Quick Summary
American University of Beirut (AUB) is a private, non-profit founded in 1866, located in Beirut, Lebanon. Ranked #250 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 9200 students including 22% from outside Lebanon. Known for strengths in Medicine, Development Studies, Civil and Structural Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
AUB offers an American-style liberal arts education with deep regional roots, world-class research facilities, and a prestigious network in the Middle East.
Subject Strengths
MedicineDevelopment StudiesCivil and Structural EngineeringPetroleum EngineeringNursingBusiness & Management
Founded1866
TypePrivate, Non-profit
Total Students9200
Intl Students22%
Faculty Ratio11
CampusUrban / Coastal
Campus Size61 acres
Affiliated HospitalsAmerican University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC)
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), AACSB, ABET, CCNE
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#250
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, MD, Executive Education
Programs
Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Arab and Middle Eastern History, Arabic Language and Literature
PhD Programs
Limited graduate-level professional certificates and hybrid executive MBA modules
Online Programs
Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources, Nature Conservation Center (NCC)
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), AACSB, ABET, CCNE
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS7
TOEFL88
Min GPA3
GRERequired for most graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA
SATRequired for undergraduate admission (EBRW + Math)
ACTAccepted in lieu of SAT
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · Early: November 30; Regular: February 28
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Strong SAT/ACT scores are vital for competitive majors like Engineering and Medicine. Highlight community service and leadership in the personal statement.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$24,000/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$10,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$34,050/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableMastercard Foundation Scholars Program, USAID USP, Merit Scholarships, Needs-based Financial Aid
Avg Scholarship$8,500
Financial AidAvailable to over 60% of the student body through grants and loans
Work-StudyAvailable on-campus across various departments and libraries
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, MD, Executive Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Political Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$25,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with multinational firms in the MENA region and global consulting firms
Industry Connections
Strategy&PwCKhatib & AlamiDar Al-HandasahGoogleMicrosoft
Notable Alumni
Zaha Hadid, Ghassan Tueni, Ashraf Ghani, Selim al-Hoss, Kamal Jumblatt
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, on-campus dormitories (Men's and Women's halls)
Sports Facilities
Charles Hostler Student Center, Olympic-size pool, indoor/outdoor courts, green field
Student Clubs
Over 80 clubs including AUB Model UN, Robotics Club, and Red Cross Club
Library Resources
Jafet Memorial Library, Science and Agriculture Library, Saab Medical Library
Exchange Programs
Available with over 80 partners including UC Berkeley, Sciences Po, and University of Pennsylvania
Summer Programs
AUB Summer Program, Intensive Arabic Language Program (CAMES)