What are the internationally accredited universities in Egypt?! Actually, a large number of international students head towards Egyptian universities, asking about the well-recognized global universities located in Egypt that are listed on the global rankings of world universities, like QS, Shanghai, Leiden, US News, etc.
So, why do these international students prefer to study at these Egyptian universities?!
What Does It Mean for a University to Be Internationally Accredited?
When a university is internationally accredited, it means that its academic programs, faculty, infrastructure, and overall quality meet global education standards recognized by independent accrediting organizations. These accreditations ensure that the education students receive is comparable to that offered in prestigious institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia.
International accreditation matters because:
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It enhances the global recognition of degrees, making it easier for students to pursue further education or employment abroad.
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It reflects a university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and student services.
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It ensures that international students receive a high standard of education, with access to modern labs, libraries, and career support.
In Egypt, several public and private universities are listed in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), indicating their strong academic reputation and global competitiveness.
Advantages of Studying in Egypt for International Students
High Educational quality;
The Egyptian universities offer their programs at the same level as the top European and American universities, applying the educational system that depends on offering academic courses besides practical curriculums, making the student graduate while they know each piece of information in their field academically and practically.
Hence, he/she will have the ability to compete well in the global labor market.
Also, in Egyptian universities, you will find great libraries with high techniques, search centers, the latest laboratories, etc., with strong and advanced infrastructure.
So, they are a perfect educational environment.
Low tuition fees:
The Egyptian universities offer their programs at this high quality while requiring low tuition fees; If we compare the tuition fees of the international American and European universities that offer the same educational quality and certifications at the same value, we will find that the tuition fees of the Egyptian universities are too low.
The international student in Egyptian universities pays enrollment fees of only $1500, and annual fees, from $3000 for most courses in the pre-graduate degree and $4500 for the postgraduate courses up to $6000 for the medical courses.
Accommodation and Social Life in Egypt for International Students:
Egypt has a tourist nature, so you can relish high-quality services, top-class amenities, and facilities, including accommodation and transportation, while paying low costs as Egypt has a unique social nature of different levels.
Also, the Egyptian people are those friendly persons who know well how to make any person of any nationality immersed in Egypt’s sociality. You will also enjoy visiting tourist and natural attractions. So, relish a mixed educational and tourist trip.
Enrollment Requirements:
Also, Egyptian universities require enrollment requirements that are far away from any complication, as most faculties require a 50% acceptance rate at the high school diploma to apply for a pre-graduate degree and to apply for a high post-graduate certification, you have to have a pre-graduate certification. Also, you have to get an O-level or A-level with just 8 subjects.
Because of all these advantages, international students ask about internationally accredited universities in Egypt.
Aspect | Details |
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Number of Internationally Accredited Universities | Over 35 (including public and private universities) |
Top Recognized Universities | Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, Al-Azhar University, GUC, BUE |
Global Rankings | QS, Times Higher Education, Shanghai Ranking, US News Global Universities |
Average Annual Tuition Fees | $3,000 (pre-graduate), $4,500 (postgraduate), up to $6,000 (medical fields) |
Enrollment Fees for International Students | Around $1,500 USD |
Minimum Admission Requirements | High school diploma with at least 50%, 8 subjects at O/A Levels |
Language of Instruction | Arabic, English, French (depending on university and faculty) |
Available Fields of Study | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, IT, Humanities, Law, Arts |
Accommodation Costs | $100–$300/month (university dorms or shared flats) |
Average Monthly Living Expenses | $200–$400 (including food, transportation, mobile, internet) |
Visa Requirements | Valid passport, acceptance letter, medical check-up, proof of funds |
Intake Periods | Main intake in September/October, some universities also offer spring intakes |
Application Method | Direct university application or via Egyptian Cultural Offices abroad |
Scholarships | Available in some public and private universities (merit-based or bilateral agreements) |
Top-Ranked Egyptian Universities in QS, Times, and Shanghai Rankings
Egyptian universities are increasingly appearing in international rankings due to improvements in research output, faculty qualifications, and international collaborations. Here’s a breakdown of the top institutions and their latest global rankings:
University Name | QS World Ranking (2025) | THE Ranking (2025) | Shanghai Ranking (2025) |
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Cairo University | 371 | 801–1000 | 401–500 |
Ain Shams University | 801–1000 | 1001+ | 801–900 |
Alexandria University | 901–1000 | 1001+ | 701–800 |
Mansoura University | 1201+ | 1001+ | 501–600 |
Al-Azhar University | Not listed | 1001+ | Not listed |
The German University in Cairo | Not ranked globally | Recognized regionally | Not ranked |
The British University in Egypt | Not ranked globally | Recognized regionally | Not ranked |
Application Timeline and Step-by-Step Enrollment Process for Foreign Students
Applying to an Egyptian university as an international student is a straightforward process, especially with the support of cultural offices and online application platforms. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Month | Action |
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March–May | Research universities, programs, and rankings |
May–July | Prepare and submit applications to the chosen universities or government portal |
August | Receive acceptance letter and prepare for visa process |
September | Start of academic year for most institutions |
Step-by-Step Process:
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Choose the University and Program
Review rankings, majors offered in English, tuition fees, and living costs. Public universities like Cairo University and Ain Shams offer top-quality programs, while private universities like GUC and BUE offer foreign curricula. -
Submit Online Application
Apply directly via the university website or through the Egyptian Cultural Office in your country. Some universities require translated academic transcripts. -
Prepare Required Documents
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High school certificate or university transcript
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Valid passport copy
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Birth certificate
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6 recent passport-sized photos
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English language certificate (IELTS or TOEFL) – optional for English-taught programs
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Recommendation letters (for postgraduate programs)
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Receive Conditional Offer or Acceptance Letter
This document is needed to apply for a student visa. -
Apply for a Student Visa
Apply at the Egyptian embassy or consulate. You will need to provide:-
Acceptance letter
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Proof of funds
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Medical checkup
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Visa application form
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Book Accommodation and Prepare to Travel
Most universities offer on-campus housing or help find nearby private rentals. -
Arrive and Register at the University
Upon arrival, complete the physical registration and begin your academic journey.
Why Egypt Is Becoming a Regional Hub for International Education
Egypt is rapidly positioning itself as a top destination for international students in the Middle East and North Africa region. Here’s why:
Affordable Tuition with High Educational Quality
Compared to universities in the USA, UK, or Gulf countries, Egyptian universities offer lower tuition fees while maintaining international academic standards.
English and French Taught Programs
Many faculties, especially in medicine, engineering, business, and pharmacy, provide full programs in English or French, making them accessible to a wider international audience.
Global Recognition and Mobility
Graduates of Egyptian universities are welcomed in postgraduate programs worldwide, and degrees are recognized in Europe, North America, and across Africa.
Cultural and Historical Appeal
Studying in Egypt is a unique experience thanks to its rich history, global heritage, and vibrant student life. Students can enjoy the pyramids, Nile cruises, Red Sea diving, and a culturally immersive lifestyle.
Government Support and Internationalization Strategy
Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education has made internationalization a core goal, with increasing partnerships, foreign branch campuses, and scholarship initiatives to attract students from Asia, Africa, and the Gulf.