The American University of Beirut (AUB) is a leading private, non-denominational, English-medium research university located in Beirut, Lebanon. Founded in 1866 by American missionaries, it was originally named the Syrian Protestant College and was renamed the American University of Beirut in 1920. AUB is one of the oldest and most prestigious American universities in the Middle East. Its degrees are accredited by the State of New York, meaning students can earn fully recognized American degrees without having to travel to the United States. The American University of Beirut degree is the most valuable credential for employers in the Middle East
Global Rankings and Graduate Employability
AUB holds a high standing in the academic world. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, it ranked 237th globally and has been Lebanon’s top university for six consecutive years. Its graduates excel in the job market; in the 2026 QS Employability Rankings, it ranked 33rd globally and third in the Middle East and North Africa, with a score of 98.7. In terms of graduate employment, it ranked 12th globally, outperforming Harvard and MIT.
Accreditations and Flagship Programs
AUB’s Suliman S. Olayan School of Business is among the elite 1% of business schools worldwide to hold “Triple Crown” accreditation. It has successfully achieved reaccreditation from AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), further solidifying its reputation as a world-class business school. The school’s Master of Business Analytics program is ranked number one in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Campus Culture and Student Body
AUB’s student body is highly diverse, currently comprising over 8,000 students, including more than 1,700 international students, who make up 21% of the total. The university has been co-educational since 1922, with a nearly equal gender ratio and an open, inclusive academic atmosphere.
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
AUB’s acceptance rate ranges from 50% to 60%, making it moderately competitive. English proficiency requirements are quite high; typically, an IELTS score of 7 or a TOEFL score of 97 or higher is required for undergraduate programs, with some majors having even higher standards. Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the program.
American University of Beirut Diploma: A Middle Eastern Benchmark for Global Employability
The most sought-after attribute of an American University of Beirut Diploma among international employers is its outstanding performance in global employability rankings. In the 2026 QS Employability Rankings, AUB ranked 33rd globally and third in the Middle East; employers rate it sixth in the Middle East and 200th globally. The School of Medicine ranks 132nd globally in the QS Subject Rankings and has consistently been ranked first in the Middle East for many years. Graduates hold leadership positions across various industries, including finance, consulting, engineering, and public health. An AUB degree has now become the most sought-after credential among employers in the Middle East.
