Egypt is a renowned historical nation with a lot of relics and monuments that speak of it as an ancient cradle of civilization in the world. It is also home to a range of public and private universities which also includes an extension of various international universities which are a fruit of bilateral agreements between Egypt and such advanced nations. In spite of these facts, it is noteworthy to say that Egypt is also a location for various affordable universities that offer a wide range of courses, in undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs. In this writing, we have detailed the 10 cheapest Universities in Egypt as well as relevant information about Egypt that will make your stay worthwhile.
Know about the Historical background of Egypt
Egypt, a country located in the northeastern corner of Africa. Egypt’s heartland, the Nile River valley and delta, was the home of one of the principal civilizations of the ancient Middle East and, like Mesopotamia farther east, was the site of one of the world’s earliest urban and literate societies. Pharaonic Egypt thrived for some 3,000 years through a series of native dynasties that were interspersed with brief periods of foreign rule. After Alexander the Great conquered the region in 323 BC, urban Egypt became an integral part of the Hellenistic world. Under the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty, an advanced literate society thrived in the city of Alexandria, but what is now Egypt was conquered by the Romans in 30 BC. It remained part of the Roman Republic and Empire and then part of Rome’s successor state, the Byzantine Empire, until its conquest by Arab Muslim armies in AD 639–642. Egypt’s capital Cairo is one of the most populous cities in the world and is a center of great social and political significance. While a hot, arid climate can be found across the entirety of Egypt, the “heat circle” of buildings in Cairo has seen the capital hit temperatures of 47°C in recent years. The nation of Egypt has been a cornerstone of the Arab world for millennia since irrigation of the river Nile allowed vegetation to flourish and civilization to expand. To this day it is a cultural hub, with people traveling from around the world for events such as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, and nationwide annual celebrations on the Islamic holy festival of Eid. Egypt is also a nation with an unparalleled history, with an ancient civilization that arose in 3100BC and remained the dominant force in the Mediterranean until being conquered by Alexander The Great almost three millennia later. The Library of Alexandria was a global center of education during this period, and while the library was destroyed thousands of years ago, the University of Alexandria is today one of Egypt’s foremost institutions of higher learning. As well as the faces of antiquity such as Cleopatra and Tutankhamen, modern Egypt is known for such figures as journalist Mona Eltahawy and Arab leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. Quick facts about Egypt
Cairo is the capital and largest city.The official name is the ‘Arab Republic of Egypt’.Population: around 91.1 million people.Currency: Egyptian pound (100 piastres in a pound).International dilling code +20 and internet domain.The main exports are petroleum products and cotton.Area of 1 million sq km (more than four times the size of the UK)Borders with Sudan, Libya, and IsraelCoasts along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the eastThe official language is Modern Standard Arabic, but English and French are also widely spoken.The weekend is taken on Friday and Saturday.Cairo was the first African city to have a metro (underground train) system.Became independent from the United Kingdom in 1922.
Know more about Universities in Egypt and Their Fees
The historical background of higher education in Egypt, the present organizational structure, as well as current challenges and constraints are described to anchor an assessment of the strategies for educational reform that are presently underway. Higher education in Egypt witnessed uncontrolled growth throughout the decade of the 1970s until 1983 when several reforms were initiated. Three broad goals have been targeted: containing enrolments through new admissions policies and testing practices; improving program quality by updating curriculum and focusing on important learning outcomes; and promoting responsible fiscal management by developing management information systems, training administrators in their use, and exploring cost recovery from various sources. The overall literacy rate in Egypt is 72 percent as of 2010, being 80.3% for males and 63.5% for females. There is special attention given by the government and other NGOs to reduce gender disparity in education and to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education.
