How to Study in Cairo for International Students
Cairo, one of the beautiful cities in Egypt, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Cairo currently has 5 universities, from which 2 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Cairo you should definitely check out are Ain Shams University, Al-Azhar University, and German University in Cairo.
Being able to study in Cairo as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Cairo, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Cairo
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Cairo, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 38,500 EGP to 531,200 EGP, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 71,300 EGP and 189,800 EGP.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Cairo
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Cairo, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Cairo
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian Chinese University | 44,000 EGP - 98,000 EGP | 71,300 EGP - 83,200 EGP |
| German University in Cairo | 392,000 EGP - 531,200 EGP | 197,400 EGP - 189,800 EGP |
| Modern University for Technology and Information | 38,500 EGP - 84,500 EGP |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Cairo, check out the Cheap Universities in Cairo!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Cairo for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Cairo, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Cairo, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Cairo may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Cairo are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Cairo and their required minimum scores for each program level.
German University in Cairo
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: 500
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Cairo
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Cairo have online applications available on their websites, like Ain Shams University and Al-Azhar University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Cairo.
Ain Shams University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
Al-Azhar University
German University in Cairo
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Cairo differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Cairo.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Cairo
If you’re going to study in Cairo, you will need to apply for a student visa in Egypt
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Egypt. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Study Visa.
To start your student visa application in Cairo, you will need to present the following:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- 2 identification photos on a white plain background
- Acceptance letter issued by the host university
- Visa application form and payment
- Medical certificate indicating the applicant is free of AIDS
- Proof of funds to cover living expenses and proof of fund source
- Copy of air ticket home or proof of having money to buy one
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Egypt is 3,700 EGP.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Answer and complete the visa application form.
- Prepare the documents for visa application.
- Submit the requirements and documents needed to the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Cairo. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!