The Egyptian higher education landscape is expanding, with 12 new national universities expected to launch across governorates in the 2025-2026 academic year, bringing the total number of national universities to 32 — a 60% increase. The new openings will bring the number of total universities — including public, private, national, technological, and international — to 128, according to a statement from the cabinet.

The new national university launching in the 2025-2026 academic year are Cairo National University, Kafr El Sheikh National University, Sohag National University, Damanhour National University, Suez National University, Damietta National University, Ain Shams National University, New Valley National University, Fayoum National University, Tanta National University, Luxor National University, and Sadat City National University.

But it’s not all about quantity, as the government is not only aiming to add new universities across the country, but also improve the quality in each university and promote innovation, curriculum development, and international cooperation, a government source told EnterpriseAM.

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Adding these new universities across the country is aimed at tackling the issue of internal student migration, where students have to leave their hometowns to enroll in universities in major cities, the source added. The improved education system has also reduced parents' need to send their children abroad for university.

The move also supports the government’s efforts to encourage private investments in education outside of capital, with the hope that these new national universities across governorates will encourage private universities to consider investing in Upper Egypt, canal cities, and other targeted areas. Also, as the new universities pursue international partnerships and offer student exchange programs, it is hoped that this will help decentralize quality education from Cairo to other regions.

The new national universities will offer modern interdisciplinary programs to meet the demands of local and international job markets. They will also adopt global teaching standards to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to compete on a global level, according to statements by Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour. These programs combine disciplines to create new fields of study, narrowing the gap between local and international curricula.

The expansion of these interdisciplinary programs will strengthen the competitive edge of national universities, president of New Mansoura University Moawad El Khouly told EnterpriseAM, adding that these programs allow students to merge two fields of study into a new specialization, often based on models from international universities. The expansion could also push private universities to improve the quality of education, attract international students, and meet surging demand, Future University of Egypt President Ebada Sarhan told EnterpriseAM.

Plans are in the works to allow public universities to launch for-profit private institutions as part of a broader strategy to invest surpluses and further grow the higher education sector, according to our sources.

Private universities are also gearing up for the start of the academic year by accepting early admissions, following the Higher Education Ministry’s approval of early student applications. This would allow students to reserve their place at private universities using their international, Arab, or Egyptian Thanaweya Amma diplomas before their exam results are in, with the stated aim of helping ease the admissions process.

Universities taking part in the early admission process include the British University in Egypt, the German University in Cairo, Future University in Egypt, MSA University, Misr International University, Badya University, New Giza University, The Egyptian Chinese University, Heliopolis University, and Zewail City of Science and Technology.

How does it work? Students can submit their applications to reserve seats, but final admissions will depend on the results of the final exams along with the admission process of each private university, a source from a private university told EnterpriseAM. Students have the option to apply to multiple universities to increase their chances, especially as some universities quickly run out of spots, which would leave others unable to apply to their preferred choices, the source added.

National universities are also getting a head start, with Cairo National University and Galala University also opening the door to early applications, fueling what’s expected to be a highly competitive admissions season due to the growing number of new national institutions.

Your top education stories for the week:

• Rotary Egypt has begun construction on a EGP 200 mn industrial and vocational technical school in Damanhour, funded by Rotary clubs, international grants, the Central Bank of Egypt, and private sector contributions, with specialties including electrical installations, solar energy, metal plumbing, and HVAC. (Statement, pdf)
• Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour announced new appointments across several public universities, including Shaden Henafy as president of Sadat City University and new deans for faculties at Ain Shams University, Cairo University, and others. (Statement)