Overview

After successfully completing eight graduate courses at Arabic Studies from The American University in Cairo, each student’s study culminates in the writing of a research-based thesis that contributes original findings within one’s field of concentration.

Learning Outcomes

Islamic Art and Architecture

For over fifty years, the Islamic Art and Architecture program has been engaging students in the material culture of Islamic civilizations through a range of art-historical and theoretical perspectives. Our breadth of course offerings and access to the monuments we teach is unique among English-language programs in the field. The program strongly benefits from the university’s location as students often connect their research with physical sites in Cairo or elsewhere in the MENA region.

Arabic Language and Literature

The program offers classes on both classical (500-1850) and modern (1850 to present) Arabic literature including seminars on topics as diverse as the development of prose, the tradition of classical Arabic poetry, the Arabic rhetorical and literary-critical tradition, modern Arabic novels, Arabic drama, Arab cinema, issues in literary and cultural translation and colloquial and folk Arabic literature.

Middle Eastern History

The program offers classes and seminars on the history of the Arab Middle East and greater Islamic world from the rise of Islam to the modern period. Topics covered include: the rise of Islam and Arab conquests, Islamic political theory, economic, social and cultural history of the Mamluk and Ottoman empires, International and Red Sea trade networks, war and diplomacy, literacy and book culture, protest and dissent in Middle Eastern history, and colonialism and nation-building in the modern Middle East.

Islamic Studies

The program offers lectures and seminars on topics such as Qur’anic Studies, Hadith, theology, Islamic jurisprudence, legal reform, Sufism, and Islamic philosophy. The specialization covers both the canonical works in Islamic theology as well as recent scholarship and debates.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Selected Work or Author in Classical Arabic Literature

Modern Arabic Literature: Nineteenth Century

Modern Arabic Literature: Twentieth Century

Special Studies in Islamic Art and Architecture

Studies in the Qur’an

Selected Topics in Sira or Hadith

Selected Topics in Islamic Law and Legal Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cairo, Egypt

Disciplines

Middle Eastern studies View 3 other Masters in Middle Eastern studies in Egypt

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants for graduate study must have an accredited Bachelor’s degree with an academic record at a level sufficient to qualify for full or provisional admission.

An online application for graduate studies

Online payment of the application fee

A statement of purpose

An updated resume (CV)

At least two online letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic or professional background

Official academic records, of which one must be a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with proof of degree completion.

Satisfactory English language proficiency test results

Graduate students may be asked to demonstrate minimum competency in the use of computers and academic libraries as they relate to graduate study and research

One recent passport size photograph (a clear electronic copy)

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The American University in Cairo and/or in Egypt, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11025 USD / year

≈ 11025 USD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8955 USD / year

≈ 8955 USD / year

Living costs

Cairo

Egypt

5312 - 6846 EGP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Arabic Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cairo

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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