Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Egypt … Egyptian universities have witnessed — and continue to witness — a rising presence of international students from various parts of the world, to the point that Egypt has become one of the most prominent regional educational destinations in the Middle East and Africa, known for its competence and high academic value.
According to data from the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education for the academic year 2021/2022, the number of applicants for undergraduate studies reached 25,701 international students, while postgraduate programs registered 10,138 researchers. These figures reflect a steadily increasing demand for the Egyptian academic experience.
This remarkable attractiveness and academic reliability stem from a blend of historical legacy, ongoing academic development, and the relatively low cost of education and living compared to universities in Europe and the United States.
The Egyptian educational system offers a professional model that combines long-standing academic experience—represented by universities such as Al-Azhar, Cairo, and Ain Shams—with continuous efforts to modernize infrastructure and applied education.
This combination has granted Egyptian universities a strong academic reputation and growing educational credibility among international students seeking internationally recognized qualifications without bearing the heavy financial burden found in Europe or North America.
Therefore, international students commonly ask about the main advantages and disadvantages of studying in Egypt in order to form a complete picture of the educational experience. Below is a detailed explanation.
Main Advantages Of Studying In Egypt
Studying in Egypt offers many advantages sought by international students, especially regarding tuition fees and academic quality. Below are the main advantages in detail.
Low Tuition Fees Compared To European And American Universities
The cost of tuition in Egyptian universities is one of the most significant attractions for international students. While European and American universities require very high tuition fees, most Egyptian universities—both public and private—remain far more affordable, allowing a wide range of students to complete their studies without facing overwhelming financial burdens.
Moreover, the cost of living (housing, transportation, food) in Egypt is lower than in Europe and the United States, making the entire educational experience accessible to a larger number of students.
A Rich Historical And Cultural Legacy That Establishes Strong Academic Credibility
Egyptian universities possess the oldest and most reputable academic heritage in the region — and even the world. Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest universities in the Middle East and the world, granting these institutions widely respected academic credibility.
Below are some of the most historic Egyptian universities:
Cairo University: It is the third oldest modern university in the Middle East, and its alumni list includes leading figures in medicine, engineering, law, and literature whose influence remains evident across various fields.
Ain Shams University: One of the earliest Egyptian universities, distinguished for its strong and pioneering performance in many key fields such as medicine, engineering, and the humanities.
This rich background provides international students with a strong sense of confidence and academic stability.
Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Egypt
Continuous Development Of Infrastructure And A Shift Toward Advanced Applied Education
Egyptian universities have made — and continue to make — significant efforts in recent years to modernize a large number of laboratories, research halls, and teaching hospitals, in addition to launching joint programs with globally reputable foreign universities.
Among the most notable improvements and developments in the research environment:
Significant expansion of digital laboratories in public universities.
Regular updates to medical school programs to align with global standards in this highly sensitive field.
An increased number of credit-hour and interdisciplinary programs, giving students greater academic flexibility.
This rapid and successful shift toward modern educational models has made the academic experience more balanced between theoretical and practical learning, keeping pace with the evolving demands of the job market.
Extensive And Professional Practical Training, Especially In Medical And Engineering Fields
One of the strongest components of Egyptian university education is its reliance on real-world practical training, not just simulated environments. For example:
Medical students receive daily intensive training under the supervision of elite professors and consultants in major public university hospitals that treat tens of thousands of cases annually.
Engineering students work with actual companies during their graduation projects, which must demonstrate practicality and creativity.
Students of media, education, and social sciences take part in schools and field institutions related to their specialties, granting them real, accumulated experience.
This distinguished educational model allows international students to gain genuine practical experience during their studies rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.
Full Regional And International Recognition Of Egyptian University Degrees
Despite strong global competition in the job market, degrees from Egyptian universities — particularly in medicine, engineering, and other high-demand fields — are fully recognized regionally and internationally by major companies and institutions across multiple sectors.
Disadvantages Of Studying In Egypt
Despite the many advantages, the experience is not free from weaknesses that must be objectively clarified.
Complex Curricula In Some Faculties And Heavy Reliance On Memorization
Some academic programs in Egyptian universities still depend heavily on:
- strict memorization
- theoretical knowledge
- traditional examinations
This can be exhausting for students coming from educational systems with lighter or more applied approaches.
Overcrowding In Some Faculties At Certain Universities
Especially in medicine, science, engineering, and law, where:
student numbers exceed the capacity of lecture halls
interaction between professors and students decreases
the individual time allocated for practical training in labs or hospitals becomes limited
This issue is linked to growing demand but remains a common concern among students.
Variations In Academic Quality Between Universities
Not all Egyptian universities are at the same level. Some institutions possess strong history and infrastructure, while others have fewer resources or less academic experience.
Students must choose their university and faculty very carefully because the experience varies greatly from one institution to another.
Limited Research Funding
Despite strong performance in certain fields, scientific research funding remains below the global average in some universities, limiting opportunities for researchers in advanced specialties.
Why Do International Students Choose Egypt Despite The Disadvantages?
Because the overall balance leans strongly in favor of value for money:
- low fees
- strong practical experience
- recognized degrees
- culturally familiar environment
- suitable education at affordable costs
- easy social integration
- large Arab and international communities
For these reasons, the educational experience is considered practical, beneficial, and suitable for a wide range of international students.
Major Egyptian Universities
Egypt hosts a large number of universities across the country, each with notable academic history, key strengths, and certain challenges it aims to address professionally.
Public Historic Universities
- Cairo University.
- Ain Shams University.
- Alexandria University.
- Al-Azhar University.
- Helwan University.
- Mansoura University.
- Assiut University.
- Zagazig University.
- Tanta University.
- Suez Canal University.
- Beni Suef University.
- Kafr El-Sheikh University.
Egyptian Private Universities
- Zewail City Of Science And Technology.
- The American University In Cairo (AUC).
- Galala University.
- King Salman International University.
- Alamein International University.
- New Mansoura University.
- Future University.
- Badr University.
- Misr University For Science And Technology (MUST).
- October University For Modern Sciences And Arts (MSA).
- Nahda University.
- The British University In Egypt (BUE).
- The German University In Cairo (GUC).
- Ahram Canadian University.
