About the University
What is the American University of Afghanistan?
The American University of Afghanistan is a private, not-for-profit university operating in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. As do other American-style universities around the world, it builds on the American system of higher education, which values democracy, academic freedom, equal opportunity, individual rights, security, and integrity. The University follows the American academic year and all courses are taught in English.
What is a "private, not-for-profit" university?
In the American tradition of higher education, private universities are controlled by independent boards of leading citizens rather than a government ministry. This means, for example, that the University President is named by the Board of Trustees and not the government. Also, it means that private universities – some would term them independent universities – are responsible for financing themselves from a variety of private and public sources rather than depending on the government as the principal funding source, as is the case in most public universities.
A not-for-profit university means that it is not a business owned by individuals who have the objective of making money. Some institutions that call themselves universities, including some in Afghanistan, are actually businesses organized primarily to make a profit. The American University of Afghanistan uses any excess funds to improve the University and not to distribute these resources to shareholders.
What is the difference between AUAF and other private institutions of higher education?
The American University of Afghanistan is the only institution recognized by the government of Afghanistan as a private university. It differs from other private institutions of higher education in both its high level of quality and integrity, and its methods of delivery. The University offers high-quality education, featuring reliance on cutting-edge technology, professors with international qualifications, and trapsparent operating prodecures.
Is the American University of Afghanistan recognized internationally?
American Universities are found all over the world, including in Cairo, Beirut, Dubai, Athens, and Rome. While each institution is autonomous, institutions that carry the name "American University" are recognized worldwide as providers of modern, quality education.
"Accreditation" means that a university’s programs adhere to a high level of academic standards, and that the university's degrees are recognized and accepted around the world. If a graduate from an accredited university decides to enroll in a masters or Ph.D. program abroad, for example, their degree is recognized and accepted by other universities. To date, there are no accredited universities operating in Afghanistan.
The American University of Afghanistan, however, is currently working actively towards accreditation status by a regional accreditation body based in the United States. Because accreditation cannot occur before a university graduates its first undergraduate students, the American University of Afghanistan expects to apply for accreditation in 2010. Until then, the University will continue to operate with academic and procedural standards as if it was already accredited.
