Egypt is officially known Arab Republic of Egypt with its capital as Cairo, it is country which shares borders with Israel, Libya and Sudan and coasts along the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea. It is also known to be a fascinating place loved for is ancient civilization and is known to holds many world treasures with amazing cultures and norms which definitely has attracted a lot of persons including international students who want to study abroad in Egypt’s educational institutions and universities.
Egypt which can be referred to as a “home of pyramids” has its culture greatly influenced by Arab, Mediterranean and African cultures, in other words a fusion of all cultures. The country’s currency is Egyptian pounds (EGP) and some popular locations or cities where a lot of exploration can be done are; Giza, Cairo, Damietta and Alexandria. It is also not surprising that some of these cities also hold within them educational institutions. There are endless opportunities put there in Egypt waiting to be explored and grabbed by international students as the country’s educational system is also referred to when mentioning top and large educational systems in Middle East and North Africa.
Subtopics:
- About Studying in Egypt
- Why Study in Egypt?
- Egypt Educational System Compared to Other Countries
- Top Institutions in Egypt
- Scholarships/ Financial Aids/ Bursaries
- Student Visa Processing/ Procedures
- Post Study Opportunities
Why Study in Egypt?
Students who decide to further their studies in Egypt will be able to appreciate the mind blowing features and sites in the great environment of Egypt. Some historical sites still explored by so many people or tourists are; the ancient Lighthouse in Alexandria, the Temples of Karnak and the Great Pyramids. Studying in Egypt is of no doubt beneficial as it gives a better chance to understand the Egyptian culture, a widened scope of knowledge, quality education through the different study programmes which are offered by its reputable and prestigious institutions and funding opportunities. at the country’s educational levels (primary, secondary and tertiary).
Also, the living country is affordable and inexpensive for students, there are affordable universities in the country which equip students with the necessary network tool and prepare them for the life ahead. This however depends on the student’s desirable lifestyle. There are also different choices which an international student studying abroad in Egypt has access to. You will find in most universities of Egypt, university dormitory which are also known as halls of residence. There are also private accommodations for student who want more privacy. There is also the option of homestay for students who would love to live with an Egyptian family.
It is to be noted that there is institution that serve as evidence of international corporations between Egypt and other countries, for example the The British University in Egypt. Egypt has far lower living and educational expenditures than other nations. The cost of living and education is low in Egypt. It is a cheap area to live, with affordable food, transportation, and other necessities.
Pre-primary, primary, secondary, and postsecondary education are all of a high standard in Egypt. Numerous study options are available to students at Egyptian institutions, which rank among the best in the world. Fascinatingly, Egypt is a confluence of elements from Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arab world. As the center of the Arab world, Egypt offers students the chance to learn about a culture that is very different from their own. Egypt offers a distinctive fusion of African, Arabic, and Mediterranean customs and cultures. You will experience completely different cuisine, fashion, language, customs, traditions, and social atmosphere if you choose to study in Egypt.Egyptian rents are especially cheap at 5.01, whereas local purchasing power, restaurant prices, and grocery prices are 23.19, 22.26, and 23.67, respectively.
Egypt Educational System
The tertiary level of education is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education. Numerous colleges serve students in a variety of fields. There are 16 private universities and 89 private higher institutions in the contemporary educational system, in addition to 17 public universities and 51 public non-university institutions. Out of the 51 non-university institutions, 47 are higher technical institutes (HTIs) that last 4-5 years, and four are middle technical institutes (MTIs) that last 2 years. Through 2009, the higher education cohort is anticipated to grow by about 6% (60,000 students) annually.
All universities adopted a two-semester format for the academic year in 1992. 30 working weeks make up the academic year at a university. The humanities, social studies, education, law, business, economics, and political sciences are all taught in Arabic.
The colleges of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, science, and engineering all use English extensively.
Higher education in Egypt comprises non-university training at commercial, hotel, and technical institutes as well as engineering and technological education institutes, educational institutes, private institutes, and institutes. Government strategies to redirect postsecondary education toward technical training programs in agriculture, business, and a number of other industries have been in place since the late 1970s. The country’s five-year technical institutes had a 15% annual rise in enrolment, in part because of student aid.
