AUB Graduate Studies: Programs & Admissions 2026

Why Choose AUB for Graduate Studies

The American University of Beirut (AUB) stands as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the Middle East and the broader MENA region. Founded in 1866 and chartered by the State of New York, AUB has built over 150 years of academic excellence, producing leaders who have shaped politics, business, medicine, and science across the Arab world and beyond. For prospective graduate students considering where to pursue advanced degrees, AUB offers a uniquely compelling combination of American-standard education, regional expertise, and global connectivity.

What sets AUB apart from other universities in the region is its dual identity: an American institution with deep roots in Lebanese and Middle Eastern culture. This positioning gives graduates a distinctive advantage — they earn degrees recognized by both the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This dual recognition means AUB graduates can pursue careers in the United States, the Middle East, Europe, or anywhere else with credentials that carry weight in multiple regulatory frameworks.

With over 9,500 students from 94 countries, AUB’s campus in Beirut offers a truly international graduate experience. The university’s alumni network of more than 70,000 professionals spans 115+ countries, creating a global web of connections that graduates can leverage throughout their careers. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, public health, or the humanities, AUB provides the academic rigor, research infrastructure, and professional networks to launch a distinguished graduate career. For students exploring graduate options at leading international institutions, programs at universities like ETH Zurich offer another perspective on world-class research-driven education.

AUB Graduate Programs Overview

AUB offers over 100 graduate programs organized across seven faculties and schools. This breadth of offerings ensures that students can find highly specialized programs tailored to their career goals, rather than settling for generic degrees that may not align with their professional aspirations. The graduate portfolio includes master’s degrees, doctoral programs, graduate diplomas, and professional certificates.

The seven faculties and schools housing graduate programs are: the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS), the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA), the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), the Faculty of Medicine (FM), the Rafic Hariri School of Nursing (HSON), and the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB). Each faculty maintains its own specialized accreditations, with bodies like AACSB accrediting the business school and ABET accrediting engineering programs.

Beyond traditional residential programs, AUB has expanded its graduate offerings to include online and blended formats. The Online MBA (OMBA), MA in Computing in Education, and Master of Engineering Management are all available in distance-learning formats, making AUB accessible to professionals who cannot relocate to Beirut. Additionally, AUB’s second campus — AUB Mediterraneo in Pafos, Cyprus — provides an alternative study location for students seeking a Mediterranean setting with European connectivity.

Master’s Programs Across Seven Faculties

AUB’s master’s programs represent the core of its graduate offerings, with dozens of specialized degrees designed for both academic researchers and working professionals. The diversity of these programs reflects AUB’s comprehensive university model, where students can pursue everything from agricultural economics to urban planning, from clinical psychology to business analytics.

Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB)

The AACSB-accredited Olayan School of Business offers six graduate programs: the MBA, Online MBA (OMBA), Executive MBA, MS in Business Analytics, Master’s in Finance, and Master’s in Human Resource Management. The MBA program is particularly prestigious, combining rigorous business education with a deep understanding of Middle Eastern markets. The OMBA extends this experience to working professionals globally, while the Executive MBA targets senior leaders seeking to formalize their strategic thinking.

Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA)

Engineering graduate programs at AUB are ABET-accredited and cover chemical, civil, electrical and computer, environmental and water resources, and mechanical engineering at the master’s level. The faculty also offers forward-looking programs in Energy Studies and Engineering Management, including a dual master’s degree combining both. The Master of Urban Design and Master of Urban Planning and Policy address the growing need for sustainable urban development in the rapidly urbanizing Middle East and North Africa.

Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)

The largest faculty, FAS offers 25 master’s programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Notable programs include the MA in Public Policy and International Affairs, which prepares graduates for careers in governance and diplomacy; the MA in Middle Eastern Studies, leveraging AUB’s unmatched position in the region; and the MS in Computer Science, reflecting the growing demand for tech talent. The MA in Education offers seven specialized tracks, from TEFL to mathematics education, serving educators across the Arab world.

Health Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing

AUB’s health-related faculties offer some of the most sought-after graduate programs in the Middle East. The Faculty of Health Sciences provides an Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership and a Master of Public Health with three tracks. The Faculty of Medicine offers an MS in Biomedical Sciences with six research tracks. The Rafic Hariri School of Nursing, accredited by CCNE, offers an MS in Nursing with four specializations. These programs benefit from AUB’s Medical Center, which holds both ACGME-I and JCI accreditations, providing students with clinical training environments that meet international standards.

