IOM Fellowship for the American University in Cairo

IOM launched this fellowship with the American University in Cairo (AUC) to provide students with excellent academic records with an opportunity to pursue full time graduate studies in the field of Migration and Refugee Studies. The fellowship covers tuition and student fees for the entirety of the programme’s duration. The two-year curriculum is administered by AUC’s Centre for Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) and is complemented by a practical, hands-on component in the form of 18 hours per week of relevant internship tasks with IOM Egypt. Partaking in related events, seminars, workshops or training sessions is an integral part of the learning experience, encouraging the continuous combination of both theoretical and practical elements.

Two graduate students at the AUC under the IOM Fellowship programme shared their experience:

“After working in the field of migration and refugee related issues for three years in Amman, Jordan, I knew I had to complement my practical work experience with an in-depth academic background on the subject to make myself more competitive in the job market, as well as more skilled in my work. The American University in Cairo’s masters in Migration and Refugee Studies was the perfect fit for my career goals: to master Arabic, stay in the region for field work, and learn about the academic sphere of refugee and migration issues from academics and practitioners with a wealth of experience in a country which is on the forefront of the issue. I was fortunate enough to have my masters degree sponsored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which has led to a life-changing internship in the Project Coordination Unit. Through this internship I can augment my previous work experience and current studies with practical work experience with the most important organization dealing with migration. I have been given great responsibility from the start and have been able to increase my skills, all the while increasing my capacity through trainings, meetings, and on the ground experience. These skills I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my professional life, all thanks to IOM.”

Elena Habersky, IOM Fellow at AUC 2017

“It is not a fellowship… It is a whole new career! It provides a unique opportunity to work with the best by combining theoretical foundation with hands-on practical application. I get to master theory at the Center for Migration and Refugee studies, the American University in Cairo, one of a kind in the region. Simultaneously, I get to apply theory at the International Organization for Migration, the UN Migration Agency. I believe by the end of the fellowship and internship I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to be a researcher or a practitioner in the field of migration.”

Mahmoud Shoman, IOM Fellow at AUC 2017

For inquiries, email grad@aucegypt.edu or visit AUC’s website for all relevant information via: http://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/fellowships/iom-fellowship.