Egypt has long been considered the “cradle of civilisation”. Ancient Egypt was one of the first nations to pioneer modern examples of building, politics, agriculture and writing.
Now, it is of course also well known for its iconic monuments and rich history: the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings as well as the ancient cities of Memphis and Thebes.
Egypt is home to an extensive higher education system and is the most represented African country in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
=1. Aswan University
Aswan University is located in the city of Aswan and was established as an independent institution in 2012. Prior to this it operated as a branch of Assuit University.
The institution is dedicated to providing teaching in a wide range of subjects, including education, social work, engineering, agriculture and archaeology among many others. There are a number of high-quality facilities at the university for students to use to supplement their education.
The city is close to a number of famous archaeological sites which were home to some important artefacts of Ancient Egypt as well as many modern historical sites. The university tries to ensure that students studying relevant subjects are able to access these sites.
=1. Mansoura University
Mansoura University started off as a faculty of medicine under the University of Cairo in 1962. In 1972 it was established as a university under the name East Delta University, but was renamed Mansoura University a year later.
The university’s main campus is located in the centre of the city of Mansoura and is comprised of 15 faculties as well as three large accommodation complexes, a student hospital, restaurants, a dining hall and a well-equipped sports complex.
The university is also known for its medical facilities, with nine major hospitals and medical centres including a children's hospital, a medical experimental research centre and a urology and nephrology centre – the largest of its kind in Africa.
3. Suez Canal University
When Suez Canal University was first established in 1977, there were only six faculties: science; agriculture; engineering; technology; and the faculty of education. Today there are more than 20 faculties divided between the different campuses in Ismailia, Suez, Port Said and El-Arish.
The Medical Education Department at the university was established in 2001 and was the first such department to be established in the Arab-region Egyptian universities.
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=4. Cairo University
Cairo University is a large public university with its main campus located in Giza. It is the second-oldest institution of higher education in Egypt having been founded in 1908.
There are more than 20 faculties at the university including engineering, medicine, pharmacology, economics and political science, arts, commerce, nursing and regional and urban planning among others.
Notable alumni include the former United Nations secretary general Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Omar Sharif, the Oscar-nominated actor, Mohamed Morsi, a former president of Egypt, and Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League from 2001 to 2011.
=4. Kafrelsheikh University
Having only opened in 2006, Kafrelsheikh University is a very young institution. The institution’s buildings had previously been part of Tanta University.
The university has a large, modern campus surrounded by plenty of greenery. There are 19 faculties, five of which are scientific, seven are health-related and the other six are dedicated to the humanities.
It is also the second most environmentally friendly university in the Arab World and is gaining a national reputation as a research centre.
The top universities in Egypt 2021
Click on each institution to see its full World University Rankings 2021 results
| World University Rank 2021 | Egypt Rank 2021 | University | City/area |
| 401–500 | =1 | Aswan University | Aswan |
| 401–500 | =1 | Mansoura University | Mansoura |
| 501–600 | 3 | Suez Canal University | Ismailia |
| 601–800 | =4 | Cairo University | Giza |
| 601–800 | =4 | Kafrelsheikh University | Kafr-El-Sheikh |
| 801–1000 | =6 | American University in Cairo | Cairo |
| 801–1000 | =6 | Benha University | Benha |
| 801–1000 | =6 | Beni-Suef University | Beni Suef |
| 801–1000 | =6 | Sohag University | Sohag |
| 1001+ | =10 | Ain Shams University | Cairo |
| 1001+ | =10 | Al-Azhar University | Cairo |
| 1001+ | =10 | Alexandria University | Alexandria |
| 1001+ | =10 | Assiut University | Assiut |
| 1001+ | =10 | Fayoum University | Faiyum |
| 1001+ | =10 | Helwan University | Ain Helwan |
| 1001+ | =10 | Menoufia University | Menofia |
| 1001+ | =10 | Minia University | Minya |
| 1001+ | =10 | Port Said University | Port Said |
| 1001+ | =10 | South Valley University | Quena |
| 1001+ | =10 | Tanta University | Tanta |
| 1001+ | =10 | Zagazig University | Zagazig |
Read more: Best universities in the world
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