AUC - School of Continuing Education

What AUC - School of Continuing Education does

AUC School of Continuing Education (SCE) is the lifelong-learning division of The American University in Cairo, an Egyptian private non-profit university founded in 1919. SCE delivers adult education across four functional lines: (1) CEFR-aligned English (480 hours, A1–B2) and Arabic language courses; (2) professional certificate programs across 120+ fields, including specialized certificates such as 80-hour Food Safety and Regulation; (3) the newly launched Career Accelerator micro-credentialing system with 200+ stackable credentials across 17 career tracks, delivered as IACET-accredited digital badges; and (4) a comprehensive testing and assessment portfolio operated by its Evaluation, Testing and Assessment Department (ETAD), combining proprietary placement tests (SEPT, OEPT, OAAT, OSAPT, APT, PTMSA, OOET, OEPTYL) with international exam hosting for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Meazure Learning.

SCE's technology stack includes online proctoring via X51 Secure Exam Browser with live Zoom supervision, a Moodle-based learning platform (scemoodle.aucegypt.edu), multiple learning modalities (face-to-face, live online, blended, self-paced), and online registration infrastructure. Curricula follow CEFR standards, flipped-classroom and task-based learning methodologies, and incorporate part-time faculty with a minimum of eight years' professional experience for business courses and CELTA/DELTA-equivalent credentials for language instruction. Operations span three Egyptian campuses — Tahrir Square, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital Professional Development Center inaugurated in June 2026 — supported by a dedicated corporate outreach team, a Programs and Partnerships Department, and a Career Guidance Unit.

SCE's revenue is generated through tuition and fees from individual course enrollment, professional certificate fees (e.g., EGP 38,000 / USD 950 for the Food Safety certificate), test administration fees (typically EGP 465–900 for Egyptian test-takers), corporate training contracts, and government-sponsored workforce development programs. Pricing is dual-tariffed for Egyptians vs. non-Egyptians, with corporate discounts for bulk enrollment. Customer segments include working professionals (primary), corporate organizations, government entities, young learners, test takers, and international universities requiring remote exam hosting. Notable institutional partners include the US Embassy Cairo (English Access Microscholarship, English Language Mentors), USDA and Venture37 (Food Safety certification), IDP IELTS, ETS, Wasla Connect (graduate outcomes), Ipsos (Certified Marketing Researcher), and the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (study tours).

Name

AUC - School of Continuing Education

Legal name

The American University in Cairo - School of Continuing Education

Website

https://sce.aucegypt.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

AUC School of Continuing Education is the lifelong-learning division of The American University in Cairo, delivering IACET-accredited CEFR-aligned language courses, professional certificates, and a 200+ micro-credential Career Accelerator to working professionals, corporate clients, and government entities across Egypt.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Continuing Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Language Schools (611630)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAEAA

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Continuing Education (Noncredit) & Lifelong Learning Programs

SECONDARYEDAAAEAF

Language & Communication Continuing Education

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Continuing Education (Noncredit) & Lifelong Learning Programs

SECONDARYEDAIAIAI

Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/International Summer/Winter Schools & Short-Term Academic Programs

SECONDARYEDAAAEAD

Professional & Applied Skills Noncredit Certificates (Non-licensure)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Continuing Education (Noncredit) & Lifelong Learning Programs

Keywords

• Continuing education programs
• Professional development training
• Language proficiency testing
• Corporate training services
• Micro-credential education

Headquarters

HQ city

Cairo (Tahrir Square)

HQ country

Egypt

HQ region

Africa

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Development Programs: Tuition fees from professional certificate programs, career accelerator micro-credentials, and continuing education courses. Programs offered in various fields including business, technology, languages, and specialized certifications.
2. Testing and Assessment Services: Fees for administering standardized English and Arabic proficiency tests (SEPT, Oral SEPT, APT, PTMSA, OSAPT, OEPT, OOET, OAAT, OEPTYL) for placement, admission, and certification purposes.
3. International Exam Administration: Test administration fees for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Meazure Learning tests conducted at AUC venues.
4. Corporate Training: Tailor-made and customized training programs for organizations, government agencies, and businesses delivered on-site or at AUC campuses.
5. Language Courses: English language courses aligned to CEFR from A1 to B2 levels, and Arabic language programs for various proficiency levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AUC School of Continuing Education offers CEFR-aligned English and Arabic language programs (A1 to B2), professional certificate programs and career accelerator micro-credentials across 17 career tracks, standardized language proficiency testing (SEPT, OEPT, OAAT, IELTS, TOEFL iBT), specialized certificates (e.g., Food Safety and Regulation), and youth programs. Programs are delivered in-person across three Cairo-area campuses (Tahrir Square, New Cairo, New Administrative Capital) and online, with additional corporate training and tailor-made programs for organizations and government agencies.

