5 Best Universities In Cairo For International Students 2025

Cairo is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Egypt. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 5 universities in Cairo, Ain Shams University and Al-Azhar University are the top-performing schools in Cairo. This list covers both public and private institutions in Cairo.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Cairo. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Cairo.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Cairo?

Applying to the universities in Cairo involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Cairo to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Cairo?

Tuition fees at Cairo’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 38,500 EGP to 531,200 EGP , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 71,300 EGP to 189,800 EGP. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Cairo!

As we cover the best universities in Cairo for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Cairo for International Students

Founded in 1950, Ain Shams University is among the oldest of Egyptian universities. It was first established under the name Ibrahim Pasha University. Aiming to cater to the increasing demand for higher education in Egypt, Ain Shams University is committed to producing skilled, and competent graduates, capable of succeeding in the global job market and serving the community.

Al-Azhar University has a notable history and is regarded as one of the oldest degree-granting universities in the world. It was founded in 970 AD by the Shi’ite Fatimid Dynasty and gained university status in 1961. In its early days, Al-Azhar established a relatively informal educational format with no entrance requirements, set curriculum, or degrees. Students at that time were taught about the Arabic language, Islamic law, Qur’an, theology, and moon phases. During the late 19th century, admission requirements, examinations, and some modern subjects were introduced. Adding to its impressive history, this renowned university is the only ancient education institution in the Arabic world to survive as a modern university by integrating secular subjects into its curriculum.

The German University in Cairo (GUC) is a private institution founded following a presidential decree in 2002. It is a non-profit organization that intends to contribute to the general welfare on a national and international scale. The university is supported by various institutions and organizations like the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts of the State of Baden-Württemberg in Germany, the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). GUC is committed to facilitating cooperation between Egypt and Germany and aims to become a leading institution in research and teaching.

Modern University for Technology and Information was founded in 2004 as a private university in Cairo, Egypt, by Presidential Decree No. 430. It started with the Faculties of Computer Science and Business Management in 2005, with the addition of Mass Communication and Engineering in 2006 and Pharmacy and Nursing in 2009. It continues to strive toward becoming the standard in academic excellence and preparing its students to become valuable citizens.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Egyptian Chinese University has been making strides toward becoming the world leader in providing technology-based education. It is the only Chinese educational institution in Egypt and the Middle East. The university integrates Chinese technical and practical experience in engineering, alternative medicine, and economics to inspire and hone the skills of its students.