Study in Egypt
Overview
Boasting the largest educational system in the MENA region, Egypt offers free public education from kindergarten to university for all citizens.The system follows a clear path, with primary, preparatory, and secondary stages leading to diverse tertiary options. Secondary education provides students with a choice between general, technical, and vocational tracks to suit their goals. Egypt’s rich heritage alongside a strong national curriculum, prestigious institutions like Al-Azhar University, a centre for Islamic learning since 970 AD, offer unique educational experiences.
Quick Facts
Egypt offers an unforgettable experience for international students. Explore the pyramids of Giza, decipher the mysteries of the pharaohs, and lose yourself in the vibrant energy of Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world. Egypt boasts a well-established education system with renowned universities like Cairo University and Alexandria University. These institutions offer programs in various disciplines, including archaeology, engineering, and medicine.
- Capital – Cairo
- Population - 103 Million
- Official Language: Arabic
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Largest city: Cairo
- Universities: 58
- Weather: Hot
Why Study In Egypt?
- Explore ancient pyramids, temples, and museums, experiencing millennia of history firsthand.
- Choose from a wide range of programs, from traditional Egyptology and Arabic studies to modern engineering, medicine, and business.
- Arabic language immersion.
- Warm climate and beautiful scenery.
- Experience the dynamic culture of Egyptian cities, with bustling cafes, historical sites, and a welcoming student community.
- Compared to other Western countries, Egypt offers competitive tuition fees, making quality education more accessible for international students.
Education System
- Public universities are free for Egyptian students, with international students paying tuition fees.
- You will need to obtain a student visa to study in Egypt. The process can vary depending on your nationality.
- International schools in Egypt offer curricula from various countries, such as the UK, US, and France.
- Arabic language proficiency is generally not required for admission to international schools or English-language programs at universities.
- Egyptian culture is steeped in tradition and hospitality. Be prepared to adapt to a different way of life, including dress code and social norms.
- The cost of living in Egypt is relatively low compared to Western countries.
Qualifications Offered
Egypt’s educational system offers a diverse range of qualifications suited for various learning goals. Egypt has a tiered system with vocational and academic programs. Certificates (sometimes called diplomas) focus on equipping students with job-specific skills through short courses or programs lasting up to two years. These qualifications target practical training in areas like tourism, information technology, or secretarial work. For those seeking advanced vocational training or a pathway to university studies, Diplomas (higher diplomas) are available. These programs delve deeper into a chosen field and can take one to three years to complete. Following this, Egypt’s higher education system grants Bachelor’s Degrees (four years), Master’s Degrees (one to three years), and finally, Doctorate Degrees (typically three to five years) for in-depth research and specialisation.
Test Requirement
- Many universities require international students to meet English language proficiency requirements, especially if the program is taught in English. This typically involves taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
- Some universities may have their own internal placement tests to assess your English language proficiency.
- If your degree is not in English, you may also need to submit translated transcripts.
Education Cost
Tuition Fees in Public universities tend to be significantly cheaper than private ones. Expect a range of ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per year for public universities and ₹3 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per year for private universities. On top of tuition, expect living expenses like hostel and food to cost around ₹42,000 to ₹56,000 annually. So, the total cost of studying in Egypt for a year can range from roughly ₹5.25 lakh to ₹6.9 lakh. This translates to a relatively affordable option compared to other international destinations for higher education.
Work Rights & Stay Back Post Study
Unfortunately, international students in Egypt generally don’t have automatic work rights after graduation. However, there are options. If you find a job, your employer can sponsor your work permit. Alternatively, you could explore becoming an investor by depositing a significant sum of money with the Egyptian government. It’s important to remember that visa applications can take time, so plan ahead if you hope to stay back after your studies.
Intake
Intake periods for international students in Egypt can vary depending on the university or program you choose. Most universities in Egypt have two main intakes, Fall Intake and Spring Intake, First one is the most common intake period, typically starting in September or October.Some universities offer the spring intake, which usually begins in February or March.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for international students to study in Egypt. The Egyptian Government Scholarships are offered by the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of fields.The American University in Cairo (AUC) Excellence Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that is open to international students from all over the world. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees.The Education Future International Scholarship is available to students from all countries. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, as well as living expenses. In addition to these scholarships, there are also a number of universities in Egypt that offer their own financial aid programs to international students.
Do You Have Questions?
Costs can vary depending on your lifestyle, but Egypt is generally considered an affordable country for students.
Some programs are offered in English, but basic Arabic will be helpful for daily life.
Egypt has a rich and ancient culture. Dress modestly, be respectful of religious customs, and learn some basic greetings in Arabic.
You’ll typically enter Egypt on a tourist visa and then apply for a student visa after registering at your university.
Study In Egypt Now
Travel back in time and learn about ancient civilizations while experiencing the vibrant culture of the Middle East. Egyptian universities offer affordable tuition fees and strong programs in archaeology, history, and medicine, making it a perfect destination for students with an interest in these fields.