From Uncertainty to Resolution: How Egypt Addressed the USAID Scholarship Suspension

By Malak Khaled

The suspension of USAID-funded scholarships had initially left hundreds of Egyptian students uncertain about their academic futures. Upon Trump’s announcement of the freezing of all foreign aid, students received sudden notification that these programs were halted for 90 days.

The decision disrupted key programs, including USAID Egyptian Pioneers, USAID Scholars, and the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program. Many students, including those nearing graduation, were left uncertain and concerned about their future.

The Affected Universities 

The suspension directly impacted 13 universities, including the American University in Cairo (AUC), Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, Zewail City for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport.

Ain Shams University’s Initiative

In response to the crisis, Ain Shams University was the first to step forward, with Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zein El-Abidin announcing that the university would cover tuition costs for its affected scholarship students as long as they maintained academic success.

This proactive approach inspired other universities to follow suit, but not until a wave of concern was underway.

Social Media Reactions

The announcement of the scholarship suspension sparked a lot of frustration on social media.

Students and supporters expressed their disbelief at the abrupt nature of the decision and highlighted the impact on young lives and futures.

Many voiced concerns about the broader implications for Egypt’s education sector and socioeconomic progress.

Issue Resolved: Emergency Meeting Outcomes

Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, chaired an emergency meeting with the Supreme Council of Universities to address the issue. Key stakeholders, including Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council, and Dr. Ihab Abdel Rahman from AUC, participated. The meeting concluded with decisive actions:

Student Impact

The number of affected students has been announced as 1,077 undergraduate students, including 200 who had been awarded scholarships to AUC.

The Ministry Offers Financial Support 

Dr. Ashour emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to supporting all students in continuing their studies without disruption. It was announced that universities will honor all tuition allocations provided by the U.S. through the second semester.

AUC’s Assurance

The American University in Cairo, too, confirmed it would cover the expenses of its 200 enrolled scholarship students for the second semester and that it will continue coordination with the Ministry. With that said, the future of bridge students and Spring 2025 newcomers is still being negotiated.

Temporary Halt in Aid Freeze

Meanwhile, the U.S. government announced a temporary halt to the freeze on foreign aid until next Monday. The implications of this halt are still unclear, and accordingly, the future of these programs remains uncertain.

Moving Forward

While the immediate crisis has been resolved, and affected students can continue their academic journeys, for now, uncertainty persists. The broader implications of U.S. foreign aid policies in Egypt and the MENA region remain unclear, with institutions and students bracing for potential challenges ahead.

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