Universities in Egypt
Egypt has a very extensive higher education system. About 30% of all Egyptians in the relevant age group go to university. However, only half of them graduate. The Ministry of Higher Education supervises the tertiary level of education. There are a number of universities catering to students in diverse fields. In the current education system, there are 17 public universities, 51 public non-university institutions, 16 Private Universities in Egypt, and 89 private higher institutions. Out of the 51 Non –university institutions, 47 are two-year middle technical institutes (MTIs) and four are 4–5 years higher technical institutes’. In 1990, legislation was passed to provide greater autonomy to the universities. But still, the education infrastructure, equipment, and human resources are not in place to cater to the rising higher education students. Gross enrolment in tertiary education increased from 27 percent in 2003 to 31 percent in 2005. But there has not been a similar increase in spending on improving the higher education system in terms of the introduction of new programs and technologies. Both at the national level (inspection systems, examinations) and at local level (school level student assessments) measures of the success of education strategies and the performance of the system are weak. The inspectorate system does not provide either solid technical support to school staff nor an effective monitoring mechanism for failing schools.
Here is the list of the 10 cheapest Universities in Egypt:
Cairo University GizaThe American University in CairoAin Shams University CairoAlexandria University of AlexandriaBritish University in CairoMansoura University (Mansoura, Egypt)Al-Azhar University (Cairo)Assiyut University (Asyut)Zagazig University (Zagazig)Tanta University (Tanta)
Cairo University
Cairo University is one of the foremost public universities in Egypt that have her main location in Giza, across the Nile from Cairo. It is one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. The University was established as early as 1908 and it was founded on 21 December 1908; after many relocations in various parts of Cairo, in 1929, her faculties, institutes were now settled in her current location which is the main campus in Giza. CU is reputed to be the second oldest tertiary institution in Egypt after Al Azhar University, notwithstanding the pre-existing higher professional schools that later became constituent colleges of the university. The University currently enrolls approximately 155,000 students in 22 faculties which include a school of law and school of medicine. Among the Private Universities in Cairo, CU is regarded as one of the 50 largest and populated universities by enrolment and has in it three Nobel Laureates and notable alumni which include Boutros Boutros-Ghali, sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations, Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq, Mohamed Morsi, deposed President of Egypt and former Palestinian prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yasser Arafat. This Egypt University Fee is within the range of 2000$ to 3000$ for undergraduate programs and 3000$ to 4500$ for postgraduate programs depending on the faculty. The general required document for admission includes;
An (equivalent) high school certificate accredited and approved by the Egyptian Embassy where the student obtains it or by the Cairo-based embassy of the country wherein the student procures it. As for students who get the Egyptian High School Certificate, they have to present their respective success reports.Original birth certificate or an official copy of it.(6) recent photosA statement of the student and his/her guardian
For more information, visit the university’s official website
The American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo is a private, English language, a research-based university situated in Cairo, Egypt. The university offers American-oriented learning programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, along with a continuing education program. In addition to quality education, this Egyptian university is also one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. It was designed to promote critical thinking, language, and cultural skills as well as to foster in students an appreciation of their own culture and heritage and their responsibilities toward society. The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by American Mission in Egypt, a Protestant mission sponsored by the United Presbyterian Church of North America, as an English-language university and preparatory school. The AUC student body represents over 50 countries. AUC’s faculty members, adjunct teaching staff and visiting lecturers are internationally diverse and include academics, business professionals, diplomats, journalists, writers and others from the United States, Egypt, and other countries. AUC offers 83 bachelor’s, masters, doctoral degrees across sciences, engineering, business, social sciences, humanities, and the Graduate School of Education. The following are the tuition rates per semester for the academic year 2018-2019 for new and current students:
Local students are to pay EGP 143,226 while international students are to pay $14,556(undergraduate programs)Local students enrolled in all majors, MBA and LLM are to pay EGP 49,816 while international students are to pay $6,550(graduate programs)The tuition rate is based on a flat rate of EGP 10,290 for Egyptian students and $1,213 for international students per credit hour. (non-degree programs)
Tuition and fees for international students must be paid in U.S. dollars. All undergraduate degree-seeking admission applicants are required to submit
Official secondary school or attempted post-secondary studies academic transcripts and certificates.Academic IELTS or International TOEFL or completed college-level English coursework to demonstrate proficiency in English.Non-Egyptian applicants and/or their sponsors must provide official evidence indicating that a minimum of $36,000 is available to cover the tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the first year of study at the University.All academic records not in English or Arabic must be accompanied by certified English translations.
