Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt welcomes record number of international students
Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced significant achievements in its international student initiatives during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, as part of an ambitious strategy to position Egypt as a leading regional destination for higher education.
In a recent statement, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, revealed that more than 125,000 international students from 119 countries are currently enrolled in Egypt’s public, private, and national universities—a testament to the country’s growing global appeal.
“We are committed to enhancing the reputation of Egyptian academic institutions, making them attractive destinations for international students through modern academic programs, streamlined admissions, and a supportive educational and cultural environment,” Dr. Ashour said.
This year recorded both a growth in acceptance rates and an increase in the diversity of student nationalities. New nationalities joining for the first time include students from Australia, Brazil, Maldives, Burundi, Comoros, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, and Guinea. There were also surges in applicants from Canada, Turkey, Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Chad, Malaysia, Palestine, and Syria.
In postgraduate studies, the platform attracted applications from students from Germany, the UK, USA, Georgia, Belgium, Romania, Norway, Tunisia, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. Countries such as Iraq, UAE, Syria, and Palestine also saw notable increases in postgraduate admissions.
Upgrading the “Study in Egypt” platform
A key part of the ministry’s modernization strategy is the continued development of the “Study in Egypt” online platform, which allows international students to browse and apply to programs at Egyptian universities. The latest upgrades include:
- Adding new programs and universities that align with labor market needs
- Simplifying admission and registration processes, including for students with various international qualifications
- Expanding postgraduate scholarship offerings
- Incorporating private university listings
- Introducing a unified support system across all public universities
- Implementing a standard Arabic language proficiency test for non-native speakers
The admission guidelines for the 2025-2026 academic year have also been updated to reflect these enhancements.
Enhanced global outreach
In its push for global engagement, the Ministry has broadened cooperation with Egyptian cultural offices and embassies worldwide, now authorizing them to register students directly on the platform. Training workshops were organized for embassy staff in countries such as Turkey, India, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Morocco, Greece, and Mauritania.
Virtual meetings with cultural offices in Canada, China, and the US helped promote Egyptian universities and attract potential students. Special Arabic language testing and educational sessions were also made available to children of Egyptian communities abroad.
Promotional campaigns—such as field visits to Jordan, participation in educational fairs in the UAE and Qatar, and a prominent delegation at the Abu Dhabi Higher Education Forum—have showcased Egypt’s academic strengths to international students and their families.
Resources and support for international students
The Central Administration for International Student Affairs has launched new guidelines, handbooks, and advisory materials in Arabic, English, and French. A QR-code based guide leads students through application and scholarship requirements, offering transparent and accessible information.
A comprehensive support program is underway, including:
- Specialized training for staff in English, communication skills, and cross-cultural proficiency, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Institute
- Regular workshops linking university teams with the “Study in Egypt” initiative
- Virtual orientation sessions for prospective students, including those in foreign high schools
Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry’s official spokesperson, emphasized Egypt’s strong commitment to international students: “Our ongoing efforts aim not only to attract students from abroad but to ensure they have an enriching, supportive, and successful academic journey in Egypt,” he said.
Students can look forward to a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the classroom, with cultural activities and networking opportunities designed to foster global understanding and lifelong connections.
For more information about studying in Egypt, prospective students can visit the official “Study in Egypt” portal, available in Arabic, English, and French.