In a first: Cairo University allows Engineering Faculty students to graduate in 4 years

Ahram Online , Thursday 24 Aug 2023

Cairo University issued a decree on Thursday allowing students at the Faculty of Engineering to graduate in four years if they complete a new reduced number of credit hours, ending the long-standing requirement of completing five academic years at the prestigious faculty.

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Faculty of Engineering (Photo: Al-Ahram)

 

The decision, which goes into effect starting the 2023/2024 academic year, makes the Faculty of Engineering at  Cairo University "the first to offer students in the [country's largest and oldest] university the opportunity to complete their degrees in four years through its specialized programmes," according to a statement released by the university. 

The decision aims to align Cairo University's academic programmes with worldwide educational systems and the latest advancements in higher education, according to the statement.

President of Cairo University Mohamed Osman El-Khosht stressed that students will now graduate once they meet the graduation criteria without being restricted by a predetermined study duration period.

El-Khosht added that students can apply for "a full academic year abroad under specific conditions or extend their studies beyond a single academic year, contingent upon agreements with international universities."

Hossam Abdel-Fattah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, announced that the recent changes in the faculty's academic curriculum will be introduced through a new comprehensive credit-hour system ranging from 154 to 159 hours required for graduation.

"This framework enables students who meet specific criteria to both choose between general or specialized programs and enrol in a ‘minor’ subprogramme for the first time in government-affiliated engineering faculties," said Abdel-Fattah.  

He also noted that engineering students will now have the opportunity to choose between 13 general programmes, 15 specialized programmes, and 12 subprogrammes.

El-Khosht emphasized Cairo University's leading role in keeping track of the latest advancements in engineering education worldwide, highlighting that the petroleum engineering programme at the university ranks 40th globally among the top 50 specialities, making it the highest-ranking Egyptian discipline.  

Established 115 years ago, Cairo University climbed 184 spots in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

It now ranks in the top 25 percent of global educational institutions.

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