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Middle East
15 hours ago
- Health
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi signs law amending pharmacy practice regulations
CAIRO, June 25 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi signed Law No. 90 of 2025, introducing new requirements for practicing pharmacy in Egypt. According to the amendments, graduates must hold a pharmacy degree from an Egyptian university or an equivalent recognized by the Supreme Council of Universities. They also must complete one year of mandatory training in an approved hospital, pharmacy, or training unit under supervision, with oversight from the Supreme Councils of Universities and University Hospitals. Licensing also requires passing a national qualification exam administered by the Egyptian Health Council under Law No. 12 of 2022. The law was published in the official gazette out Wednesday. (MENA) H A T/S R E
Egypt Today
07-04-2025
- Science
- Egypt Today
French-Egyptian Forum for Scientific and Academic Cooperation to be held April 7-8
CAIRO - 7 April 2025: Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, Dr. Mustafa Refaat, stated that the French-Egyptian Forum for Scientific and Academic Cooperation will be held over two days, April 7 and 8, on the sidelines of the French President's visit to Cairo. The convening of this scientific forum reflects the depth of scientific ties between Egypt and France and underscores the expansion of strategic cooperation in the field of higher education and scientific research to achieve sustainable development. During his speech at the Egyptian-French conference, Dr. Mustafa Refaat added that the internationalization of higher education is a strategic option within the Ministry of Higher Education's strategy to achieve quality education and scientific research. This comes within the framework of a national plan to make knowledge and innovation the engines of development in the country. We seek to activate partnerships and exchange expertise with major international institutions. Dr. Mustafa Refaat pointed out that several agreements and memoranda of understanding are scheduled to be signed with the Higher Education and Scientific Research Authority in France, marking a qualitative step in cooperation between higher education institutions in both countries. This cooperation aims to enhance academic coordination and exchange of expertise in developing joint educational programs that respond to global changes. In this context, the Supreme Council of Universities continues to play its leading role in developing higher education in Egypt and promoting scientific research. The Council is committed to qualifying universities to provide advanced education and community services. The guiding reference framework for higher education has also been launched. "Today, We also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme Council of Universities and the Director of Technical Schools of Engineering to enhance cooperation, a partnership agreement between the French Embassy and the Science and Technology Support Fund to fund post-doctoral fellowship programs, and bilateral memoranda between Egyptian and French universities," Dr. Refaat said. Dr. Mustafa Refaat further emphasized the importance of the French University in Egypt as a model for cross-border education.
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Financially independent public universities - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
A pilot initiative will see five public universities shifting from financial dependence on the state to developing their own revenue sources Egypt's universities are at a crossroads necessitating a reassessment of their financial policies. The growing economic pressures and widening gap in government funding are pushing universities towards financial self-sufficiency and the development of independent revenue sources. The majority of universities the world over secure their funding through a diverse range of sources. Similarly, several Egyptian public universities have recently resorted to diversifying their financial resources by investing in the education process, the establishment of revenue-generating projects, partnerships with the private sector, the expansion of fee-based education programmes, and focusing on applied scientific research. The upgrading of curricula has also played a role in attracting a large number of international students who usually pay higher and dollar-denominated fees. A source told Al-Ahram Weekly that the Ministry of Higher Education is advancing plans to introduce a new financial model aimed at granting public universities greater financial autonomy. This will require universities to develop and expand their financial resources, particularly given the scientific, technological and international advancements that Egypt's higher education system has witnessed in recent years, alongside its broad geographical expansion. The Supreme Council of Universities is considering piloting financial independence at five public universities: Cairo, Alexandria, Helwan, Assiut, and Mansoura, the source added. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mohamed Ayman Ashour said at a recent council meeting that the political leadership has reviewed the proposal, expecting it to be implemented within the coming months, the source noted. The initiative outlines key mechanisms for adopting the new financial model, such as revenue generation through tuition fees, applying research and innovations through grants and contracts, and integrating entrepreneurship training. Additionally, fostering partnerships with the private sector and advancing institutional autonomy are central to this shift. Global trends indicate that universities tend to search for sustainable funding sources due to declining government allocations amid economic crises in order to be able to provide high-quality education and scientific research. Although the concept was introduced several years ago, it initially garnered interest from Helwan University which sought to bring it into public discussion. It also resonated with the current minister of higher education, who, during his tenure as dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Ain Shams University, advocated for financial independence at the faculty level, recognising its potential to increase income. He said there were solid proposals to move away from bureaucratic financial management towards sound economic principles in expenditure and revenue generation while refining the academic vision through dedicated efforts to align with contemporary challenges and the country's demands. The source noted that the study incorporates several fundamental pillars essential for this transition. These include the establishment of national universities affiliated with the main universities, the expansion of research centres and specialised institutes, the creation of technological universities, the establishment of international university branches, and the expansion in constructing government hospitals. To achieve financial autonomy, a series of practical steps must be undertaken, including the generation of revenue through non-traditional sources, preparing programmes to attract international students, and designing programmes to operate national universities. The study also suggested strengthening ties with industry and business sectors to provide hands-on training for students at technological universities, finalising agreements for international university branches, and adopting a comprehensive marketing strategy. The five universities selected for the pilot initiative oversee multiple affiliated national and