For more information, visit the university’s official website
Ain Shams University
Situated in Cairo, Egypt, Ain Shams University was founded in 1950, as the third-oldest non-sectarian native public Egyptian university and it previously had a number of faculties and academic institutes, which were later developed into a university. It is also one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. It is also one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. Currently, the university’s academic structure includes 14 faculties, 1 college, and 2 high institutes plus 12 centers and special units that provide education at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. These include; Agriculture, Arts, Commerce, Computer and Information Science, Education, linguistics (Al Alsun), Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Science, and Specific Education. It also has the following institutes; Women’s College, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Institute of Postgraduate Childhood, and The Higher Institute of Cooperative & Managerial Studies. This Egypt University Fee is around $1,000 per year, depending on the course and program applied for. The general required document for admission includes;
The student must be from non-residents of Greater CairoThe student must have a high secondary school diploma.The student must be enrolled in regular in BA or BS departments.One copy of the national ID card (for male / female students).One copy of the national ID card (guardian)One copy of the national ID card (the guarantor).Pass a medical examination and required medical tests.The adoption of the guarantor is supported on the one hand work to pay dues when necessary.(16) Photograph (4 × 6).
For more information, visit the university’s official website
Alexandria University
Founded in 1938, Alexandria University is a public research-based university in Alexandria, Egypt which was established as a satellite of Fouad University (which later became Cairo University), until 1942 when it became an independent institution. It is currently reputed to be the second-largest university in Egypt and has many research affiliations to various international universities. It is as well one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. Alexandria University aspires to restore and achieve a comprehensive qualitative leap in various fields of knowledge within a framework of noble human values, enabling it to take a leading position in its national, Arab, African, Mediterranean and global environments. Alexandria University now has 23 Faculties and Institutes that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following courses; Arts, Law, Commerce, Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physical Education for Girls, Physical Education for Boys, Public Health, Fine Arts, Agriculture (Saba Basha), Education, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Medical Research, Tourism and Hotels, Specific Education, kindergarten, Economic Studies & Political Science and Institute of Graduate Studies and Research. Alexandria University Also opened branches in African and Middle-Eastern Countries: Chad, Iraq, South Sudan, and Matrouh Branch. This Egypt University fee is within £1,000-£1,500 per year, depending on the course and program applied for. The general required document for admission includes;
Egyptian high school certificate or it’s equivalent certified by the Embassy of student country or the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt abroad.Original birth certificate or an official extract6 Photographs (4×6 modern)Copy of the passportCompletion of the data and the necessary documents obtained by the department or the embassy in Cairo.Acknowledgment of the parent and the student.Acknowledgment from the applicant certified by competent official authorities that he will dedicate himself to the study and will not go in any other work within the Arab Republic of Egypt.Applications are submitted to the embassy no later than mid-September of each year.The General Directorate for expatriates in Cairo informs embassies with the acceptance results to inform the student.Requires the existence of the student at the faculty until graduation.Will be treated financially with international students, according to his nationality while his candidacy.
