Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has reviewed progress on a partnership between Ain Shams University, Ain Shams National University and the UK’s University of Exeter to establish the British university’s first international campus in Egypt.
The meeting was attended by Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture; Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University and Acting President of Ain Shams National University; and Mohamed Saleheen, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ain Shams National University.
At the outset of the meeting, Madbouly highlighted the importance of expanding international partnerships with leading global universities and academic institutions, in line with Egypt’s efforts to provide high-quality educational opportunities and attract reputable international institutions to offer their programmes locally.
He said such partnerships would support Egypt’s position as a regional hub for education, scientific research and innovation, while contributing to the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030, which places education, research and innovation at the heart of sustainable development.
The prime minister added that international cooperation in higher education is also aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities and aligning academic outcomes with the evolving needs of local, regional and global labour markets.
Konsowa noted that a document outlining the key principles and terms of the partnership between Ain Shams University, Ain Shams National University and the University of Exeter was signed in August, paving the way for the completion of the final agreements.
Under the planned partnership, Ain Shams National University will host the University of Exeter’s first international campus in Egypt, making Exeter the first university from the UK’s Russell Group to offer its academic programmes and degrees in North Africa through an international campus based in Egypt.
For his part, Zain El-Abedeen said the partnership would bring together the complementary strengths of the three institutions, combining Ain Shams University’s longstanding academic and research expertise, Ain Shams National University’s modern infrastructure and learning environment, and the University of Exeter’s advanced academic experience and international standards.
Saleheen said the proposed academic programmes would cover key future-oriented disciplines, including computer and data sciences, engineering, business and management, as well as health and life sciences, reflecting rapid technological developments and the changing requirements of labour markets.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Madbouly directed officials to complete the necessary procedures to ensure the success of the partnership and pursue similar cooperation agreements with other distinguished international universities, supporting Egypt’s strategy to further develop higher education, scientific research and innovation.
