| American University of Phnom Penh | |
| Native Name: | Central Khmer: សាកលវិទ្យាល័យអាមេរិកាំងភ្នំពេញ |
| Motto: | Study Locally, Live Globally |
| Established: | August 2013 |
The American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP; Central Khmer: សាកលវិទ្យាល័យអាមេរិកាំងភ្នំពេញ, UNGEGN: in Central Khmer pronounced as /saːkɑlʋɨtjiəlaj ʔameːrikaŋ pʰnom pəɲ/) is a private English-medium university founded in August 2013, with a campus in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.[1] The university currently offers four-year American dual degree programs [2] as well as stand-alone Bachelor's and MBA programs.Web site: Master's Programs.
The vision for AUPP originated with Dr. Chea Vandeth along with Dr. Kem Reat Viseth, the former Director of the School of Graduate Studies of the National School of Management, and Dr. Kenneth Dunn, a Fulbright Scholar to Cambodia, who together conceptualized a new university that would embody international best practices and offer academic programs of the highest quality. AUPP was organized as a non-profit institution with the mission of contributing to the human resource development of Cambodia. In 2013, AUPP began operations with 40 students at a temporary campus in Toul Kork.[3]
A Board of Trustees was formed to direct the course of the University and oversee its development. At the same time, an International Advisory Board was created, including experienced educators, administrators, and business leaders from the U.S. and Cambodia. This board advises AUPP on its management, governance, academic structures, programs, and services.
AUPP has further solidified a Micro Campus[4] and Dual Degree agreement with the University of Arizona and a Dual Degree agreement with Fort Hays State University. These agreements allow Cambodian students to receive accredited American degrees without leaving Cambodia.
AUPP offers numerous scholarships based on financial need to support the educational dreams of young scholars without the financial means to do so. https://www.aupp.edu.kh/tuition-scholarships-financial-aid-loans/aupp-scholarships/
AUPP was relocated to its new campus located at 278H Street 201R, Russei Kéo, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in the middle of 2017.
AUPP signed a Micro Campus agreement with University of Arizona (UA) and a Dual Degree agreement with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) at the AUPP campus in Phnom Penh, under which they entered into a cooperative arrangement to deliver dual degree programs to AUPP students.[5] This made it possible for the first time that a U.S. degree could be completed by Cambodian students entirely in Cambodia. The programs offered by AUPP with U of A and FHSU are “dual degrees”, meaning that students who finish four years of study at AUPP will receive one bachelor's degree from AUPP and another from the American Partner University. This agreement also allows AUPP students to study abroad at UA or at FHSU in the United States for one or two semesters, depending on their choice of major.[6] [7]
AUPP offers the following undergraduate majors.[8]
AUPP offers undergraduate minors in the following disciplines:
The American University of Phnom Penh offers the following graduate degrees:[9]
The American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) emphasizes that a student's college experience should extend beyond academics to include personal growth, community engagement, and overall development. The university's Student Affairs department is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey by offering a variety of services and opportunities. These include counseling and wellness programs, student clubs, leadership development initiatives, and career support. AUPP strives to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive, encouraging them to engage with their peers and participate in a wide range of activities designed to enhance their college experience. The Student Affairs department at AUPP is more than just a functional office; it is a dynamic community committed to helping students succeed both during their time at the university and in their future endeavors.
AUPP’s student clubs include Music Club, Dance Club (K-pop & Traditional Khmer), Art Club, Volleyball Club, Basketball Club, Soccer Club, Tennis Club, Badminton Club, Pride Club, Mental Health Club, Astrology Club, Table Top Club, Vlog Club, Debate Club, Coin & Stamp Club, Green Aids Club, Book Club, Entrepreneur Club, Real Estate Club, Cooking Club, and several others. Students are also involved in service-learning projects (social responsibility). The elected Student Government Association (SGA) provides leadership opportunities, organizes field trips, and organizes a speaker series which further round out students’ education.