Dr Amr Adly speaks to The Gazette:
Over 10,000 African students applied for 300 scholarships recently offered by the university
Topping the Times Higher Education rankings among Egyptian universities reflects the strength and success of E-JUST’s educational model
Linking Egypt and Japan through a model of scientific excellence
By Mohamed Zain
President of the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Dr Amr Adly, is a prominent Egyptian academic whose career bridges high-level scientific research, policy-making, and education reform.
With an electrical power engineering background, Dr Adly’s academic journey has taken him from the classrooms and laboratories to leadership and international collaboration.
Today, he leads one of Egypt’s most unique and promising educational institutions, a university born out of co-operation between Egypt and Japan, designed to push the boundaries of science, technology, and innovation.
Over his long and distinguished career, Dr Adly has served in a wide range of high-impact roles: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for University Affairs, Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research, Executive Director of the Science and Technology Development Fund, Director of the Research and Development Department at the Industrial Modernisation Centre, Advisor to the European Union Commission, and UNESCO Regional Advisor in Cairo to name but a few.
Alongside his administrative leadership, he has published over 136 international research papers in peer-reviewed journals, authored two scientific books, and holds a US patent in 1993.
He is also the editor-in-chief of the prestigious IEEE Transactions on Magnetics journal.
Unique vision, strong international roots
In his current role, Dr Adly steers the E-JUST on the road to becoming a leading institution not only in Egypt but across Africa and the Middle East.
Established in 2009 through an agreement between the Egyptian and Japanese governments, E-JUST is located in the Borg el Arab Industrial Zone in Alexandria, an area known for hosting over 1,300 industrial facilities.
The university was envisioned as a scientific bridge between Egypt and Japan, an academic institution that applies Japanese educational standards while contributing directly to the local and regional economy.
From the outset, E-JUST was designed as a model of international collaboration. It promotes research-based education, innovation, and strong ties with the industry. Its partnership with Japan, supported by the Japan International Co-operation Agency, ensures that the academic environment follows Japanese best practices, emphasising discipline, applied learning, and cutting-edge technology.
The university also aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development, making it a forward-thinking institution in both philosophy and practice.
Dr Adly said E-JUST offers something distinct in the Egyptian higher education landscape.
“We do not rely on traditional learning,” he said. “Instead, our approach is centred on active learning and problem-solving, helping students build skills that are relevant to the rapidly changing job market.”
This philosophy sets E-JUST apart from other academic institutions and underscores its commitment to producing graduates who are not just knowledgeable, but also employable and adaptable.
Academic programmes, admission process
E-JUST currently comprises six faculties, each offering programmes that are carefully designed to meet the needs of today’s scientific and industrial sectors.
These include the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of International Business and Humanities, the Faculty of Applied Arts, the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology.
The Faculty of Engineering offers a wide variety of specialisations, including electronics and communications, electrical power, mechatronics and robotics, industrial and manufacturing, materials science, chemical and petrochemical, and energy resources engineering.
In the sciences, the university’s departments cover chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and mathematics.
Meanwhile, students interested in business and the humanities can study business administration, marketing, accounting, and finance.
The Applied Arts Faculty offers courses in graphic design, interior design, photography, and multimedia.
The newest addition to the university is the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, which contains departments that focus on artificial intelligence, data science, cyber-security, computer networks, and bioinformatics.
Admission to the university is highly competitive. Initially, E-JUST offered only postgraduate programmes, but in recent years, it has opened its doors to undergraduate students as well.
Candidates apply online and undergo written tests and personal interviews.
The goal is to ensure that students admitted are well-suited for the academic rigor and international standards of the university.
Currently, the university hosts around 4,500 undergraduate students, in addition to its growing body of postgraduate students.
Rising global rankings, research excellence
Although it is relatively new, E-JUST has achieved remarkable progress in global university rankings.
It ranks among the top 600 universities worldwide, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings and is placed first in Egypt in the fields of science and engineering.
The university also ranks among the top 400 institutions globally in the Sustainable Development Index.
It has also earned a prominent place in THE’s Young University Rankings, number 106 worldwide reflecting its fast-paced growth and innovative academic environment. This success is largely thanks to the university’s strong emphasis on research.
E-JUST adopts a project-based learning model, allowing students to work in teams on real-world problems inside modern, well-equipped laboratories.
This hands-on approach enhances students’ creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.
The university’s infrastructure is another point of pride. Its campus is environmentally friendly and equipped with state-of-the-art labs and research technologies.
In 2024, QAAC established internal quality assurance units across all faculties, helping to continuously improve educational outcomes.
Exceptional graduate outcomes, global employment
One of E-JUST’s key strengths is the high employability of its graduates.
Dr Adly revealed that moust of of E-JUST alumni find employment within six months of graduation. Many secure positions in top multinational companies.
In addition, many of graduates pursue postgraduate studies in leading institutions in Japan, Germany, and the Gulf region.
The combination of rigorous academic preparation, advanced laboratory experience, and an emphasis on real-world application prepares graduates to compete successfully on both local and international levels.
Leadership in Africa: A continental platform for scientific co-operation
E-JUST is not only a national project, but also an institution with a strong African dimension.
From the beginning, the university set out to be a platform for African students and researchers.
In collaboration with the Egyptian and Japanese governments, 300 fully funded MSc and Phd have been provided to African graduate students since 2020.
These scholarships cover tuition, housing, stipends, insurance, and travel expenses.
The high level of interest – more than 10,000 applications for the first 150 MSc scholarships encouraged the university to expand these opportunities to include PhD programmes as well.
The university has also launched the Japan-Africa STI Network, a four-year project aimed at strengthening scientific co-operation across the continent.
It regularly hosts workshops and joint research initiatives with African universities, such as those in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. One such event focused on energy replacement and hybrid charging for electric and hydrogen vehicles in Africa, showcasing E-JUST’s role in addressing continental challenges through research and innovation.
African students at E-JUST have already made notable contributions, participating in tens of published international research papers and six patent applications.
These achievements reflect the university’s commitment to advancing Africa’s role in global science and technology.
Expanding opportunities through scholarships
The university also provides significant support to Egyptian students, particularly those from STEM schools.
Scholarships include full or partial tuition waivers for top-performing students, financial support for athletes who win international competitions, and discounts for students with exceptional academic records.
These scholarships are part of E-JUST’s strategy to attract and empower talented students from across the country, regardless of their financial background.
Programmes like TICAD7, TICAD8, JADS (Japan Africa Dream Scholarship), and Palestinian scholarships also help build a new generation of researchers, equipped with world-class education and resources.
These efforts ensure that E-JUST contributes not only to Egypt’s development but also to regional growth and stability.
A forward-looking institution with a global mission
Under Dr Adly’s leadership, E-JUST proves that partnerships built on shared values and mutual respect can deliver exceptional results.
The university continues to evolve as a centre of excellence in education, research, and international co-operation.
It does not only prepare the students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, but also shapes future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to their communities, their industries, and the world at large.
E-JUST stands as a living example of how collaboration between nations can produce lasting educational and scientific impact.
With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, it is poised to remain a beacon of progress in Egypt, across Africa, and on the global stage.