Product overview

AUC's School of Continuing Education (SCE) is a multi-platform continuing education institution offering professional certificates, micro-credentials, language training, testing and assessment services, and youth programs. The core offerings span: (1) English and Arabic language programs (CEFR-aligned from A1 to B2, 480-hour English curriculum; Arabic proficiency tests and programs); (2) The Career Accelerator — a micro-credentialing system with 200+ credentials across 17 career tracks, including Skill Credentials, Job Credentials, and Track Credentials; (3) Testing and Assessment Services — a comprehensive suite of English and Arabic proficiency/placement tests including SEPT, Oral SEPT, OEPT, OOET, OAAT, OSAPT, APT, PTMSA, and international exams (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Meazure Learning); (4) Specialized certificates such as Food Safety and Regulation; (5) Youth and summer programs including English Oral Communication for Young Learners and the Future Me – Time Explorers AI-themed camp; (6) New Capital Programs at the Professional Development Center; and (7) International hosting and corporate training services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Career Accelerator: A professional learning model enabling professionals to earn credentials within weeks through 200+ micro-credentials across 17 career tracks.
• SCALE
• Career Clinic
• Hospitality and Tourism Academy

Products and services

• English Courses (CEFR A1 to B2) CEFR-aligned English language curriculum covering four stages from A1 to B2 (480 hours, 48 CEUs, 16 courses) using flipped classrooms, task-based learning, and digital resources. Divided into Survival English (A1), English for Effective Communication (A2), English for Professional Purposes (B1), and English for Intercultural Communication (B2). Designed for adult learners seeking internationally recognized English proficiency.
• Career Accelerator Program A micro-credentialing professional learning model offering 200+ stackable credentials across 17 career tracks. Learners earn verified digital badges for individual skills (12–22 hours each), which can be combined into Job Credentials (3–8 skills for a job role) or Track Credentials (complete a full track). Targets working professionals seeking competency-based skill development.
• Testing and Assessment Services (ETAD) Comprehensive language and proficiency testing services administered by ETAD (Evaluation, Testing and Assessment Department) for placement, admission, and credentialing purposes. Includes English, Arabic, and international standardized exams for individuals and organizations.
• Specialized Certificate for Food Safety and Regulation 80-hour professional certificate (BUSN105) covering food safety inspection, HACCP system, NFSA regulations, food defense, risk-based inspection, and compliance across Egypt's food system. Designed for food safety inspection professionals, regulators, and quality assurance personnel.
• IELTS Test Administration (IDP) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) administered at AUC Tahrir Square and New Cairo campuses. Recognized worldwide for education, immigration, and professional accreditation. Scored 1–9 per section.
• TOEFL iBT Test Administration Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test administered at AUC Tahrir Square campus. Four sections (reading, listening, speaking, writing) each scored 0–30, total score 0–120. Scores accepted by 11,500+ universities worldwide.
• Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) Paper-based proprietary English proficiency test aligned to CEFR, measuring listening, reading, and writing skills. Used for placement into SCE programs, Graduate School of Education, and School of Business Executive Education, as well as for occupational appointments, promotions, travel, and scholarships. Scores valid for one year.
• Oral Standardized English Proficiency Test (Oral SEPT) Proprietary speaking proficiency test measuring oral English ability for placement into SCE CEFR-aligned English conversation programs or for occupational, university admission, travel, and scholarship purposes. Duration: 20 minutes. Scores valid for one year.
• Online English Placement Test (OEPT) with Live Proctoring Online English placement test with live proctoring, 130 minutes long (Listening 40 min, Reading 43 min, Writing 47 min). Assesses communicative language abilities for placement into SCE, Graduate School of Education, and School of Business programs. Results issued next working day.
• Online Standardized Arabic Proficiency Test (OSAPT) CEFR-aligned online Arabic proficiency test covering listening, reading, writing (2 hours 45 minutes), and speaking (14 minutes). Addresses personal, social, occupational, and educational language use contexts.
• Arabic Proficiency Test (APT) Paper-based Arabic proficiency test (100 questions, 90 minutes) measuring vocabulary, grammar, structure, and writing. Used for placement in SCE translation programs and occupational appointments. Scores valid for three years.
• Online Arabic Admission Test (OAAT) with Live Proctoring Online Arabic proficiency test with live proctoring, 20 minutes in duration. Measures proficiency in contemporary standard Arabic for admission into SCE translation programs or Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (CCTAFL) certificate.
• New Capital Professional Development Programs Professional development and lifelong learning programs delivered at SCE's new Professional Development Center in the Administrative Capital, covering language, professional development, leadership, management, technology, entrepreneurship, teacher development, and professional certifications. Targets government entities and public sector workforce in the New Capital.
• Corporate Training and Tailor-Made Programs Customized corporate training, tailor-made courses for organizations, and bulk enrollment for sponsored learners delivered on-site or at AUC campuses. Designed for companies, government agencies, and businesses requiring employee upskilling.
• Hosting International Universities Exams Remote testing services for students studying abroad, allowing them to take paper-based and computer-based tests through a partnership between SCE/ETAD and international universities/institutions at AUC campuses.
• English Oral Communication for Young Learners Oral communication courses for young learners improving English speaking ability through authentic listening comprehension, pronunciation, stress, intonation, and vocabulary expansion. Six levels (EAYL503–EAYL507) requiring successful completion of prior educational level as prerequisite. 15 hours, 1.5 CEUs per iteration.
• The Future Me – Time Explorers Summer Camp Summer camp for Gen Z/Alpha learners exploring how historical inventions shaped today's smart technologies and future AI. Includes four tracks: Smart Transportation, Smart Security, Sustainable Smart Housing, and Smart Aviation and Future Aerospace. Each track 18 hours (1.8 CEUs), combining hands-on Arduino activities with AI tools. July–August 2026.
• Hospitality and Tourism Academy Specialized academy offering hospitality and tourism professional development programs under the SCE portfolio. Designed for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry seeking career advancement and skill development.

