Study abroad
Study in Egypt
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Egypt
Higher education in Egypt, in North Africa, linking Africa and the Middle East, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in healthcare, infrastructure and culture and heritage, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Arabic. English is also widely used in higher education. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Egypt?
Students choose Egypt for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in North Africa, linking Africa and the Middle East. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Healthcare, infrastructure and culture and heritage matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Engineering and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Cairo, Alexandria and Giza each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Egypt means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Egypt combines large public universities with private and international institutions, and Cairo is home to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Egypt
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Egypt. We chose them editorially, with healthcare, infrastructure and culture and heritage in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Engineering
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Computing & Information Technology
Because healthcare, infrastructure and culture and heritage matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Egypt on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Egypt
- American University in CairoNew Cairo, Egypt
- THE 2026 601–800
- Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)New Borg El Arab, Egypt
- THE 2026 601–800
- Kafrelsheikh UniversityKafrelshiekh, Egypt
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Egypt
Some international students in Egypt receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Egypt
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Egypt
Many programmes in Egypt start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Egypt
There is no single price for studying in Egypt. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Egypt
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Egypt requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Egypt in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Egypt
Living costs in Egypt depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Cairo can differ noticeably from those in Alexandria or Giza and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Egypt
What are the advantages of studying in Egypt?
It depends on your goals. Egypt offers programmes across many subjects, a location in North Africa, linking Africa and the Middle East and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, infrastructure and culture and heritage may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Egypt?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Engineering, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Business & Management. The subjects page for Egypt lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Egypt?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Egypt?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Egypt?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Egypt.
Are scholarships available for international students in Egypt?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Egypt?
Cairo, Alexandria and Giza are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Egypt?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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