Egypt has been stepping up efforts to raise the global competitiveness of its universities and position itself as a regional and international hub for higher education, scientific research and innovation, with focus on attracting international students, expanding academic partnerships and linking research to industry.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli chaired a meeting on Monday which reviewed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s priorities for developing the university education system.
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister and Acting Culture Minister Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Head of the Armed Forces Financial Affairs Authority Major General Khaled Abdullah, and other relevant officials attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Qanswa outlined initiatives to improve the international rankings of Egyptian universities, particularly through the Tier 1 model.
Such a model aims to establish globally leading and regionally and internationally competitive universities capable of producing highly qualified graduates, attracting international students and linking scientific research with industry, Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed el-Homosani said in a statement.
The model is based on comprehensive development of the educational environment in line with internationally competitive standards, while enhancing universities’ role in training and skills development to meet labour-market needs, el-Homosani added.
Qanswa also reviewed plans to develop faculty capabilities and improve academic and administrative performance through partnerships with leading international universities and institutions and the exchange of expertise.
The meeting further addressed efforts to link scientific research with industry and the knowledge economy, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote Egyptian education exports, el-Homosani said.
These efforts include establishing a system for selecting leading universities, targeting countries and regions of strategic and political importance, expanding joint programmes with highly ranked international universities, and hosting academic programmes through academic partnerships.
The initiatives form part of the State’s strategy to develop higher education and scientific research, strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian universities and enhance Egypt’s position as a regional and international destination for education, research and innovation.
