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EGYPT · GIZA

Cairo University

public · Founded 1908 · Languages: ar, en

In short

Cairo University, founded in 1908, is Egypt's premier public research university in Giza, offering a wide range of programs with affordable tuition and living costs. It is a historically significant institution with a strong focus on research and emerging fields like AI, attracting students globally.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1908
Students: 207,853
International students: 6,000
Tuition (intl): €2–5k/yr
Languages: AR, EN
Location: Giza, Egypt

Cairo University, founded in 1908, is Egypt's flagship public research university and one of the most distinguished institutions in the Arab world, enrolling over 200,000 students across 25 faculties. Located on the western bank of the Nile in Giza, with the Pyramids visible on the horizon, Cairo University offers comprehensive education spanning medicine, law, economics, engineering, science, arts, and emerging fields including artificial intelligence. The university's Kasr Al-Ainy medical school and hospital is one of Africa's largest academic medical centres. Cairo University's alumni include Nobel laureates, presidents, and leading scholars, reflecting its central role in shaping modern Egyptian and Arab intellectual life.

Why study here

Study at the Arab world's most historically significant public university with a 115-year tradition of academic excellence.
Extremely affordable tuition and living costs compared to Western universities, with scholarship support available for international students.
Cairo is a dynamic metropolis of 20 million people offering unparalleled cultural, historical, and career experiences.
Strong programmes in medicine, law, engineering, and Arabic language and Islamic studies - subjects with global demand.
Growing focus on digital transformation and artificial intelligence with dedicated institutes and degree pathways.

Student life

Cairo University's Giza campus is a sprawling, tree-lined complex that buzzes with activity throughout the academic year. Student unions, cultural clubs, and sports associations are active across all faculties. Cairo itself offers extraordinary cultural wealth: the Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, world-class restaurants, and the vibrant Zamalek and Maadi neighbourhoods. The Nile Corniche provides a popular social gathering space. International students typically find affordable housing in nearby Dokki, Agouza, or Mohandessin neighbourhoods. Arabic language courses are available for non-Arabic speakers, and the university welcomes students from across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

Fees

InternationalAnnual tuition for international students: approximately USD 1,500-5,000 (EUR 1,400-4,600) depending on faculty. Medicine and engineering tend to be higher.

HomeEgyptian domestic students pay heavily subsidised fees, approximately EGP 2,000-10,000 per year.

LivingMonthly living costs in Cairo average USD 500-900 (EUR 460-830) including accommodation, food, and transport - among the most affordable in the world for university cities.

Fees are denominated in EGP or USD for international students and subject to change. Check the Cairo University international admissions office for current rates.

Admissions

Undergraduate (international)Secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to Egyptian Thanaweya Amma. Minimum grade requirements vary by faculty (medicine and engineering are most competitive).

PostgraduateRelevant bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Faculty-specific entrance examinations and interviews.

Arabic language requirementMost programmes are taught in Arabic. English-medium programmes available in select faculties. Non-Arabic speakers may enrol in preparatory Arabic language year.

IELTS Academic5.5 overall (for English-taught programmes)

TOEFL iBT70 overall (for English-taught programmes)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2025347

QS Arab Region University Rankings 2025Top 10

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025601-800

University scholarships

Egyptian Government Scholarship for International StudentsFull tuition waiver + monthly stipend for selected countries

Cairo University Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction for high-achieving international students

Al-Azhar and Cultural Affairs ScholarshipsVaries; coordinated through bilateral government agreements

Accreditation

Cairo University is accredited by the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) in Egypt. Medical and pharmacy programmes are recognised by the Egyptian Medical Syndicate and regional health authorities.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Cairo University · Egypt

English Language Courses

Cairo University's Center for Language Teaching (CLT) offers a variety of English language courses designed to improve your proficiency. These courses cater to different levels, from preparatory to advanced, and focus on developing practical language skills. The program also includes specialized courses in areas like legal translation, and other foreign languages such as Spanish and Italian. The goal is to provide learners with the tools to communicate effectively in various contexts.

Cairo University · Egypt

Medicine

Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs focused on medical education and clinical training. The faculty is dedicated to providing high-quality medical education and preparing students for careers in healthcare. The institution emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through its curriculum and clinical training opportunities.

Cairo University · Egypt

Medicine Program

Cairo University's Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine offers an undergraduate program designed to provide students with comprehensive medical education. The program focuses on developing clinical skills and professional development through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and clinical rotations in faculty hospitals. The faculty aims to foster interaction between students and faculty members through a mentorship system, offering support for personal and professional growth.

Scholarships

for Egypt

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

The American University in Cairo (AUC)

American University in Cairo International Graduate Fellowships

Open to new international graduate degree-seeking students of any nationality who have secured full admission to an eligible master's programme at The American University in Cairo and who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a full-time master's degree across any of AUC's graduate disciplines and must complete nine credit hours each semester. Continuing students must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.2 to retain the fellowship. There are no nationality restrictions. Applicants should confirm the credit, GPA, and financial-need requirements for their programme on the official AUC fellowships page.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Internship

Open to nationals of an Afreximbank member state who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a recognised institution, ideally in economics, business administration, finance, accounting, social sciences, statistics, law, or a related field. Applicants must be aged 20 to 32 in the year of application and fluent in English or French with a working knowledge of the other; Arabic or Portuguese is an advantage.

Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Egyptian Government Scholarship

For international students — mainly from African, Arab, and Asian partner countries — who study at Egypt's public universities and institutes. Offered through the Ministry of Higher Education and Egypt's development-cooperation bodies; candidates usually apply through the Egyptian cultural/educational office or embassy in their home country.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at Cairo University?

Annual tuition fees for international students range from approximately USD 1,500 to USD 5,000, varying by faculty, with medicine and engineering typically being more expensive. These fees are subject to change, and checking with the international admissions office for current rates is recommended.

What is the estimated cost of living for students in Giza?

Monthly living costs in Cairo and its adjacent city Giza average between USD 500 and USD 900, covering accommodation, food, and transport. This makes it one of the most affordable university cities globally.

Does Cairo University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Cairo University offers several scholarships for international students, including the Egyptian Government Scholarship for International Students, which can cover full tuition and provide a monthly stipend, and the Cairo University Merit Scholarship for partial tuition reduction.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught programs?

For English-taught programs, international students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 70 overall.

What academic qualifications are needed for international undergraduate admission?

International undergraduate applicants need a secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the Egyptian Thanaweya Amma. Minimum grade requirements differ by faculty, with medicine and engineering being the most competitive.

Last updated 3 July 2026