Egypt has opened more higher education facilities and diversified study programmes to absorb rising demand and cater to market needs. At this time of year, the Coordination Office for Public Universities is abuzz with application forms, operating from its main office at Ain Shams University to manage the sending of high school graduates, equivalent and technical certificate holders — in agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism — to public and technological universities, and accredited higher institutes.

This year, the coordination office received a million applications, including from 590,992 high school graduates and 96,984 Thanaweya Amma (12th grade high school) students retaking tests later this month.

Over the past decade, Egypt has increased the number of its higher education facilities, offering a wide array of programmes and fostering diverse partnerships and agreements with international universities, paving the way for them to operate in the country.

It all started with the government’s plan to address population growth, increasing at an estimated 2.5 million people annually. Service ministries were tasked with devising strategies to tackle the issue which affected universities. By 2016, the country had 49 public and private universities.

As more and more people applied to join universities, universities reached maximum capacity and could not accept more students. There was also increasing demand by students to travel to study abroad.

Hence, the need to expand and increase the number of universities to absorb the increasing number of students, offer diverse education programmes, and improve the ranking of Egyptian universities on an international scale.

According to statistics acquired by Al-Ahram Weekly, Egypt now has 108 public, private, non-profit, and technological universities, in addition to framework agreements with international facilities, up from 49 universities in 2014. The distribution includes: 27 public universities (up from 23); 32 private universities (up from 23); 20 non-profit universities; 10 technological universities; nine branches for foreign universities; six universities established according to international agreements; two universities opened within framework agreements; one university established with special regulations; and one academy overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education.

Public universities receive 850,000 students annually and comprise 550 faculties and institutes. Students in public universities are admitted through the Coordination Office for Public Universities where applications are processed via the office’s electronic platform.

Public universities have increased their educational programmes to 389, up from 118.

Private universities are owned by individuals and companies specialised in the education sector. They receive 71,822 students annually across more than 50 faculties. Expenses at private universities are determined by the board of trustees appointed by the university’s owner, without requiring approval from the Ministry of Higher Education. The number of students at private universities is regulated by the Council of Private Universities based on each institution’s capabilities.

Non-profit universities are owned by government universities, established with the goal of diversifying academic programmes. They operate under the supervision of boards of trustees appointed by the minister of higher education. Students can apply directly to the institution without applying to the coordination office. Last year, non-profit universities enrolled 41,118 students.

Technological universities equip graduates with the skills needed for professional industries. Admission is managed by the coordination office and students are enrolled based on their chosen specialisations, including operating and maintaining spinning and weaving equipment, ready-made garments manufacturing, metal industries, chemical industries, food industries, mechatronics, information technology, autotronics, new and renewable energy technology, and prosthetics and orthotics.

Technological universities are situated in industrial zones to ensure that students receive training tailored to these sectors and to enhance their employability.

The statistics revealed that 72 per cent of accepted students opted for the humanities sector; 14 per cent chose the medical sector; nine per cent pursued engineering programmes; and five per cent selected science-related disciplines.

Branches of international universities in Egypt operate in accordance with Law 162/2018 through education and scientific research companies that attract international universities to establish branches in Egypt, allowing students to earn degrees from the parent institutions.

At present, Cairo hosts international universities ranking among the top 50 globally. Some 10,000 students are enrolled annually, being selected based on the parent university’s criteria, independent of the Egyptian Thanaweya Amma certificate.

Students undergo a preparatory year to familiarise themselves with the university’s curriculum, programmes, and to choose the courses they want to study.

Programmes offered at international universities are tailored to meet local and international labour market demands, and they are sought after by students who would alternatively seek education abroad.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 15 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly