A Brief History

The idea to establish an American university in Afghanistan emerged in 2002, based on the success of other American universities around the world. Today, the university is Afghanistan’s only not-for-profit, private and independent university. It is non-political and non-sectarian, and committed to educating future generations of leaders in business, society and government.

University Milestones: 

2002:  Dr. Sharif Fayez, the Afghan Minister of Higher Education, proposes the establishment of the nation’s first independent university, and in a speech to the nation, President Hamid Karzai stresses the importance of education to the country.

2003:  In an address to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), U.S. First Lady Laura Bush announces support for educational initiatives in Afghanistan, and U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad gives strong support for establishing the American University of Afghanistan.

2003:  The Afghanistan High Commission for Private Investment offers 99-year leases on two large tracts of land, in southwest Kabul near the gutted Darulaman Palace, to develop a private university.  The American University of Afghanistan Foundation is chartered in Delaware as a nonprofit philanthropic organization to receive these leases.

2004:  The Afghanistan Ministry of Higher Education grants a charter to the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) under Article 46, Chapter 2 of the Afghan Constitution and Article 445 of the Civil Code.  The Coordinating Council of International Universities, based in the U.S., initiates a feasibility study to recommend an institutional framework for the new university.

2004:  The university’s Board of Trustees conducts its first meeting in Dubai, U.A.E.

2005:  In March, U.S. First Lady Laura Bush visits the site of the new university and announces a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch the institution.

2005:  On a five-acre site that is part of the land lease, two buildings heavily damaged in combat between Afghan and Soviet forces in the 1980s and the resulting factional war are repaired for office and classroom use.

2006:  In March, AUAF admits its first group of 53 students to its Foundation Studies Program, designed to strengthen student’s English language and study skills.  In September, the first credit-bearing undergraduate courses are offered, along with the first adult professional level programs.

2007:  The university implements its first vision and academic plans, and begins offering summer courses.

2008:  In June, U.S. First Lady Laura Bush announces $42 million in funding from USAID over five years.  By the end of the year, enrollment in the undergraduate and Foundation Studies programs reaches almost 350 students.

2009:  In August, the Board of Trustees appoints Dr. C. Michael Smith as the university’s president.  Through a $5 million grant from USAID, the university installs a state-of-the-art e-learning facility so that students can benefit from collaboration with other universities within the region and as far away as the U.S.  Support from the Bayat Foundation helps the university renovate the gymnasium.  The Friends of the American University of Afghanistan, with offices in Washington, is awarded 501(c) (3) non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service.

2010:  Enrollment increases to 550 students.  New degree programs—the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration—are approved by the Board of Trustees.  The design of the new campus is completed with support from USAID.  In May, the first student completes requirements for an undergraduate degree.  In June, a successful fundraising event is held in Washington for the Laura Bush Women’s Resource Center.  In August, the university opens a newly constructed faculty office building.

 2011:  The university opens the spring semester in January with its first convocation.  Enrollment rises to 789 students, including 21 percent women.  In May, the university holds its first graduation ceremony and holds groundbreaking ceremonies for faculty and staff housing on the new campus.  In August, a new faculty office building opens on the original campus.