PhD Programs and Research Excellence

AUB offers 12 doctoral programs that position graduates at the forefront of their fields. The PhD portfolio spans Arab and Middle Eastern History, Biomedical Engineering (interfaculty), Biomedical Sciences (with seven tracks including cancer cell biology, neurosciences, and pharmacology), Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Epidemiology, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing Science, and Theoretical Physics.

What makes AUB’s doctoral programs particularly attractive is the generous funding model. The vast majority of admitted PhD students receive fellowships that include full tuition waivers and monthly stipends. This commitment to funding doctoral research reflects AUB’s understanding that advanced research requires financial support that allows students to focus entirely on their scholarly work. With over 900 full-time instructional faculty holding PhDs, doctoral students work alongside accomplished researchers who bring both international training and regional expertise to their mentorship roles.

The interfaculty nature of several doctoral programs — particularly in Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences — enables students to draw on expertise across multiple departments and research centers. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the reality of modern research, where breakthroughs increasingly occur at the intersection of traditional disciplines. AUB’s research output, as reflected in its QS rankings, demonstrates the university’s growing contribution to global knowledge production. Students interested in research-intensive doctoral programs may also want to explore opportunities at institutions like University of Melbourne’s Engineering and IT programs, which similarly emphasize interdisciplinary research.

Online and Blended Graduate Programs

Recognizing that many prospective graduate students cannot relocate to Beirut, AUB has developed a robust portfolio of online and blended programs. The Online MBA (OMBA), accredited by AACSB, brings the full rigor of AUB’s business education to a distance-learning format. The MA in Computing in Education and the online Master of Engineering Management serve professionals who want to advance their careers without stepping away from their current roles.

Beyond full degree programs, AUB offers ten graduate diplomas, many of which are available entirely online. These include diplomas in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Food Security, Healthcare Management and Leadership, Healthcare Financing and Management, Islamic Studies, Online Education, Nursing Administration, and the Scholars in Health Research Program (SHARP). These shorter-format credentials allow professionals to gain specialized knowledge without committing to a full master’s degree, making AUB’s expertise accessible to a wider global audience.

The addition of AUB Mediterraneo in Pafos, Cyprus provides yet another modality for graduate study. Located in the European Union, this campus offers an alternative location for students who may face visa or travel challenges in reaching Beirut, while maintaining the same academic standards and AUB brand recognition. This dual-campus model is increasingly relevant in a world where geopolitical considerations can affect educational access.

Accreditation and International Recognition

AUB’s accreditation portfolio is among the most comprehensive of any university in the MENA region, providing graduates with credentials that are recognized and respected worldwide. At the institutional level, AUB is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the same US regional accrediting body that accredits universities like Columbia, Princeton, and Johns Hopkins. This MSCHE accreditation, combined with the university’s New York State charter, means AUB degrees carry the same institutional validation as those from leading American universities.

Individual faculties maintain additional specialized accreditations that further validate the quality of their programs. The Olayan School of Business holds AACSB accreditation — a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. Engineering programs are accredited by ABET, the gold standard for engineering education internationally. The Faculty of Health Sciences holds CEPH accreditation for public health, the School of Nursing has CCNE accreditation, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences maintains ACEND accreditation, and the Medical Center is accredited by both ACGME-I and JCI.

For graduates pursuing careers internationally, this multi-layered accreditation framework is invaluable. Whether applying for positions in the Gulf states, Europe, North America, or elsewhere, AUB graduates can demonstrate that their education meets the most rigorous quality standards in their respective fields. Employers and licensing bodies worldwide recognize these accreditations, making AUB degrees a passport to global professional mobility.

Graduate Funding and Financial Support

One of the most important considerations for prospective graduate students is affordability, and AUB addresses this concern with a robust funding ecosystem. Approximately 50% of master’s students receive financial support, making graduate education at AUB more accessible than many prospective students might expect. The funding mechanisms include the Graduate Fellowship and Assistantship Program (GFAP), scholarships, and need-based financial aid.

The GFAP represents the primary funding vehicle for graduate students. Recipients may receive partial to full tuition waivers, with the possibility of additional monthly stipends for service as research assistants, teaching assistants, or administrative assistants. This assistantship model serves a dual purpose: it reduces financial burden while providing students with professional experience in research, teaching, and university administration — skills that enhance their employability upon graduation.

