Studying medicine in Egypt has gained wide popularity among international students from all over the world. Especially those seeking a globally recognized academic standard equivalent to that applied in the world’s most prestigious medical schools. Along with a university degree that is internationally and regionally accredited and equal in value to degrees awarded by leading global universities. Such a degree strongly supports the student’s CV on both the professional and academic levels. So, what is it like to study medicine in Egypt for international students?
What Is Studying Medicine in Egypt Like?
Egypt has a large number of medical schools. All of which are listed in international university rankings and occupy advanced positions. That’s due to their use of modern educational techniques and teaching methods identical to those applied in the world’s top medical schools. These faculties provide comprehensive and detailed curricula. These curriculas cover every aspect—small and large—related to the student’s specialty as well as other related medical disciplines.
In addition, students receive extensive and integrated practical training in major Egyptian public hospitals. These hospitals are highly equipped and receive countless patients daily with a wide variety of medical conditions. This allows medical students to practice under the supervision of highly experienced physicians.
This hands-on exposure enables students to become fully acquainted with every practical detail of their specialty, making them well prepared to enter the labor market and achieve outstanding success.
Medical faculties also include large libraries in addition to the massive central libraries located on university campuses. These libraries contain countless printed and electronic references and resources covering all medical specialties. As well as advanced technologies that facilitate access to and selection of vast amounts of information on any research topic.
As a result, researchers are able to produce outstanding research theses in their specialties, significantly strengthening their professional and academic careers, especially for postgraduate students.
The Global Value of Medical Degrees from Egyptian Universities
The global community recognizes the excellence of the international educational standards applied in Egyptian medical schools, which are distinguished by their long-standing history and advanced educational strategies, granting them significant international value. For example, the Faculty of Medicine at Kasr Al-Ainy is the oldest medical school in the Middle East.
Accordingly, international students obtain a globally respected degree after completing studies that enable them to achieve major professional and academic success—all within an Arab country, without the challenges of living in non-Arab societies and the “cultural shock” experienced by many Arab students studying in Western countries.
Therefore, large numbers of students wishing to study medicine choose Egyptian universities, especially since admission requirements are relatively easy to meet and tuition fees are affordable.
Admission Requirements for Medical Schools in Egyptian Universities
Egyptian medical schools accept international students with minimum admission scores starting from 75%. These requirements are considered modest when compared to the costs and admission criteria of international universities offering the same programs with equivalent academic standards and globally valued degrees.
This reflects Egypt’s commitment to providing all possible facilities to students from Arab countries, enabling them to benefit from the distinguished professional future offered by studying medicine at Egyptian universities.
For postgraduate studies, students are accepted provided they hold a bachelor’s degree. In case they want ti enroll in a master’s program and a master’s degree to enroll in a PhD program. These degrees must be awarded by universities recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
Cost of Studying Medicine in Egypt for Iraqi Students
International students pay a one-time registration fee of only USD 1,500, paid in the first academic year only.
In addition, annual tuition fees range from USD 6,000 to USD 8,000. When compared to the costs of European and American universities offering the same academic level and globally equivalent degrees, tuition fees at Egyptian universities are considered almost symbolic.
Duration of Studying Medicine in Egypt
At the undergraduate level, studying medicine lasts approximately six years. The first five years include academic and practical coursework. While the sixth and final year is dedicated exclusively to practical training in Egyptian public hospitals.
At the postgraduate level, studying medicine in Egypt lasts from two up to five years. This duration depends on the program. It extends until the student receives approval from the faculty council to complete the research thesis.
Requirements for Studying Medicine in Egypt
- Among the main requirements for studying medicine in Egypt is that the international student must not hold Egyptian nationality. If the student is the child of an Egyptian mother, this must be declared during registration.
- The international student must hold a valid passport.
- To enroll in the bachelor’s degree, the student must have obtained a high school certificate meeting the required admission score.
- To enroll in postgraduate studies (master’s level), the student must hold a bachelor’s degree awarded by a university recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
- To enroll in a PhD program, the student must hold a master’s degree from a university recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
