Egypt's universities open 2026/2027 academic year for 4 million students

Egypt's 2026/2027 academic year began Saturday at universities and higher institutes, with the higher education minister announcing preparations for about 4 million students.

• The 2026/2027 academic year began Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Egyptian universities and higher institutes.
• Higher Education Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa said the system comprises 130 universities and 185 higher institutes.
• Konsowa said about 4 million students will attend higher education institutions this year and directed faculty to be present on campus from the first day.
• Under the announced academic calendar, each semester runs 15 weeks; the first semester ends December 31, 2026, and the second begins February 6, 2027.
• Cairo University's administrative security, led by Major General Amr Abu Riya, welcomed students on the first day by distributing flowers and candy.
• Al-Asima University, led by president Sayed Qandil, welcomed students with a festive reception under the slogan “The Activities Compass Brings Us Together.”
• Cairo University President Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadiq said the university will update academic programs to match technological developments and labor-market needs.
• Mansoura National University president Mohamed Abdel Azim toured its eight faculties on the first day, with about 18,000 students across 21 programs.
• Alexandria University acting president Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim toured faculties on the first day to monitor the start of the academic year.
• Abdel Hakim announced a plan to elevate the university to Tier 1 in international rankings by aligning curricula with global standards.
• He praised students' 50 medals, including 20 gold, at the African University Games 'Cairo 2026' and said an official ceremony would honor them.