For more information, visit the university’s official website
British University in Egypt
Founded in 2005, the British University in Egypt is a private UK-Egyptian university in El Sherouk, Cairo Governorate. The school was established through an inter-governmental agreement between the UK and Egypt and provides a British style of education and awards degrees validated by its partner UK universities and the Egyptian Supreme Council. It aims at promoting cultural, economic, social and technological development through the creation and dissemination of new knowledge via research and capable graduates, educated to the best UK academic standards, who are independent learners. Even with all these, BUE is one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. The university offers research-oriented courses across various faculties and postgraduate institutes. Most of the offered courses include; Business Administration & Economics & Political Science, Dentistry, Engineering, Information & Computer Science, Mass Communication, Nursing, Pharmacy, Arts and Humanities, and Law. This Egypt University Fee is within EGP38, 000-EGP75, 000 for local students and £4,000-£8,000 for international students per year, which can be paid in two installments, depending on the course and program applied for. The general required document for admission includes; All applicants
All international high school certificatesCompleted BUE application formReceipt of payment of non-refundable application fee – please see the section on feesOriginal birth certificateSix passport-size photos
For Egyptian Applicants
Copy of national IDMilitary form Istimara 2, 6 Gond – males only
For Non-Egyptian Applicants
Copy of passportMedical certificate and HIV test certificate
For Transfer Applicants
Official university transcript with the stamped course description
For more information, visit the university’s official website
Mansoura University
Mansoura University was founded in 1972 in Mansoura city, Egypt. It is in the middle of the Nile Delta. It is one of the biggest and Cheapest Egypt universities and has contributed much to the cultural and scientific life in Mansoura and Egypt. Her objective as an institution is to provide an outstanding environment for teaching, learning and scientific research in accordance with global quality standards as well as specialized professional and technical services for different sectors of the national, regional and international community. This Private University in Egypt is renowned for its medical facilities, which includes nine major hospitals and medical centers including a children’s hospital, a Medical Experimental Research Centre (MERC) and a Urology and Nephrology Centre – in fact, the Urology and Nephrology Centre is the largest of its kind in the whole of Africa, and was started by renowned Egyptian urologist Mohamed Ghoneim. Mansoura University also offers courses like Business Administration, Economics & Political Science, Engineering, Information & Computer Science, Mass Communication, Arts and Humanities, and Law. It also operates research institutes like Mansoura University Nanotechnology Centre, Mansoura University Staff Club, and English for Specific Purposes Centre (ESPC), Childhood Care Development Centre, and Arabic Language Learning Centre for non-native speakers and E-learning Unit (E-LU) This Egypt University Fee is within EGP2, 100 for local students and 2,668.75 EGP for foreign students per year. For more information, visit the university’s official website
Al-Azhar University
Al-Azhar University was founded in 970 or 972 and is connected with the Al-Azhar Mosque in Islamic Cairo. It is known as the oldest degree-awarding university in Egypt and reputed as “Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university”. Al-Azhar is also one of the cheapest universities in Egypt. It was one of the first universities in the world, and the only one in the Arabic world to survive as a modern university including secular subjects in the curriculum. Currently, the university is regarded as the central hub of Arabic Literature and Islamic studies in the world. In addition to higher education, Al-Azhar supervises a national network of schools with approximately two million students. As of 1996, over 4000 teaching institutes in Egypt were affiliated with the University. The layout of education at Al-Azhar University is relatively informal just as in its early history; initially no entrance requirements, no formal curriculum, and no degrees. The basic program of studies was—and still is—Islamic law, theology, and the Arabic language. In 1961 additional non-religious subjects were added to its curriculum which currently includes studies like Islamic law and jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, Islamic astronomy, Islamic philosophy, and logic business, economics, science, pharmacy, medicine, engineering, and agriculture. The undergraduate tuition for this Private University in Egypt is around $1,000 for local students and $2,500 for foreign students per year. For more information, visit the university’s official website
Assiut University
Assiut University was established in 1957 as the very first University in Upper Egypt and is strategically located in the capital city of the Assiut governorate in Upper Egypt. It has the mission of deploying human energy to achieve the university’s future vision by providing sufficient education for the requirements of the present time and the future, preparing generations of graduates who are capable of competition in local and international labor markets; graduates who stand out in scientific and technological research, and offering research programs that enhance knowledge and contribute to social development. Assiut University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses like; Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Arts, Law, Commerce, Pharmacy, Public Health, Fine Arts, Agriculture, Education, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Specific Education, kindergarten, and Economic Studies & Political Science. It also runs institutions like Sugar Technology Research Institute, South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI), Technical Institute of Nursing and Faculty of Agriculture (New Valley Branch. The general required document for admission includes;
A previous degree certificate awarded from high school or university attended.Completed application form signed by the Dean and sent to the General administration for admissionApproval from the Ministry of Higher EducationReceipt of payment of non-refundable application feeOriginal birth certificateSix passport-size photosWhile international graduate students are exempted from the restrictions of Grade (of the first university degree), and timings of registration, they are supposed to introduce a Health certificate and submit to medical exams to assure that they are HIV free.
