American University of Afghanistan

About

The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) is a private, non-profit institution established to provide a Western-style liberal arts education in Afghanistan. It is best known for its rigorous programs in Business Administration, Information Technology, and Law, designed to foster critical thinking and leadership skills. While primarily serving Afghan students, AUAF's curriculum, faculty, and academic standards were developed to meet international benchmarks, with all instruction conducted exclusively in English. Its distinctive characteristic is its enduring commitment to delivering high-quality higher education in a challenging and often volatile environment, aiming to empower a new generation of educated leaders. Although its physical campus operations in Kabul have been impacted, AUAF continues its mission through online learning and international partnerships, supporting its student body globally.

Background

The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF; Persian: دانشگاه آمریکایی افغانستان; Pashto: د افغانستان امریکايي پوهنتون) is an online private university. After the fall of Kabul in 2021, many former students of AUAF live abroad and, as of 2022, there were plans to create a new AUAF campus in Qatar. AUAF was the country's first private, not-for-profit institution of higher education. It was formerly located in the Darulaman section of Kabul. Chartered in 2004, the AUAF offered an MBA program, four undergraduate degree programs, pre-college preparation (Academy) and continuing education and professional development training (the Professional Development Institute). It opened in 2006 with 50 students, which grew to 1,700 full and part-time students. Its alumni include 29 Fulbright Scholars. The spring 2025 semester session at the university was briefly suspended due to funding cuts at USAID with funding later extended until June 2025.

Location

Quick facts

Nearby universities