Universities in Egypt

Egypt's universities fall into three broad groups: public universities, private universities and international institutions that follow a foreign model. The Supreme Council of Universities coordinates the university sector. Official lists of Egyptian universities and of accredited private universities are available for students to check, and international applicants are directed to the government's Study in Egypt platform.

Public universities

Public universities include some of the oldest institutions in the country. Alexandria University describes itself as the second modern university in Egypt after Cairo and reports 24 faculties, 750 programmes and 120,000 students. Mansoura University grew from a Faculty of Medicine founded in 1962 as a branch of Cairo University; a presidential decree established it as a university in 1972, and it was the sixth university founded in Egypt. Mansoura University has faculties of engineering, medicine, agriculture and science, among others, and an office for international students. Some also offer special programmes with foreign partners, such as Mansoura University's dual bachelor's and master's programmes in tourism and hospitality with Vatel France.

Private and international universities

Future University in Egypt (FUE), on a campus in New Cairo, has admitted students since 2006 and teaches subjects such as dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computing, business and political science. In 2026 its Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine renewed its accreditation from NAQAAE, Egypt's national quality assurance agency.

International universities follow foreign models. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is an English-language university accredited in both Egypt and the United States. It offers more than 35 undergraduate degrees through four schools, and all undergraduates take a common core curriculum in the humanities and the natural and social sciences. Its main campus in New Cairo is designed for 5,500 full-time students, and it keeps its historic campus on Tahrir Square.

Admission for international students

Each type of university sets its own entry route. At AUC, international students can apply for undergraduate and graduate degrees or as non-degree visiting students. Undergraduate applicants apply online, submit two recommendation letters and show English proficiency with TOEFL, IELTS Academic or Duolingo scores. For the next intakes, the deadlines are 1 November for spring 2027 and 1 February (early) or 1 June (regular) for fall 2027. At public universities, international students apply through the university's international student office or the national Study in Egypt platform; check the requirements with the university.

Students who want to learn Arabic before or during a degree can join AUC's Department of Arabic Language Instruction, established in 1921, which teaches Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic at elementary, intermediate and advanced levels.

Costs and funding

Fees differ widely between public, private and international universities. At AUC, undergraduate tuition for international students is $735 per credit hour (updated 29 July 2026), payable in US dollars. AUC states that 64% of its students receive scholarships or financial assistance, with combined scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. Alexandria University offers scholarships to students from Nile Basin countries and other countries.

Visa and residence

Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Egypt, and Egypt's e-Visa portal asks applicants to apply at least 7 days before departure. A tourist visa does not allow you to work, and a residence permit for a longer stay is arranged through an Egyptian embassy (Spanish foreign ministry advice, valid on 7 October 2026). Ask your university's international office which documents you need for a student residence permit.

How to choose a university in Egypt

• Type: public, private or international university
• Language: check whether your programme is taught in Arabic or English
• Accreditation: the official lists of universities and NAQAAE accreditation
• Location: Cairo and New Cairo, Alexandria or a regional city such as Mansoura
• Cost: fees per year or per credit hour, and the currency of payment
• Support: international student office, housing and Arabic courses

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English at a university in Egypt?

Yes. The American University in Cairo teaches in English and accepts international students. Other universities offer some programmes in English; check each programme.

How much does the American University in Cairo cost?

Undergraduate tuition for international students is $735 per credit hour, paid in US dollars, according to AUC's fee page updated on 29 July 2026.

Do I need a visa to study in Egypt?

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Egypt, and a longer stay requires a residence permit arranged with the Egyptian authorities. Check the requirements with an Egyptian embassy and your university.

Can I learn Arabic at an Egyptian university?

Yes. AUC's Department of Arabic Language Instruction teaches Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic at all levels.