For more information, visit the university’s official website
Zagazig University
Zagazig University is an Egyptian University in the city of Zagazig, the capital of Al Sharqi Governorate. It was established as an effort by the government to contribute to the renaissance of the nation. The university began in 1969 as an extension of Ain Shams University and is the seventh university in Egypt in terms of its inception. The ultimate objective of Zagazig University is to become an Egyptian Public higher institution that provides a distinctive education and academic and developmental leading researches and community services and continuous development of its human resources in the context of innovation, quality, independence, and moral values. The university has made great strides in all areas, keeping up with the modern age with its six major colleges that offer programs in agriculture, trade, veterinary medicine, human medicine, education, and science. It also operates various research institutes like; Institute of Productive Efficiency, Higher Institute of Civilizations, Institute of Asian Studies and Mubarak Institute of Oncology. The general required document for undergraduate admission includes;
An applicant shall have the General secondary school certificate or its foreign equivalence.The medical test shall prove the good health of the applicant.If an applicant is a worker, he shall provide a work License proving his allowance to follow his studies by his directors, whether he works in governmental or non- governmental posts.
Graduate programs:
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent institute.Fulfill the general requirements stated by the faculty council and declared by the university council.Master’s and Ph.D. students shall conduct research activities and submit a thesis as partial fulfillment of the degree.
For more information, visit the university’s official website
Tanta University
Tanta University is a public university located in the city of Tanta, Al Gharbiyah governorate, Egypt, which was established in 1962 as a branch of Alexandria University with only a medical faculty. Over the years, it became an independent University and currently has faculties offering courses in Education, Agriculture, Specific Education, Veterinary Medicine, Commerce, Engineering, Physical Education and Arts. The university is under the direct scientific supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education. Tanta University is poised providing an environment that enhances an effective academic pursuit and continuous development of programs in various fields of study in the light of the needs for development plans and meeting students’ needs of knowledge and skills in the framework of social values and traditions and realize the aspirations of the labor market. Moreover, the University is committed to providing fundamentals of creativity in different areas of serious methodical scientific research so as to develop science, knowledge and sustainable development as well as solving community problems. This Egypt University Fee is around £1,500-£6,000 per year depending on the department admitted into. The general required document for admission includes;
General Secondary School Certificate or its international equivalence with a distinction in subjects relevant to the course pursued.A letter from the embassy of the foreign student in CairoThe original copy of the student’s Secondary School certificate accredited and attached with two photos.The original birth certificate accredited and attached to two photos.A full copy of the student’s passport.The original birth certificate or its official copy.Six recent photographsAn enrolment application (Form No. 555 for coordination)A preliminary nomination cardAn Information Form (three copies)A statement of the guardian and the student
For more information, visit the university’s official website
General requirements needed for applying for admission in Egypt
Bachelor degree General secondary education certificate or the Al-Azhar general secondary certificate with a score of 70% or better. Or An advanced technical diploma with a score of 75% or above may be accepted by some private universities, which also tend to have a lower required score on the GSEC (55% or better) Graduate diploma Bachelor’s degree in a related specialization Master’s degree Bachelor’s degree in a related specialization with a minimum mark of ‘good’ Doctorate degree Master’s degree in a related specialization with a minimum mark of ‘good’
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living and studying in Egypt
Living in Cairo, Egypt is a wild mix of extreme pleasures and extreme dissatisfactions. This is highly dependent on your budget, to be completely frank. On the one hand, living in Cairo exposes you to a culture that is an interesting mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Arab cultures. Everything from food to other traditions is so much richer than other boring places, especially if you’re coming from a small European city. Advantages
The people are very kind, generous, friendly and fun to be around.So many activities and things you can do, it’s a fairly diverse place.You can find pretty cheap places to eat and hang out.Almost every place, from stores or restaurants to pharmacies and clinics, are open till late at night.The culture is slowly changing, breaking taboos, people trying to make a change.
