List of the Best Universities in Egypt with Affordable Tuition Fees

Do you aspire to a high-quality, global-standard higher education, particularly in Islamic studies and ancient sciences, but are hindered by worries about high tuition fees in Western countries? Many leading international study destinations offer great curricula, but often come with burdensome tuition bills, forcing you to compromise between quality and financial affordability.

Don’t worry, Egypt presents a perfect solution. We have explored a list of the best universities in Egypt that not only maintain a tradition of in-depth, globally recognized scholarship especially Al-Azhar University but also offer very affordable tuition fees, making it an ideal study destination for anyone seeking a global degree without having to pay excessively high costs.

Cost and Affordability

One of the main appeals of continuing studies in Egypt, particularly at public or religious universities, is the very competitive fee structure. This affordability is a determining factor for many international students. The discussion on finance needs to distinguish between tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship opportunities.

Estimated Cost of Living in Cairo

The cost of living in Cairo, the main educational center in Egypt, is much lower compared to major cities in Southeast Asia or Western countries. The following estimation can be a guide for prospective students:

In total, a student living modestly can comfortably live in Cairo with a budget of around Rp 3.5 Million to Rp 5 Million per month, including rent and primary needs.

Must-Know Scholarship Opportunities

To further reduce costs, Egypt is one of the countries with abundant scholarship opportunities, especially for Indonesian students:

• Al-Azhar Scholarship (Most Popular): Given directly by Al-Azhar or through the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. This scholarship usually covers a full tuition waiver and sometimes includes a small monthly allowance and free dormitory.
• Egyptian Government Scholarship (MoHE): Offered by the Ministry of Higher Education of Egypt, usually intended for general studies at public universities other than Al-Azhar (e.g., Cairo or Ain Shams).

Therefore, Egypt not only offers the best universities in Egypt in terms of scholarly quality but also the most rational financial path to obtain an international degree.

Best Universities in Egypt with the Cheapest Tuition Fees

Egypt, with its rich history and legendary educational institutions, offers a golden opportunity for you. Not only will you get international-standard education quality, but also tuition fees that are much more affordable compared to countries in Europe or America. We will guide you through the best universities in Egypt that are not only prestigious but also budget-friendly.

1. Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University is the heart of Sunni Islamic scholarship and one of the oldest operating universities in the world. If your dream is to delve into Islamic sciences like Sharia, Ushuluddin (Principles of Religion), or Arabic Language, there is no place more iconic than Al-Azhar. One of Al-Azhar’s biggest advantages is its fee policy. 

For international students, the tuition fee at Al-Azhar University is completely free, both for scholarship and non-scholarship pathways. You only need to cover living costs, initial administration, and document processing.

2. Cairo University

Founded in 1908, Cairo University is one of the leading modern public universities in Egypt and the Arab world. This campus offers a curriculum with global standards that is equivalent to renowned universities in the West. Tuition fees at Cairo University for international students are very competitive. 

For undergraduate level, faculties like Arts, Law, and Commerce have fees around USD 3,500 per year (around Rp 58.1 million). More technical faculties like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Computer Science range between USD 5,000 to USD 6,500 per year (around Rp 83 million to Rp 107.9 million).

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4. Ain Shams University

Located in the heart of Cairo, Ain Shams University is the third oldest higher education institution in Egypt. This university is famous for its excellent education quality, especially in Medicine, Engineering, and Languages (Al-Alsun). Similar to Cairo University, the fees at Ain Shams are very affordable. For undergraduate programs, faculties like Law, Commerce, and Arts set fees around USD 3,500 per year.

5. Alexandria University

Located in the beautiful coastal city, Alexandria University is another center of academic excellence in Egypt. Founded in 1938, this university has a strong international reputation. Tuition fees for international students at Alexandria University vary greatly depending on the faculty. Programs in Arts, Law, and Business usually charge around USD 3,500 per year. For the Faculty of Engineering, fees range between USD 5,000 to USD 6,000 per year.

6. Mansoura University

Mansoura University consistently ranks as one of the best universities in Egypt, especially famous for its world-renowned urology and nephrology center. Located in the city of Mansoura, Nile Delta, this university offers a conducive learning environment. Tuition fees at Mansoura University are also relatively affordable. For the undergraduate level, faculties like Commerce, Law, and Arts set fees around USD 3,000 per year.

7. Suez Canal University

Founded in 1976, Suez Canal University has a unique location in Ismailia, with branches in Port Said and Suez. This university excels in programs related to the coastal environment, such as marine science, petroleum, and environmental studies. Suez Canal University offers fees that are among the lowest among other public universities in Egypt for international students. Annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs are estimated to range between USD 1,000 to USD 3,500.

Read Also: 10 Best Universities in the UAE Based on Global Rankings

8. Helwan University

Helwan University is known for its excellence in arts and education. Located in southern Cairo, this university has various unique faculties such as Fine Arts, Applied Arts, and Music Education. Tuition fees at Helwan University are also very competitive. Undergraduate programs in faculties like Arts, Art Education, and Commerce have fees around USD 3,000 to USD 3,500 per year.

Egypt offers a rare combination of globally recognized, high-quality higher education. It should be noted that the costs listed above are estimates and may change at any time according to university policy and currency exchange rates. The best step is always to visit the official website of the university you are interested in to get the latest admission and tuition fee information.