Quantifiable outcome

• SCE graduates report transformation in thinking, improved organization, and increased confidence in decision-making
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hong Kong Metropolitan UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026International study tour program hosting students from Hong Kong Metropolitan University for immersive educational experience combining academic learning, cultural exploration, and cross-cultural dialogue.
• LiPACE (Hong Kong Metropolitan University Continuing Education)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Hosted Inaugural Roundtable on Dialogue of University Continuing Education Schools with 10 countries participating. AUC SCE delivered presentation on 100+ years of impact and contributed to global dialogue on future of continuing education.
• Wasla ConnectcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 April 2026Partnership connecting SCE graduates with career opportunities and professional development pathways. Event brought together graduates and prospective candidates for networking and professional growth.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2026Collaboration for developing a new Food Safety Certification program. USDA representative visited SCE as part of preparations to introduce certification designed for food safety inspection professionals, developed by international experts and translated into Arabic.
• Venture37coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2026Implementing arm for agricultural development initiatives, participating in food safety certification development collaboration with USDA and US Embassy.
• IDP IELTScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized test delivery partner for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at AUC venues. Jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
• ETS (Educational Testing Service)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized TOEFL iBT test administration at AUC Tahrir Square campus. Scores accepted by 11,500+ universities worldwide.
• Meazure LearningminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized test center for Meazure Learning Internet-based Tests including IDA, IHATI, NLN, and SIA certification exams.
• US Embassy CairocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for English Language Mentors Program and Access Microscholarship Program. 173+ students selected for English language development programs annually.
• IpsosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with leading global market research company to launch Certified Marketing Researcher Program.
• Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership establishing SCE Professional Development Center in New Administrative Capital. Event 'Empowering the Future: Workforce Development and Industry Partnership Initiative' attended by government officials and industry leaders.
• Wu Executive Academy, Vienna University of Economics and BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessor Bodo Schlegelmilch delivered keynote at New Capital center inauguration on 'Lifelong Learning for Egypt's New Chapter'.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Emerging players

• Coursera: Global online learning platform offering professional certificates and micro-credentials from universities and companies. Comparable to SCE's Career Accelerator product line — both deliver stackable, shareable professional credentials — but Coursera is fully digital and global, while SCE offers in-person plus online within Egypt.

Direct peers

• AMIDEAST: US-based organization operating English language, testing, and workforce training programs across the MENA region. Directly comparable to SCE in English language instruction and standardized testing; notably, SCE's former Dean James Ketterer was previously AMIDEAST's Egypt Country Director, evidencing direct personnel overlap in the regional English-teaching ecosystem.
• Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies: Georgetown's continuing studies school offering professional certificates and master's programs. Comparable as a US university extension focused on adult professional learners and stackable credentials in business, technology, and languages.
• UCLA Extension: Continuing education division of UCLA offering certificates, professional programs, and lifelong learning. Most directly comparable peer as a university-based extension school offering CEU-bearing professional certificates, micro-credentials, and corporate training — same operating model as AUC SCE but at greater scale.
• University of Chicago Graham School: University of Chicago's continuing and professional education unit. Comparable as a top-tier university extension delivering certificate programs and executive education for working professionals.
• British Council: UK cultural organization operating English language teaching and IELTS testing centers globally, including Egypt. Overlaps with SCE in English courses, IELTS administration, and teacher training — a competing venue for the same Egyptian test-takers.
• NYU School of Professional Studies: NYU's continuing and professional studies school offering graduate certificates, professional development, and industry-aligned credentials. Closely comparable in operating model, certificate portfolio, and target learner (working professionals seeking career advancement).
• Harvard Division of Continuing Education: Harvard's continuing education arm delivering professional certificates, degree programs, and short courses to adult learners. Comparable to SCE as a globally branded university CE school offering stackable credentials and language/test preparation.
• American University of Beirut Continuing Education Center: Regional peer operating a continuing education center at a leading American-style university in the MENA region. Comparable to AUC SCE in mission, brand positioning (prestigious US-style regional university), and program mix including language, professional development, and testing services.

Broad incumbents

• IDP Education: Global IELTS co-owner and large international student placement and testing services company. Comparable as the parent/partner of the IELTS program that SCE administers, but operates at far greater scale across multiple geographies and student-services lines beyond language testing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheSCEChannel?feature=mhee
• Facebookfacebook.com/111044768963212
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/auc-school-of-continuing-education
• Instagraminstagram.com/auc_egypt

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AUC - School of Continuing Education