Disadvantages
Many people are very discriminatory; negative and even hostile towards women, different religions, and different political opinions.Women suffer strongly from verbal or sometimes physical sexual harassment on a daily basis.The economy is going down the drain. Prices going up and job security are falling down.Hard to find a fulfilling and decent paying job.Getting a good education and health care is very expensive.Too much car traffic.
What is the general cost of living in Egypt
Feeding will cost between E£6 for bread to E£139 for Basic lunch in a business district.Accommodation (Monthly rent) will cost between E£3,470 for a furnished room in a normal area to E£7,978 for furnished accommodation in an expensive area.Household items cost between E£3,113 for an 800/900 microwave to E£6,244 for a 40” flat-screen TV.Internet will cost between E£274 for 8 Mbps (1 month) E£ 274Public Transportation will cost around E£319.Groceries a week will cost anywhere from 400 egg if you are single and keeping it on a low to 2000 egp if you have a family and prefer imported stuff, of course, the bill might get higher with what you buy.Telephone bills and mobile would range not more than 400 egp but it ‘ll increase significantly if you require international calling, and ADSL internet might be included in some bundles.Going out say to eat in pizza hut would cost around 100 150 egp for two personsIn a posh place, two persons might be around from 300 to 1000 or more depending on which place, which dates and if drinking is included,The electric bill for a house with air conditioners would range from a low of 250 to a high of 1500 egp also depends on how large the house and the usage of elec.Filling a regular Kia sedan with petrol 1600cc would cost about 120 egp but prices are expected to rise.I know you might prefer it in USD but it probably would change from day to day but at the time of writing the 1 USD = 7.8 egp
Of course, all those ranges might change based on how you spend and how big is your family To see a comprehensive list of the cost of living in Egypt, click on the link https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/egypt
How do I obtain a student visa to study in any of the cheap universities in Egypt
Whether you are coming to Egypt for work or studies, you will need a visa. Either a tourist or a student visa is needed, depending on the duration of study and nationality. Non-Egyptian pupils must obtain their student visa before their arrival from the Egyptian consulate in their country of origin. Visa upon Entry Certain country nationals are required to obtain a visa on arrival. To get the visa at the airport, buy the required stamp for a certain fee at one of the many exchange windows before passing through customs. Take the stamp, along with your passport and arrival card, to the immigration line. Show the officials that you have just obtained the stamp and he/she will let you know where it should have adhered.
What is the Application Procedure for student visa application
International students must fill out a visa application form that is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. Submit the visa application form along with the required documents at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.Contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country to know whether you require applying for a visa before entering Egypt or not.
Submit the following documents for the visa:
Valid passport: Valid for at least 6 monthsTwo passport-size photographs with white backgroundVisa application form and feesEvidence of financial resources to support yourself while staying in EgyptProof of return tickets or funds to buy a return ticket to your country of residenceLetter of Enrolment/Invitation from the institution where you have been acceptedMedical Records: Proof of test indicating you are free of HIV/AIDs
To know more about the visa application and documentation, visit the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web portal.
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