Egypt Educational System Compared to Other Countries
The educational system of Egypt, though not complex but is quite extensive but also centralized. It is no doubt one of the largest in the world. Originally, the educational system of Egypt was based on a European style which was brought in and introduced in the country in nineteenth century. Following kindergarten at age of four, there is the compulsory Primary education which starts for ages six to eleven. This is followed by the preparatory school which takes three years and then the Secondary education which includes; The General for three years, The Technical for and the Vocational education having its courses for two to three years.
Also, there are government schools and private schools in Egypt. The government schools are known to be; the Arabic language school and the experimental language school. The private schools include; Ordinary schools, Religious schools, the Suez Canal region and International schools. The country also has within its educational system Tertiary education consisting of both private and public institution which run diverse courses, programs and degrees. Egyptian tertiary institutions recognize the Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD degree.
The Bachelor’s degree is between four to six years. To be able to get admitted into an educational institution in Egypt for Bachelor’s degree, such an applicant must posse a GSEC, that is a General Secondary Education Certificate or possess Al-Azhar GSEC. The Master’s degree is of a time period of two to five years with research and educational training involved. A person applying for admission into an educational institution in Egypt must have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
The PhD or Doctorate degree can be enrolled for by those who have completed their master’s degree and the time period is of three years. Also, just like with most educational system, the grading system is treated as very crucial. Thus, the grading system of the Egypt’s educational system follows a particular order which is; EXCELLENT, DISTINCT or VERY GOOD, CREDIT or GOOD, PASS, WEAK and VERY WEAK. The educational system has been appraised for being favorable to both Egyptian and international students who are studying in the country.
Top Institutions in Egypt
Egypt is rapidly gaining footing as one of the most wonderful destinations top further one’s study abroad and also has excellent institutions. Egypt has about 43 universities which includes both public and private, to which applications are made by both local or nationals of Egypt and international students who are interested in studying abroad in Egypt. Some of the top and prestigious institutions in Egypt are;
The American University in Cairo
The university was founded in 1919, accredited by America and is a center or crossroad for diverse students all over the world to gain real life and academic experience. The university is known for its competency and experience in research, effective service, teaching, intellectual capability of its students’ This educational institution has made a sustainable impact, innovations and contributed to the development in various aspects and is known to uphold its principles. There are quite a number of programs and courses made available to interested international students who desire to study in the university for proper education, knowledge, experience and positive learning outcome
Cairo University
The Cairo university is placed in Great Cardio having about twenty-five faculties which provide quality education and research facilities to about 160,000 students both nationals and international. By enrollment, it is one of the top and largest educational institution in the world. Cairo university is highly ranked in Egypt, in Africa and in the whole world.
Suez Canal University
Suez Canal University was founded in 1974 located in Ismailia, the Suez Canal region. Before the university’s expansion, it began with six faculties which are the faculties of science, commerce, agriculture, education and engineering and technology. Now the university has grown to become a very large educational institution. Quite a number of students have been enrolled as international students studying in the university and they enjoy the benefits of studying in Egypt.
The British University in Egypt
The university was founded upon an inter-governmental concluded agreement between the Egyptian government and British government. Many students from both sides of the world, including other places are enrolling into the “not-for-profit private” university, provided they meet the minimum entry requirement of the faculty. Basically, students are expected to meet a minimum score of 6.o on the IELTS or that which is fixed by the BUE Senate. Those who are enrolled for nursing need to meet a minimum score of 4.0 for IELTS. Also, registration is to be done by enrolled students annually.
The British University in Egypt has been able to meet international standards and is armed with the necessary facilities needed to impact its students and help them grow intellectually, academically and to succeed excellently within and without the university, as they serve as representatives of the university. Enrollment of students included both locals and international students who apply to study abroad in Egypt. The academic year of the British University in Egypt is of two semester and students are provided with sufficient information on how the institution runs, its principles, rules and regulations.
