UK universities delegation explores higher education partnerships in Egypt - Society

Al-Ahram Weekly

18-02-2025

A high-level delegation from UK universities visited Ain Shams University and the European Universities in Egypt (EUE) on Monday to discuss potential academic collaborations and promote transnational education.
The delegation will visit New Cairo Technological University soon.
Ain Shams University welcomed the British delegation, including presidents from leading UK universities, to discuss academic and scientific cooperation.
At the end of the meeting, Ain Shams University, the University of Essex, and the University of East Anglia signed a cooperation agreement in the New Administrative Capital.
Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, president of Ain Shams, and several faculty members met the delegation to discuss joint academic programmes and dual degrees.
The UK delegation also met with Dr. Mahmoud Hashem Abdelkader, president of the European Universities in Egypt, to discuss expanding partnerships in scholarship programmes and research.
Prof. Hashim emphasized the rich history of academic cooperation between both nations and the achievements of Egyptian scholars who have received a British education.
The delegation toured EUE facilities, including engineering and fashion design labs and newly developed studios. EUE hosts three UK institutions: the University of London (offering degrees in Computer Science, Business Administration, Psychology, and Law), the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan, specializing in engineering), and the University of East London (UEL, focusing on medical and creative disciplines) disciplines.
High-Level Talks
The British Higher Education delegation commenced its visit to Egypt under the patronage of Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The visit featured a seminar on investment opportunities in transnational education and scholarship sustainability.
Key attendees included Prof. Mostafa Refaat, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Universities, Gareth Bayley OBE, British Ambassador to Egypt, Mark Howard, director of the British Council in Cairo, and senior officials from Egyptian and British higher education institutions.
During the seminar, Prof. Refaat, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education, underscored the importance of the Egyptian-British partnership in higher education and its achievements over the years.
He praised the British Council's support in expanding transnational education opportunities and strengthening Egypt's role as a regional educational hub.
Prof. Refaat emphasized Egypt's commitment to aligning its education with global standards via infrastructure development, curriculum improvements, and academic innovation.
He noted the success of international universities in Egypt and their positive impact on research and academic excellence.
Transnational Opportunities
British Ambassador Gareth Bayley OBE affirmed the UK's commitment to fostering educational and technological partnerships with Egyptian universities.
He commended Egypt's efforts to enhance higher education and expressed his enthusiasm for further strengthening UK-Egypt academic ties.
Howard reiterated the council's dedication to expanding cooperation between British and Egyptian institutions.
He referenced the British Council's latest report on transnational education, highlighting Egypt's leading role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The report features two key case studies: the partnership between the University of East London and Ain Shams University and the collaboration between the University of Hertfordshire and the Global Academic Foundation (GAF).
During the visit, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed: Ain Shams University with the University of Essex, Ain Shams University with the University of East Anglia, and Sheffield Hallam University with the British University in Egypt (BUE).
The British Higher Education delegation's visit will continue until 18 February. It will include further university visits and strategic discussions to enhance UK-Egypt cooperation in higher education.
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