Number of Egyptian university students estimated to be 5.6M in 2032

CAIRO – 6 December 2022: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour stated Tuesday that the number of university students is expected to grow from 3.4 million to 5.6 million in 2032.

Minister Ashour pointed out that the Egyptian population is estimated to hit 160 million in 2050 (up from 102 million now), and that given youth represent 45 percent of the population, 83 universities have to be added to the existing 45. The minister further noted that Egypt aims for making the portion of youth who receive university education 45 percent by 2030.  

The Cabinet approved in July a draft decree providing the establishment of six new technology universities at different governorates in Delta and Upper Egypt.

Those are 6th of October Technology University in Giza, Borg Al Arab Technology University in Alexandria; East Port Said Technology University in Port Said; Tiba Technology University in Luxor; New Asyut Technology University in Asyut; and Samanoud Technology University in Gharbia.

The decree allows those universities to partner up with international ones, and to offer graduate and undergraduate degrees as well as diplomas. Admissions at such establishments is open to students who graduated from technical high schools, and not just those who graduated from regular ones.

The minister of higher education and scientific research pointed out in February 2021 that new technology schools had been introduced in public universities. As for the research centers affiliated with the ministry, he said there were 11.

Examples of those are the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority, and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. The latter has recently started the Egyptian genome project, which aims to provide medical services inside Egypt. It is also looking to develop a database of genetic determinants for the early diagnosis of diseases among Egyptians.

It is expected that this will lead to reducing the cost of medical care and improving the quality of life of Egyptians. The programme also includes developing a genetic map of diseases in Egypt, which contributes to the development of better nutrition and healthier habits to prevent diseases.