technological institutions, house notable research institutes, and host a large number of international students, a key revenue that bolsters their financial sustainability. According to the source, the study will be implemented in steps, prime among which is coordination with the Ministry of Finance to establish a three-year transition to gradually reduce financing until complete financial autonomy is achieved. Another step is the repeal of existing Ministry of Finance decisions that impose deductions on self-generated university revenues. Furthermore, parent universities will be granted full authority to manage and optimise their financial resources and issue new regulations to empower public universities in developing their investment and revenue-generating capacities. The study estimates that the annual budget for each university under the proposed model is LE2 billion, 75 per cent of which will be allocated to wages and salaries which are currently financed by the state treasury at a rate of 90 per cent, or LE1.8 billion. The study stressed that public universities will remain committed to traditional admission policies and student distribution mechanisms as determined by the Supreme Council of Universities and the broader state directives. It added that the legislative and regulatory decisions governing financial independence will uphold the policy of free education, ensuring that universities transitioning to financial autonomy submit legally binding commitments to sustain and develop free education. These universities will also be required to outline clear funding strategies to support this policy. Moreover, the state will continue to provide financial support when necessary, sourced from non-traditional avenues beyond the national budget, to safeguard the stability of public universities until they attain financial equilibrium. Financially independent universities will remain subject to public financial oversight, adhering to governance and transparency standards. * A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Sustaining transnational education - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Reem Leila reviews the findings of a recent report on the sustainability of transnational education in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE Egypt leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in transnational education (TNE) enrolment in UK universities with 28,000 students in 2022-23. A report issued last week examined the sustainability of TNE in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. Conducted in collaboration with institutions in the three countries, the report highlighted the distinctive dynamics of TNE. 'Due to economic and currency challenges, more Egyptian students are likely to opt for studying in Egypt rather than going abroad,' the report said. The UAE follows Egypt closely with regards to TNE enrolment in UK universities with 22,000 students and Qatar with 3,000. Egypt is committed to developing the country's educational institutions so that it coincides with global standards, both in terms of infrastructure as well as curriculum development, to enhance the academic and research landscape in Egypt, the rest of the Middle East and Africa, Mustafa Refaat, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Universities (SCU), told participants at the launch event. Speaking on behalf of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, Refaat highlighted the success and significant impact of international university branches in Egypt, saying they have played a key role in transforming the higher education system by implementing standards of research, innovation, and academic excellence. 'The transformations the world is witnessing require the development of capabilities and adaptive skills to keep pace with global market demands,' Refaat explained. The efforts of the SCU, Refaat said, enabled the provision of diverse educational opportunities, developing an internationalisation strategy, and expanding scholarship programmes. According to the report, the UAE leads in postgraduate TNE enrolments, with a significant demand for flexible delivery options. Qatar, though with fewer students, shows the highest proportion of online-flexible enrolments, indicating a strong preference for flexible models among postgraduate TNE students across all three countries. The report also introduced a framework for the sustainability of TNE, built on five key pillars: mutual benefits, financial feasibility, inclusivity and depth of partnerships, leadership and human resource development, and mutual trust and communication. 'This framework provides practical insights for institutions aiming to build sustainable partnerships that align with regional development priorities,' the report said. At the event, British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley said the UK Higher Education Mission in Egypt reflects his country's commitment to strengthening educational partnerships and technological collaboration with Egypt. Bayley also expressed his support for UK-Egypt educational partnerships which, he said, contribute to creating a thriving academic environment for future generations. Mark Howard, director of the British Council, emphasised the council's commitment to enhancing relations between British and Egyptian institutions to ensure students receive high-quality education. * A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
Egypt Independent
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt's Ministry of Higher Education pledges support for USAID Scholarship students
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has confirmed its commitment to covering all tuition fees and expenses for the 1,077 students enrolled in Egyptian universities through scholarships provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision follows the suspension of all USAID programs worldwide for 90 days. In an emergency meeting chaired by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the situation of the 1,077 undergraduate students on USAID scholarships was discussed. These students are distributed across public, private, and national universities (877 students) and the American University in Cairo (200). The ministry and universities pledged to continue to cover expenses until the end of the second semester, and will support these students in facing any future challenges. During the meeting, the council was informed that the American University in Cairo will bear the expenses of the 200 Egyptian students enrolled in the scholarship program during the second semester, with continued coordination with the ministry in this regard. During the meeting, which was attended by the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, various council members, and the Academic Affairs Undersecretary at the American University in Cairo, the Minister of Higher Education affirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting scholarship students in various universities across Egypt. He noted the close cooperation between the ministry and universities in ensuring that students can continue their academic journey, as education is a fundamental pillar towards building a bright future for them and the nation. The official spokesperson for the Ministry, Adel Abdel Ghaffar, explained that the meeting concluded with the discussing overcoming any obstacles facing scholarship students, and emphasizing the importance of considering the future of these students in all Egyptian universities (public, private, and national) under the supervision of the Supreme Council of Universities following the temporary USAID suspension. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
