SDG 5: Gender Equality

Promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for women in higher education and research.

Tracking Women’s Access to Higher Education

AU believes that true equality begins with access. That is why AU measures and monitors female access into AU. From the moment an application is submitted to admission and enrollment, track women’s participation is carefully tracked at each stage. By collecting this data year after year, AU is able to see where women are applying in strong numbers, and where they may still be underrepresented. This helps identify gaps and design programs that encourage more women to apply, particularly in fields where they have historically been less visible.

Through this focus, AU reaffirms its role as a university that opens doors, breaks barriers, and supports women at every step of their academic journey.

A sample of some AU student numbers below shows how AU maintains a balanced admissions profile. Over the past five years, the application and admission rates of male and female students have remained closely aligned, with women slightly surpassing men. Also, AU has consistently recorded higher graduation rates among female students compared to male students. This trend highlights the strong academic performance and persistence of women at AU, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting gender equality in education.

If AU identifies gaps in participation, progression, or graduation rates by gender, the University deploys targeted support to close the gap. Academic advising, and Student mentoring are offered to strengthen course performance; counselling services are also there to provide confidential wellbeing care; the Center for Learning Differences ensures academic adjustments for students with Learning Differences; and financial assistance, scholarships and grants to reduce economic barriers to access and retention. In parallel, AU runs outreach and activities in under-represented fields, most notably the Junior Camps (Engineering, Aviation, Mariners, Banker) delivered in collaboration with the Australian Academy, which give school girls hands-on STEM experiences and a clear pathway to AU programs. These interventions work together to help female students overcome challenges, sustain engagement, and complete their studies with confidence.

AU Female’s Access and Participation Policy, shows how AU is committed to supporting women’s access to education and active participation in university life. To ensure that every woman can pursue her studies and career without barriers, AU offers child-friendly lounges for students who have kids, flexible learning support, and tailored advisory services. For our female staff, AU offers comprehensive maternity leave, paid nursery allowance as per Kuwait Labour Law, return-to-work flexibility, and equal opportunities for professional growth. These initiatives reflect the belief that women’s success is integral to the success of the entire AU community.

Woman Access, Mentoring and Support Schemes at AU

AU believes that student success extends beyond the classroom. Through Student Affairs Department, different AU Centers, and dedicated support units, AU provides academic advising, mentoring programs and counseling services designed to guide students especially female students through their academic, personal, and professional journeys. Mentors including faculty members, advisors, and trained staff offer continuous guidance to ensure that students adapt smoothly to university life. On the other hand, AU offers flexible academic pathways, such as diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and 2+2 programs, which can support access for women who need more flexible study options.

AU offers dedicated scholarships and bursaries to support female students, alongside financial assistance schemes designed to reduce barriers to entry and ensure continued success. All assistance is administered under AU’s Financial Assistance Policy, which sets clear rules and guidelines for eligibility. The Student Financial Assistance Committee conducts an annual review of the types, numbers, and values of scholarships and support provided, ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with student needs.

Advising at AU is an essential part of the faculty’s role in supporting student success. Each student is assigned an academic advisor from within their discipline to provide ongoing guidance throughout their studies. Particular attention is given to advising female students, ensuring they receive the support needed to navigate enrollment, track academic progress, and achieve strong educational outcomes. Academic advising is built on a collaborative relationship between the student and advisor, offering women a trusted source of encouragement, mentorship, and direction during their academic journey.

Female students in particular benefit from AU’s supportive environment, Tutoring Center at AU provides free academic support designed to help students strengthen their understanding of courses and improve performance. Special attention is given to supporting female students, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed academically and continue their studies with confidence. Tutoring sessions are arranged through the Office of Student Affairs.

Also, Student Counseling at AU provides confidential mental health support for students and staff, with a strong emphasis on empowering women to achieve balance, confidence, and success. Services include individual counseling sessions, group workshops, and awareness programs addressing a wide range of mental health topics, including those that directly affect women in higher education and society. The center also contributes to the wider community by delivering presentations in Kuwait and participating in national and international conferences, ensuring that women’s perspectives remain central to the dialogue on mental health and education.

Other Provisions:

Also, AU supports women’s access and success through dedicated health provisions. The annual “AU GOES PINK” campaign, brings expert medical outreach to campus, raises awareness on early detection, and encourages mammography and healthy habits. By centering accurate information and practical guidance, AU helps women stay healthy, continue their studies with confidence, and fully participate in university life.