How to Study at Egyptian Universities: A Guide for Foreign Students

Are you looking for an opportunity to study in a dynamic and diverse educational environment?

Do you want to benefit from high-quality education at reasonable living costs? If your answer is yes, Egyptian universities offer you this opportunity!

Many international students are turning their attention to Egypt as a distinguished academic destination

with the number of international students in Egypt reaching 26,000 last year.

But why should Egypt be your university choice?

In this article, we will review the advantages of university education in Egypt, a variety of distinguished universities

and a series of the most popular university majors in Egypt.

Egypt is considered one of the most attractive Arab countries for students

as they enjoy many benefits that make it a rewarding choice for those seeking a distinguished educational experience.

Here are some features that make studying in Egypt a unique experience:

- Diversity of Specializations:

The diversity of specializations is a prominent feature of Egyptian universities, offering a wide range of academic programs in various fields.

From medical sciences and engineering to fine arts and social sciences, Egyptian universities provide diverse study programs that meet students' needs

and enable them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

- Rich Cultural Heritage:

Egypt is one of the richest countries in cultural heritage, being home to ancient civilizations like the Pharaohs and having a long history of cultural influence through the ages.

This heritage is a source of inspiration for students who seek to understand and explore Egyptian art, literature, and ancient history.

- Scientific Research and Innovation:

Egyptian universities are a vibrant environment for scientific research and innovation

offering students unique opportunities to participate in exciting and innovative research projects.

This dynamic environment allows students to explore different fields of knowledge and interact with the latest developments in their areas of study.

- Low Living Costs:

Thanks to these low costs, students can reduce financial pressure and focus more on their studies and skill development.

Egypt offers various accommodation options that fit different budget levels, ranging from on-campus housing to furnished apartments in major cities

and even monthly rentals for unfurnished apartments.

- Employment and Training Opportunities:

Egypt’s active economy provides multiple opportunities for students to interact with the local job market and benefit from training and development programs.

Students can participate in training and development programs offered by local companies and international organizations in various sectors such as technology

communications, creative industries, financial services, and more.

The duration of university study in Egypt depends on the type of academic program and the educational level the student is pursuing.

Typically, university study in Egypt ranges from four to six years, depending on the field of study and the degree being sought.

Here is an overview of the number of years required for some common programs:

- Bachelor's Degree (Undergraduate Degree):

The duration of a bachelor's degree in Egypt usually ranges from four to five years

except for some professional specializations such as medicine, engineering, and pharmacy, which may take six years.

Here’s a deeper look at the duration of bachelor's studies in some common specializations:

• Engineering Sciences (e.g., Mechanical and Electrical Engineering):

The duration of study in these specializations may be five years, including an additional year to complete graduation requirements and a graduation project.

• Medical Sciences (e.g., Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry):

The duration of study in these specializations usually takes six years, which includes years of theoretical study and practical training in hospitals and laboratories.

• Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., Languages, Literature, Media Studies, and Economics):

The duration of study in these specializations typically ranges from four to five years, depending on the number of courses required for graduation.

• Natural Sciences (e.g., Chemistry and Physics):

The duration of study in these specializations is usually four years, but this duration may vary depending on the specific branch and its requirements.

- Master's Degree:

A master's degree in Egypt usually takes between two to three years and typically involves coursework and the completion of independent research or a master's thesis.

- Doctorate (Ph.D.):

A doctoral program usually lasts from three to five years, involving advanced and in-depth study in the field of specialization

conducting original research, and writing a doctoral dissertation.

It is important for students to know that these durations can vary based on the specific program and its requirements.

Prospective students should check the duration of study for each program and the specific details from the concerned university.

The higher education system in Egypt is comprised of a variety of public and private universities and institutes that offer a wide range of academic programs in various specializations.

Here is an overview of some aspects of the higher education system in Egypt:

- Technical Education and Training Authority:

This authority manages several technical and vocational institutes that provide educational programs in fields such as technology, management, and applied arts.

- Public Universities:

Public universities include institutions like Cairo University, Alexandria University, and Ain Shams University, which offer a wide range of academic specializations in various fields.

Here is a brief look at some of the main public universities in Egypt:

• Cairo University

• Alexandria University

• Ain Shams University

- Private Universities:

Private universities, such as the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the German University in Cairo (GUC)

offer diverse study programs under the supervision of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.

Here are some examples of prominent private universities in Egypt:

• American University in Cairo (AUC)

• German University in Cairo (GUC)

• Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST)

- General Higher Education System:

The general higher education system in Egypt consists of undergraduate (bachelor's) and postgraduate (master's and doctoral) degrees.

Admission requirements vary between universities and specializations.

- Research Institutions:

Research institutions play a significant role in the development of knowledge and innovation in Egypt, conducting scientific research in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and engineering.

- Government Funding:

The Egyptian government provides funding and support for universities and higher institutes to develop educational infrastructure and improve the quality of education and scientific research.

- Language of Instruction in Egyptian Universities:

In Egyptian universities, English is the primary language of instruction in most specializations.

Most courses and exams are conducted in English, reflecting a focus on providing an educational environment aligned with global standards

and facilitating international communication and integration into the global job market.

However, there are some specializations where the language of instruction differs, with courses taught in Arabic, such as certain programs in media and law.

This diversity in languages of instruction allows students to choose an educational environment that suits their needs and future aspirations.

Additionally, Egyptian universities offer preparatory educational programs for students who need to enhance their English language skills before starting their formal academic studies.

These include language courses and preparation programs for international language tests.

