Scholarships in Egypt

Coptic Orphans is committed to ensuring that the children we serve receive the best education possible. This commitment often means helping students graduate from university and scholarships made possible by our generous donors are a key tool for achieving that goal!

A university degree is an important predictor of success in life. Egyptian households where the head or spouse has achieved a university education or higher (4.8% poverty rate) are far less likely to be below the poverty line than those in which the parents have achieved less than primary education (33% poverty rate). By supporting a young person in obtaining a university degree, we can help their family achieve success for generations to come.

That isn’t always easy, particularly for those students talented enough to gain acceptance to Egypt’s top universities. The cost of university in Egypt is often prohibitive for poor families. But these children, who have worked so hard and overcome so much, deserve the same opportunities as their more fortunate peers. They are the future of the Coptic community and, with a university diploma in hand, they can lift up themselves, their families, and all of Egypt.

This is why, as Coptic Orphans has grown, we have dedicated more of our resources to providing scholarships for special young men and women who have earned their place at the top universities in Egypt. With your generous help, we can assist the next generation of Egyptian leaders.

Here are two scholarships that Coptic Orphans provides to high-achieving young women and men in our Not Alone Program:

Future Leaders Scholarship

The Future Leaders Scholarship (FLS) started in 2016 with the goal of empowering and equipping Not Alone children who stand out for their academic accomplishments and strong character. We seek out not only the top students, but also children who are willing to inspire others and lead change in their communities. FLS awardees are also Coptic Orphans ambassadors—they represent the very best of what the organization has to offer the fatherless children of Egypt. While they continue their studies, the awardees remain responsible for assisting the younger children in the program by participating in activities such as book clubs, leadership camps, and community training initiatives.

By the grace of God, the Future Leaders Scholarship has continued to grow over the past five years. During the 2019-2020 cycle, it was awarded to 45 recipients who demonstrated advanced academic skills, leadership potential, and a service mindset. With your help, that number can continue to grow as we fund more Future Leaders.

Bishop Samuel Scholarship

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology and software development are among the most sought-after professions globally, and Egypt is no exception. The demand for skilled software developers in Egypt has surged, driven by the country’s fast-growing tech sector. Such remarkable expansion is offering not only lucrative salaries but also the chance to be at the forefront of innovation. Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and other tech professionals are highly sought after by companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations. The competition for these roles is intense, and the skills required are specialized and constantly evolving.

Unfortunately, Copts are underrepresented in these fields, missing out on significant career opportunities and the potential for high earnings. This lack of representation not only limits individual career prospects but also hinders the broader Coptic community from establishing a strong presence in an industry that is shaping the future.

As an education-focused organization, Coptic Orphans believes in empowering the next generation of Coptic youth in Egypt to seize such opportunities and become leaders in the technology industry. Named in honor of Bishop Samuel, a visionary leader dedicated to the advancement of Coptic education, The Bishop Samuel Scholarship is designed to bridge this gap by incentivizing more Not Alone high school graduates to pursue studies in computer science, software engineering, and other technology-related fields. The scholarship provides financial support, mentorship by seasoned professionals, as well as internships opportunities to increase the student’s ability to better compete for tech jobs after graduation.