Egypt Hosts 138,000 International Students from 120 Countries

The higher education sector in Egypt has made significant strides during the 2025/2026 fiscal year to enhance the competitiveness of its educational offerings and increase the number of international students. This initiative aligns with the country’s vision to leverage education as a key component of its soft power.

Dr. Abdelaziz Qansoua, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that the ministry is committed to implementing a comprehensive vision aimed at providing an enriching educational experience for international students that meets global standards. The development plan includes building a national brand for Egyptian higher education through strategic marketing, scientific diplomacy, and learning from successful international models.

Throughout the fiscal year, the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector of the Ministry continued to promote Egyptian education in targeted international markets by participating in global educational fairs and organizing informational events.

This year saw Egypt’s participation in the International Education Exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan, which helped open new educational markets.

The ministry is also enhancing the “Study in Egypt” platform, which serves as the primary digital gateway for providing services to international students, ensuring greater efficiency and responsiveness to their needs while promoting educational diplomacy and fostering international cooperation through the Egyptian Academic Council and cultural offices abroad.

Additionally, the Egyptian Cultural Center has offered various programs and activities aimed at teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, thereby enhancing the status of the Arabic language and promoting cultural exchanges.

A communal Iftar event was organized for international students with Dr. Abdelaziz Qansoua in attendance alongside ministry officials and a wide participation from students of various nationalities.

The Ministry also showcased its initiatives at the “Nafesa 2026” exhibition in Florida, USA, with a high-level delegation that included cultural attachés and heads of public and private universities to market Egyptian universities as attractive destinations for international students.

Moreover, Minya University hosted a forum titled “Civilizations on the Land of Civilizations… Bride of Upper Egypt,” attended by delegations representing over 26 nationalities studying at Egyptian universities. For the first time, it launched a competition for “Ideal Student” among international attendees.

Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, noted that current indicators show approximately 138,000 international students enrolled in Egyptian higher education institutions from 120 different countries.

Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, media advisor and spokesperson for the ministry, reiterated that international student affairs represent a crucial strategic pillar within Egypt’s higher education system. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to improving services offered to students while enhancing Egypt’s presence in international educational markets to increase enrollment numbers and solidify Egypt’s educational standing regionally and globally.