7.0 overall band, TOEFL-iBT score of 100, TOEFL-PBT score of 600, or DuoLingo English Test score of 130. Test scores must not be older than two years by the end date of application.

Application Process

To apply for the Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program interested students should inquire with the international office at their home university.

Interested students from Ain Shams University should also consult with the International Collaboration Office for the Faculty of Engineering for detailed application instructions and the internal application timeline.

Interested students from the American University in Cairo should consult with the International Programs and Services Office for details on the application process and timeline.

Once the internal selection is completed, students are nominated to Penn for the next stage of applications. Once nominated, students must submit the following in order to be considered for the program:

1. Completed online application (link shared upon nomination).

2. Official transcripts from each college and/or university attended, with English translation and US equivalencies must be sent directly from the home institution.

3. One letter of recommendation from a professor or faculty member addressing the academic background/abilities of the student, which is to be submitted by following the online application instructions.

4. Response to three application essay questions as outlined below:

a. Describe your educational history and background, making sure to address both academic and nonacademic experiences that are relevant to your participation in the Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program. Please also be sure to note whether your records and transcripts accurately reflect your academic ability. (250 word maximum)

b. Explain your goals for participating in the Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program. Please address why you are interested in studying in the United States, and why you wish to study at Penn specifically, as well as some of the coursework you are interested in, and campus resources you plan to utilize. Be as specific as you can about how this program will support your current academic program and your future academic and professional goals. (250 word maximum)

c. Tell us about a value you hold, a quality that defines you, or an experience you’ve had that is different from your peers. Explain how that will impact on how you approach this program and what you hope to get out of it. Please be original, creative and thought-provoking in your answer. (250 word maximum)

5. Proof of English language. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores to demonstrate English proficiency as outlined below:

a. TOEFL-IBT (Internet-Based Test) score of 100.

b. IELTS score of 7.0 overall band score.

c. Duolingo English Test score of 130.

d. Test scores must not be older than two years by the end date of application.

e. Students from AUC can fulfill English Proficiency requirement with demonstrated completion of RHET 1010

Timeline & Important Dates

Activity / Requirement

Key Dates

Internal Applications

Check with home university for deadlines

Nominations due from home university

Penn Applications Due for 2026-2027 Admission

February 2026

March 1, 2026

Select Applicant Interviews

March 29 – April 2, 2026*

Admission Decision Communicated to Students

April 10, 2026*

Student Arrival to the Philadelphia Airport (PHL)

August 13, 2026*

Sawiris Penn Scholars Pre-Orientation Program

August 14-18, 2026*

*dates subject to change

Interested?

Become a Sawiris Penn Scholar today!

Questions?