Understanding the Egypt Education System
Gain insights into the Egypt higher education framework, academic culture, teaching methods, and grading system to prepare for your studies.
Higher Education in Egypt
Bachelor's (science)
4 years
For example, a bachelor's in science.
Bachelor's (engineering)
5 years
Engineering faculties.
Medicine
5 years plus 2 years of training (many programs)
Listed as 5+2 on Study in Egypt for many universities.
Master's and PhD
Set by each program
Apply through Study in Egypt or the university.
Study in Egypt lists more than 130 universities of five types: public, private, national, technological and international.
Types of Universities
Study in Egypt groups universities into five types: public, private, national, technological and international.
Types of Higher Education Institutions
Public (governmental) universities
For example Cairo, Ain Shams, Alexandria and Tanta universities.
•Apply through Study in Egypt.
•Fees in US dollars for international students.
Private universities
Set their own fees and dates, such as The American University in Cairo.
•Listed on Study in Egypt.
National universities
For example Galala University and Mansoura National University.
•Listed on Study in Egypt.
Technological universities
Listed on Study in Egypt as technology universities.
•Listed on Study in Egypt.
How You Study
Universities run general programs and credit-hour programs.
Common Teaching Formats
The standard program at public universities.
Fees in US dollars for international students.
Programs where you earn credit hours for each course.
Offered at many public and national universities.
Some universities offer special programs and dual degrees with partner universities.
Listed separately on Study in Egypt.
Grades in Egypt
Each university has its own grading. Here is the scale used at The American University in Cairo (AUC).
| Letter Grade | GPA | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4 | Excellent |
| A- | 3.7 | - |
| B+ | 3.3 | Very good |
| B | 3 | - |
| B- | 2.7 | Good |
| C+ | 2.3 | - |
| C | 2 | Passing |
| C- | 1.7 | - |
| D+ | 1.3 | Conditionally passing |
| D | 1 | - |
| F | 0 | Failing |
Each letter grade has points out of 4.0. Your GPA is the average of your points. A course with more credit hours counts more. One credit hour is one hour of class a week for a semester.
Example:
Example course 1, 3 credits, grade A, 12 grade points
Example course 2, 3 credits, grade B+, 9.9 grade points
Example course 3, 3 credits, grade B, 9 grade points
Total Grade Points: 30.9
Total Credits: 9
Semester GPA: 3.43
GPA Types:
- •Semester GPA
- •Overall GPA
Public universities
The Academic Year
The 2026/2027 year runs in two semesters of 15 weeks each.
First semester
19 September to 31 December 2026
Mid-terms in November, finals in January.
Second semester
6 February to 20 May 2027
Finals in May and June.
Key Academic Dates
Application Deadlines
- •AUC Spring 2027 application deadline (The American University in Cairo): Closes on 1 November 2026
Major Academic Events
- •First semester mid-term exams: First three weeks of November 2026
- •First semester final exams: 2 to 21 January 2027
- •Mid-year break: 23 January to 4 February 2027
- •Second semester final exams: May and June 2027
Credit Hours
Credit-hour programs count your study in credit hours. At AUC, tuition is charged per credit hour.
Tip
Official Universities
Study in Egypt lists universities and institutes approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).
Institutional Accreditation
Ministry approval
Study in Egypt lists universities approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Check a university
Check that your university is on Study in Egypt.
Study in Egypt: universities
The official list of universities for international students.
Use official channels
Complete Guide to Egypt
Explore all aspects of studying in Egypt with our comprehensive guides
Explore - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Egypt with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationQuestions about how Egyptian universities work?
We explain how your degree, grades and credits will work in Egypt.
Speak with an Expert