Scholarships at AUB come from multiple sources, including university-wide endowments, faculty-specific funds, international agency grants, and bilateral agreements with governments and organizations. Need-based financial aid provides partial tuition waivers to students who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that economic circumstances don’t prevent talented students from accessing AUB’s graduate programs. For doctoral students, the funding picture is even more favorable: the vast majority of admitted PhD students receive full tuition waivers plus monthly stipends, reflecting AUB’s commitment to supporting advanced research. Students exploring funding across international programs might compare this with opportunities at institutions like the A.T. Still University Master of Public Health, which also provides robust financial support for health-focused graduate study.

Campus Life and Graduate Student Experience

Graduate study at AUB extends far beyond the classroom and laboratory. The university has developed a comprehensive support ecosystem specifically designed for graduate students, anchored by the GradEx (Graduate Professional Development) framework. GradEx offers workshops, seminars, and training courses across six domains: Research and Innovation, Teaching and Communication, Career Path and Development, Wellness and Life Balance, Integrity and Professionalism, and Community Service and Engagement.

AUB’s campus in Beirut is itself a remarkable setting for graduate study. The historic campus overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and combines century-old buildings with modern research facilities. Students have access to university libraries, a writing center, comprehensive IT services, and the Charles W. Hostler Student Center with sports and fitness facilities. Over 80 student clubs and societies provide opportunities for social engagement, cultural exploration, and leadership development outside of academic programs.

Support services for graduate students include academic advising, career counseling through the Student Career Hub and AUB Online Career Portal, counseling services, health services through UHS, and the Accessible Education Office for students with disabilities. International students receive dedicated support through the Office of International Programs (OIP), which assists with visa processes, cultural adjustment, and practical matters related to living in Lebanon. Student housing is available on campus, providing a convenient option for students new to Beirut.

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) connects graduate students with opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges facing Lebanese communities and the broader region. This engagement dimension is particularly meaningful for students in public health, social sciences, and education, where community-based work enriches both the student’s learning and the communities they serve.

Global Rankings and Employer Reputation

AUB’s position in global rankings reflects its growing stature as a world-class research university. The university is ranked #250 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, placing it among the top universities globally. Within the Arab region, AUB ranks #6 in the QS Arab Region Rankings 2023, confirming its position as a leading institution in the Middle East.

Perhaps most relevant for graduate students concerned about career outcomes, AUB ranks an impressive #35 globally for employer outcomes in the QS World University Rankings. This metric measures how well employers regard the university’s graduates, and AUB’s position in the top 40 worldwide demonstrates that companies across the globe actively seek and value AUB-educated professionals. In the Arab region specifically, AUB is ranked #2 in the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS), further confirming the labor market value of an AUB degree.

AUB’s #1 ranking in the MENA region for QS Sustainability reflects the university’s commitment to sustainable development — a growing priority for employers, governments, and international organizations. For graduate students interested in sustainability-related careers, this ranking signals that AUB integrates sustainability principles across its programs and operations, providing graduates with the mindset and skills to address one of the defining challenges of our era.

These rankings are supported by the university’s world-class faculty. With over 900 full-time instructional faculty holding PhDs, AUB maintains a research-intensive environment where graduate students learn from and collaborate with leading scholars in their fields. The faculty’s diverse international backgrounds — combined with deep regional expertise — create a learning environment that is both globally connected and locally relevant.

How to Apply to AUB Graduate Programs

Prospective graduate students can begin their application journey through AUB’s Graduate Council website at www.aub.edu.lb/graduatecouncil. The admissions office can be reached at grad-admissions@aub.edu.lb or by phone at +961 1 35 00 00 Ext. 4386. Application requirements vary by program but generally include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores where applicable.

Given the breadth of AUB’s graduate offerings, prospective students are encouraged to research specific programs carefully to understand unique requirements and deadlines. The Graduate Council website provides detailed information for each program, including curriculum structure, faculty profiles, and application procedures. Attending virtual or in-person information sessions can provide valuable insights into program culture and expectations.

For international students, the Office of International Programs provides guidance on visa requirements, housing, and adjusting to life in Beirut. AUB’s location in Beirut — a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary traditions, and proximity to both mountains and sea — offers a quality of life that enhances the graduate experience. Many international students find that studying at AUB provides not just academic advancement but also a transformative personal experience in one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East.

Students who are evaluating multiple graduate programs internationally should consider AUB’s unique combination of American accreditation, regional expertise, generous funding, and global employer recognition. Whether your goal is to advance in your current career, pivot to a new field, or pursue doctoral research, AUB’s graduate programs provide the academic foundation, professional networks, and personal growth opportunities to help you achieve your aspirations.