Mansoura University
The Mansoura University located in city of Mansoura, Dakahlia was founded in 1972 as a non-profit educational institution. Courses and programs for acceptable degrees are also offered at Mansoura university. Degrees such as pre-degrees, bachelor degrees, masters and also doctorate degrees. Having gained ground in the world of science, the university can be said to have based on favorable conditions that actually attract international students to abroad. The university is located in the city of Mansoura and was sounded in 1972. It equipped students with various services facilities which includes academic and non-academic facilities such as; research facilities, medical care, facilities for recreational activities and opportunities to represent the school in and outside the country.
Entry Requirements
After reviewing the application, the institute may or may not shortlist, but chances are good as long as you submit all required documentation. If you are an international student from an English-speaking nation, you will have the opportunity to continue your studies in English provided you provide verification of your language credentials. The majority of courses in Egypt are taught in English.
Please remember to pay attention to the following documents.
If you are a student in your last year of secondary school;
Health insurance
Copies of your most recent academic transcripts
Evidence of self-sufficiency
Police approval
Documents of identification Travel documents (keep in mind that they should be valid and current):
For studies at the master’s level:
Please provide your diploma and transcripts for all of your academic semesters to prove your eligibility. Your first-level degrees are included in this. Thus, transcripts and diplomas are required for all three years of study.
The following documentation must be submitted for a post-graduate degree if you have taken post-secondary courses:
Records of your post-secondary coursework
Final result of the state examination
Additional pertinent certificates
Scholarships/ Financial Aids/ Bursaries
Here is a list of ongoing funding aids and scholarship opportunities in Egypt that are offered to international students who are interested in studying abroad in Egypt educational institutions. The scholarships defer as there are; federal scholarships and private funded programmes. They also cut across all degrees which include; Undergraduate degree, Master’s degree and PhD degree. Please note that some a fully funded while some are not, that is they are partially funded.
- Boren Graduate Fellowships
- National Flagship Language Program
- Simpson Scholarships in Egyptology
- The American University in Cairo (AUC) Empower Scholarship.
- TKS Full-Ride Scholarship
- International Student Support Contest
- E-JUST TICAD7 African Full Scholarships in Egypt
- AUC Centennial Scholarships for International Students in Egypt
Student Visa Processing/ Procedures
To study abroad in Egypt as an international student, a Student Residence Visa or Permit is essential with other requirements and documents provided such as passport, ID, proof of acceptance into an institution in Egypt, proof of finance and others. Note that the passport has to be valid for a period not less 6 months and students who want to study in Egypt mostly apply for Tourist Visa which can be gotten from the Egyptian embassy or their various home country consulates.
A submission of a visa application form and other essential documents must be made to an Egyptian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The visa application form can be gotten on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some of the relevant documents which must also be submitted for visa are; a valid passport, passport photographs, letter of enrolment, medical report and visa application form from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Post Study Opportunities
Many students who have gone through the four walls of the educational institutions of Egypt and also those who have run online courses, are always eager to secure jobs in the wondrous country of Egypt. There is a need for the employer to apply for a Work Permit so as to ensure a peaceful stay of such person employed. There are also various jobs that can be applied for as there are numerous industries, companies or organisations in Egypt.
An application for a work permit which is to be granted by the country’s MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, is to be done by the employer. It doesn’t matter if the person is to be employed as a skilled worker or an unskilled worker, the employer still has to be the one to apply for the work visa. In addition, it is very important to take note of the fact that a work permit does not count a residence permit, but once a work permit has been issued, then an application can also be made for a residence permit. A person’s work permit remain valid for about a year and renewal can be done for about a period of three years.
Some of the important requirements to be met and documents to prepare include; passport, application from the country’s Ministry of Manpower and Training Facilities, copies of the employer’s tax identification card, company’s commercial register, copies of the person’s academic certificates and academic degrees, medical test among others.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad enables you to explore different teaching styles, manage your schedule between classes and part-time employment, discover new ways to handle certain situations, and interact with a diverse student body. Your knowledge of the topic and life in general will subsequently improve as a result. You will also be able to discover your full potentials while getting immersed in a new culture. We wish you luck as you send in your applications to schools in Egypt.