These initiatives help students fully benefit from higher education opportunities in Egypt and enhance their chances of academic and professional success in the future.

- Cairo University:

Founded on December 21, 1908, Cairo University boasts a long history and an international reputation.

Its main campus is located on Cairo University Street in Nahda Square, Giza. It is ranked among the top 500 universities globally

by QS and holds the second position among Egyptian universities.

Top Specializations at Cairo University:

In the 2022 QS British ranking, Cairo University was listed among the top 100 global universities in five specializations:

• Dentistry

• Civil and Structural Engineering

• Petroleum Engineering

• Hospitality and Leisure Management

It was also ranked between 51 and 70 globally in Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

- Ain Shams University:

Established in 1950, Ain Shams University is one of the leading universities in Egypt.

Located in Greater Cairo, it spans a wide area with seven campuses spread across different parts of the city.

The main campus, including the faculties of Medicine and Engineering, is in the Abbasia district.

Ain Shams University is ranked third among Egyptian universities and holds a position between 801-1000 globally, and 32nd in the Arab region

reflecting its prominent status both locally and regionally.

Top Specializations at Ain Shams University:

The university offers a diverse range of academic specializations, with human medicine and medical sciences standing out as particularly strong fields

making it an excellent choice for those interested in medical and health sciences.

- Alexandria University:

Founded in 1938 as part of Fouad University, Alexandria University became an independent institution in 1942.

It is located on Champollion Street in Alexandria, Egypt, and holds a significant position in Egyptian and Arab higher education.

In the global university rankings, Alexandria University is positioned at 801st worldwide and 23rd in the Arab region.

It is among the top four Egyptian universities, indicating the quality of its education and research.

Top Specializations at Alexandria University:

Alexandria University excels in Pharmacy, earning prestigious global rankings for this specialization.

For those pursuing studies in Pharmacy, Alexandria University offers high-quality education and training.

- Mansoura University:

Established in 1972, Mansoura University is located in the city of Mansoura, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Cairo

making it a significant educational center in the Egyptian Delta region. Mansoura University ranks 1201st globally in the QS rankings

and 29th in the Arab region, reflecting its efforts to improve education and research quality.

The university offers over 80 specializations across various academic fields, including:

• Humanities

• Medical Sciences

• Engineering Sciences

• Social Sciences

- Tuition Fees for International Students at Public Universities:

These universities are known for their reasonable tuition fees compared to private universities

making them an attractive option for students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.

- Application and Tuition Fees:

• Application Fee: $170 (non-refundable)

• Document Processing Fee: $170 upon document acceptance

• International Students' Club Membership Fee: $150

• Late Qualification Penalty: $300 for each year of delay in high school diploma

• Enrollment Fee: $1500 (first year only)

- Annual Tuition Fees:

• Faculty of Law: $3000

• Faculty of Medicine: $6000

Note: Annual tuition fees vary by specialization, ranging between $3000 and $6000 depending on the faculty.

- Admission Rates for International Students at Egyptian Public Universities:

Specialization	Admission Rate
Medicine	75%
Dentistry	70%
Pharmacy	70%
Physical Therapy	65%
Veterinary Medicine	65%
Engineering	65%
Urban Planning	65%
Fine Arts	65%
Agricultural Engineering	65%
Computer Science and Information	65%
Sciences	55%
Faculty of Science (Female)	55%
Applied Arts	55%
Economics and Political Science	75%
Media Studies	70%
Languages (Al-Alsun)	55%
Other Faculties	50%

- Application Form:

The application form for obtaining a study visa must be filled out correctly and submitted.

- Passport:

Your passport must be valid for a sufficient period covering the expected duration of study.

- Personal Photos:

You need to provide a number of personal photos according to visa requirements.

- Letter of Acceptance from the University:

You need to obtain an official letter of acceptance from the university you intend to enroll in.

- Financial Proof:

This may include a bank statement proving your ability to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses.

- Health Certificate:

You may need to provide a health certificate proving that you are in good health and not suffering from any contagious diseases.

- Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance may be mandatory, and you must provide the required insurance documents.

You should verify the specific visa requirements with the Egyptian embassy in your country, as requirements may vary based on nationality and current immigration and visa policies.

Now we will talk about one of the most important reasons that attract many expatriates to come to Egypt for higher education, which is: Low cost of living.

Egypt is characterized by a relatively low cost of living compared to Arab countries, especially and Mediterranean countries in general.

We can say that the expatriate student in Egypt needs approximately $250 to $350 per month.

This amount covers all living expenses in Egypt, including accommodation, food, transportation, public services fees, entertainment, and others.

But please note that this figure varies depending on each individual's lifestyle, and also depends on the city where the student resides.

- What language is used in Egyptian universities?

English is the main language in most universities, but some majors such as media and law can be in Arabic.

- What majors are available in Egyptian universities?

A wide range of majors are available in Egyptian universities, including humanities, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, economics, and more.

- What are the tuition fees and cost of living in Egypt?

Tuition fees in Egypt are reasonable compared to many other countries, and the cost of living is relatively low, ranging from $250 to $350 monthly.

- What are the application procedures for Egyptian universities?

Procedures vary slightly between universities, but generally, students need to submit required academic certificates and apply online in some cases.

- Are there job opportunities after graduation in Egypt?

Yes, there are job opportunities available after graduation in Egypt, especially in sectors such as industry, services, technology, and tourism.

- What student services are available in Egyptian universities?

Many student services are available in Egyptian universities, including student clubs, libraries, sports centers, and academic counseling services.

 

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