How to Study in Egypt for International Students
Referred to as the Motherland of the World, Egypt is a good destination to consider if you’re planning to study abroad. Egyptian universities have a long-standing reputation for excellence in various fields, ensuring you receive a high-quality education. Surely, studying in Egypt will give your study abroad experience a boost, making it a one-of-a-lifetime experience.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Egypt currently has 57 universities, from which 31 universities are a part of the public sector and 26 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 Egypt you should definitely check out are Cairo University, Alexandria University, and American University in Cairo.
Being able to study in Egypt 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 Egypt, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Egypt
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Egypt, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 929 EGP to 827,000 EGP, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 35,000 EGP and 837,300 EGP.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Egypt
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Egypt, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Damietta University | 143,200 EGP - 238,600 EGP | 214,700 EGP - 262,400 EGP |
| Suez University | 142,500 EGP - 237,600 EGP | 213,800 EGP - 261,300 EGP |
| University of Science and Technology at Zewail City | 381,600 EGP - 601,100 EGP | 334,000 EGP |
| Aswan University | 929 EGP | |
| Alamein International University | 54,000 EGP - 94,000 EGP | |
| Galala University | 167,000 EGP - 286,200 EGP | |
| South Valley University | 214,700 EGP - 262,400 EGP | |
| Tanta University | 146,200 EGP - 182,800 EGP | |
| Assiut University | 166,000 EGP - 284,500 EGP | 213,400 EGP - 308,200 EGP |
| Benha University | 141,900 EGP - 236,400 EGP | 212,800 EGP - 260,000 EGP |
| Cairo University | 13,100 EGP - 14,000 EGP | 307,200 EGP |
| Kafrelsheikh University | 143,100 EGP - 238,400 EGP | 73,100 EGP - 91,300 EGP |
| Alexandria University | 47,200 EGP - 70,700 EGP | |
| Helwan University | 141,400 EGP - 235,700 EGP | 212,200 EGP - 259,300 EGP |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Egypt
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Heliopolis University | 56,100 EGP - 118,300 EGP | |
| Egyptian Chinese University | 44,000 EGP - 98,000 EGP | 71,300 EGP - 83,200 EGP |
| Sinai University | 38,000 EGP - 40,000 EGP | |
| Sohag University | 827,000 EGP | |
| Egyptian Russian University | 75,100 EGP - 200,600 EGP | |
| Misr International University | 190,300 EGP - 461,300 EGP | |
| Future University in Egypt | 403,000 EGP - 712,000 EGP | 167,400 EGP |
| German University in Cairo | 392,000 EGP - 531,200 EGP | 197,400 EGP - 189,800 EGP |
| Deraya University | 35,000 EGP - 82,000 EGP | 35,000 EGP - 82,000 EGP |
| New Giza University | 475,200 EGP - 627,200 EGP | |
| King Salman International University | 142,600 EGP - 308,900 EGP | |
| Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport | 352,600 EGP - 611,400 EGP | |
| October 6 University | 236,400 EGP - 293,100 EGP | 236,400 EGP |
| Modern University for Technology and Information | 38,500 EGP - 84,500 EGP | |
| American University in Cairo | 22,100 EGP | 208,400 EGP - 521,000 EGP |
| Nile University | 300,400 EGP - 347,100 EGP | 54,000 EGP |
| British University in Egypt | 188,100 EGP - 529,600 EGP | 314,000 EGP - 837,300 EGP |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Egypt, check out the Cheap Universities in Egypt!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Egypt for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Egypt, 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 Egypt, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Egypt 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 Egypt 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 Egypt and their required minimum scores for each program level.
University of Science and Technology at Zewail City
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 7
- TOEFL: 94
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Sinai University
Bachelor’s degree
Sohag University
Master’s degree
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 Egypt
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Egypt have online applications available on their websites, like Cairo University and Alexandria University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Egypt.
Cairo University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Alexandria University
- Official Website
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
American 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 Egypt 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 Egypt.
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 Egypt
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Egypt. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Egypt as an international student.
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 Egypt, 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 Egypt. 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!