The Top 10 Universities in Cairo – 2023 Ranking

‘Old is gold’ crystallizes at Cairo University as this public university was founded in 1908 and continues its legacy as the best university in Egypt. While many shy away from Cairo University and its counterparts, it was ranked ‘1st in Egypt’ by The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) in 2020 and continues to be one of the best 1.5% of universities in the world. If you are looking to learn from some of Egypt’s finest educators, Cairo University takes the lead with its tenured faculty members. Affordability is another great strength of this public university as its costs remain reasonable in regular and credit hour systems. But here’s the catch: facilities and extracurricular activities at Cairo University are given very little attention, so your social life might take a hit if you are not an adaptive social butterfly. Cairo University mainly excels in STEM majors ranging from Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Law to Architecture.

The German University in Cairo (GUC) is a respected organization with a great focus on the practical application of subject knowledge. A great strength at GUC is its German classes, as it enables students to learn a third language across all majors. In true German fashion, this university is especially sought for its Engineering and Applied Sciences and Arts faculties. With the opportunity to do semesters abroad or transfer to Germany altogether, GUC is a great option for those looking to have a European college experience. The Cairo-based university possesses faculty members with incredible experience, but its facilities and extracurricular activities could use some TLC as they are not as advanced as other private universities in Egypt. While its fees are getting heftier by the day, GUC remains a slightly more affordable private university.

While its ranking falls below Cairo University at 651-700 by the QS World University Ranking in 2023, Coventry University’s new venture is an excellent opportunity to receive British education on Egyptian land. If you are looking for outstanding facilities, student activities, and the chance to do a semester abroad or transfer your studies to the UK, Coventry University at The Knowledge Hub is one of the best options in Egypt. It is a smart move for those who couldn’t study in the UK straight after high school and are looking for alternatives to do so. We are yet to witness Coventry University’s first batch of graduates, but it is well-known for its Business school in the UK and Egypt. The university offers a first-of-its-kind (in Egypt) Bachelor of Science in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, so if you’re hoping to be the next Mr. Robot, Coventry University is calling your name.

An obvious but slightly tired choice, The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded in 1919 as a way to integrate Egyptian and American values in an educational and forward-thinking manner. Many of its alumni are respected, successful, and trailblazing individuals, such as Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Queen of Jordan Rania Al Abdullah, and beloved content creator Ahmed El-Ghandour. With incredible architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and countless student activities, AUC is an easy choice to make for those looking to experience a well-rounded university life. Although it is one of the best Egyptian universities to pursue if you are hoping to make connections and network, many AUC students and alumni believe the education received to be lacking in subject knowledge. With efforts to immerse students in a highly communicative and team-based education, AUC’s focus on the quality of learning materials seems to be elsewhere. Tuition fees are becoming increasingly expensive, leaving students and parents wondering if studying abroad is the more reasonable choice. That being said, AUC offers an incredible Liberal Arts program that is unmatched in Egypt.

A veteran in public higher education, Ain Shams University was founded in 1950. Many trailblazing Egyptians are alumni of Ain Shams University, with Farouk El Baz taking the lead in international recognition. Fun fact: El Baz is also an adjunct professor of Geology at the university. Ain Shams is well-known for its revered faculty and in-depth curricula. While its facilities and buildings aren’t quite the five-star experience, it is definitely the place for hardworking students who don’t mind putting in the extra effort. The good news is that it offers a credit-hour system for some of its faculties for a slightly more elevated experience. The Egyptian university is the right choice for students seeking STEM majors or its reputable Faculty of Linguistics, better known as Al-Alsun.

ESLSCA launched as a Business School in France in 1949. While it started as a graduate school in Egypt in the 1990s, it later expanded to offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. While its world ranking is in the 1000s, ESLSCA focuses on providing a well-rounded student experience with much attention given to extracurricular activities ranging from theatre to sports. The Egypt-based university has interesting majors such as Luxury Brand Management, Fintech and Blockchain, and Cinematic Studies. If you’re looking to stray away from the norm and explore 21st-century-focused fields, ESLSCA is your top choice.

In 2005 and in association with the British Embassy and the British Council, The British University in Egypt (BUE) was inaugurated with the aim to bring the UK’s higher education to Egypt. Its impressive architecture, facilities, and focus on an international university experience – while remaining a more affordable private university – makes BUE a leading choice for students. The Egyptian university offers plenty of programs, with opportunities for students to intern at leading local companies in their respective fields of study. There are many clubs and student activities to keep your social life buzzing so if you’re looking to have a multi-faceted learning experience in Cairo’s suburbs, BUE is your go-to university.

The woman-led October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) has been in Egypt for 25 years. Professor Nawal El Degwy is a respected educator who has established many educational organizations, ranging from kindergartens to secondary schools. MSA is validated by several British universities – Middlesex, Bedfordshire, and Greenwich – across different faculties. With many programs to choose from, MSA provides students with plenty of room to discover and hone their abilities. Students and alumni report that there is an excellent balance between social and academic life as extracurricular activities are encouraged and diverse in nature. Another bonus to look out for is its affordability, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly private university that doesn’t compromise educational quality, MSA is an excellent choice.

Founded in 2006, Future University in Egypt (FUE) has been one of the leading private universities in the country. It is nestled in New Cairo, so commuting poses very little concern for those on Cairo’s east side. The Egyptian university offers six faculties but is especially sought for its Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine as it is approved and accredited by the Supreme Council of Universities. With a Psychological Health and Human Development Center, FUE proves it is on the right side of history and prioritizes students’ mental health. Affordable and reliable is how FUE would be best described for those seeking private higher education that partners with universities such as College Cork in Ireland, Cincinnati, and Missouri Universities in the USA.

Misr International University (MIU) is a private research-intensive university founded by the former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak. One of its notable alumni is Saudi royal Lamia bint Majed Al Saud who is the Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies. The affordable private Egyptian university runs eight faculties alongside several student activities and clubs. With AIESEC as one of its leading clubs, MIU is an obvious choice for those with the travel bug.

Now it’s your turn. Let us know if we’re missing any special universities in Egypt in the comments below. If you’ve had a particularly good or bad experience with any of the universities listed above, please let us know in the comments section. Want to get in touch with us? Just click here and drop us a message.