Egypt is intensifying efforts to strengthen its regional and international standing in higher education by expanding the global presence of its universities, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdel Aziz Qansowa said on Monday.
Qansowa noted that the strategy centres on internationalising leading Egyptian universities and establishing overseas branches, with the aim of exporting educational services and reinforcing the country’s knowledge-based economy. He highlighted growing global demand for affordable, high-quality education as a key advantage for Egypt, adding that higher education has become an important instrument of soft power.
The plan prioritises selecting top universities based on global rankings, academic reputation, and institutional capacity. It also includes expanding joint and dual-degree programmes, as well as adopting flexible study models that allow students to complete part of their studies in Egypt, thereby strengthening academic quality and institutional partnerships.
Qansowa added that expansion efforts will focus on strategically important regions, with locations carefully chosen to maximise academic and cultural impact. The initiative will also involve partnerships with leading international universities and the development of franchise-based programmes.
Implementation will take place in three phases: first consolidating Egypt’s presence in African and Arab markets, followed by expansion into Central and Southeast Asia, and finally entering specialised markets—particularly in health education—building on successful experiences such as Alexandria University’s branch in Greece.
