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The University

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English.

Established by Amiri Decree 139 in 2003, AUK received its Institutional Accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC) – Ministry of Higher Education in the State of Kuwait, as of February 1, 2006.

AUK offers students a quality education based on an American college model. The faculty, administration, and staff work hard to create a caring environment where every aspect of the student’s development gets attention and support. The course of study is designed to prepare students for the contemporary world where critical thinking, communication skills, and life-long learning have become imperative. The Liberal Arts education system aims not only to guide the students to fulfill their educational goals, but to also instill effective critical thinking skills that they can apply in their future careers in the fields of their choice.

The AUK faculty is comprised of a highly qualified group of international academics experienced in the American style of higher education. There are over 123 faculty members at AUK, 92 percent of whom have earned PhDs or terminal degrees. With most class sizes ranging from 17 to 24 students, developing bonds between students and professors is easy.

During their academic career at AUK, our students will be trained to improve their academic skills, time management skills, and learn stress reduction techniques. Our students will also find opportunities to gain professional experiences through our student employment program and internships, develop their creative talents and maintain their personal health and fitness through our extracurricular activities, and learn to become involved members of the community.

The American University of Kuwait is a liberal arts institution dedicated to teaching, learning, and scholarship. The University offers programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning and professional success. AUK enriches society by fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth, service, and leadership.

The AUK community strives to uphold the following values:

  • Freedom of thought, expression, and intellectual inquiry.
  • Respect for individual identity and rights, and cultural diversity.
  • Commitment to high standards of morality, integrity, and social responsibility.
  • Adherence to high professional standards and ethics.

AUK aspires to be a leading university recognized locally, regionally, and internationally for its institutional distinctiveness, academic excellence, and the accomplishments of its graduates.

The American University of Kuwait is committed to creating an enlightened and progressive educational culture in which all students, faculty, and staff – regardless of nationality, creed, or position – co-exist to create a dynamic and equitable environment. All members of AUK are expected to respect the diverse nature of the AUK community and interact in a manner that is respectful of such, and that supports a commitment to life-long learning and the pursuit of academic excellence in higher education. The University encourages the freedom to engage in academic inquiry and the fair exchange of ideas and supports open access to the dissemination of information.

The University founders uphold the philosophy that one cannot create a true enlightened academic environment without practicing the very virtues and ideals it hopes to instill in its students. In upholding the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical conduct among its faculty, staff, and students, the University hopes to create a community of scholars and students who will benefit from AUK’s collegial atmosphere.

In its commitment to a liberal arts model of education, the University encourages students to take courses and participate in activities that go beyond their selected fields of study or major. To cultivate this breadth of knowledge, the University requires of all students a foundational set of General Education requirements upon which students build their university education. The University offers a wide range of specializations in the arts and sciences, as well as opportunities for second degrees, double majors, minors, and electives in a variety of disciplines (fields of study). AUK believes in strengthening students’ basic skills in writing and communication, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning (through mathematics and statistics), and scientific reasoning. AUK’s solid liberal arts and sciences curriculum is designed to instill in students the passion for life-long learning, and promote academic excellence, professionalism, and leadership qualities.