University of Exeter Establishes First African Campus in Egypt

Egypt is making history as it welcomes the first-ever African campus of the University of Exeter, a prestigious member of the UK’s Russell Group of universities. This landmark move marks a major milestone in global academic collaboration and positions Egypt as a regional hub for world-class education and research innovation.

The announcement came during a signing ceremony in Cairo, attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, alongside top government officials, university leaders, and British diplomats. The event celebrated a historic partnership between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University, a collaboration that promises to reshape Egypt’s higher education landscape.

A Historic Milestone for Egypt and Africa

With this agreement, Egypt becomes the first African country to host a Russell Group University branch, a collective of 24 leading UK institutions renowned for their research excellence and academic prestige. The University of Exeter’s presence in Egypt will provide students with access to a globally recognised education, preparing them to compete in both local and international job markets.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating:

“This partnership reflects Egypt’s ambition to enhance academic collaboration with renowned international institutions. It is a step forward in our efforts to expand access to high-quality education and equip our students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.”

The University of Exeter’s campus will be hosted within Ain Shams University’s international campus, creating a dynamic environment for collaborative learning, innovation, and research.

Strengthening Global Academic Partnerships

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was a high-profile event attended by key figures, including:

Ayman Ashour – Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Gareth Bayley – UK Ambassador to Egypt

Mostafa Refaat – Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities

Mark Howard – Director of the British Council in Egypt

Lisa Roberts – President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter

Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abidine – President, Ain Shams University

Essam El-Kurdi – Executive Director, University Support and Development Authority

These leaders reinforced the strategic importance of the partnership, highlighting its potential to elevate Egypt’s higher education sector on the global stage.

UK Ambassador Gareth Bayley emphasised the global reputation of British education, stating:

“British universities are among the best in the world, and the establishment of the University of Exeter’s campus in Egypt is a testament to the strong educational ties between our two nations. This initiative will provide Egyptian students with the opportunity to experience top-tier British education without leaving their home country.”

What This Means for Egyptian Students

For students in Egypt and across Africa, this development offers a game-changing opportunity to pursue a UK degree with a world-class education while staying close to home. The new Exeter-Ain Shams partnership aims to:

• Expand access to top-tier education – Making UK degrees more accessible and affordable for Egyptian and African students.
• Enhance research and innovation – Fostering collaborations in critical fields such as sustainability, AI, healthcare and business.
• Improve employability – Preparing graduates for both local and global career opportunities.
• Boost Egypt’s education standing – Strengthening its position as a regional hub for international education.

Minister of Higher Education Ayman Ashour described the project as a “groundbreaking achievement”, highlighting its potential to drive research and innovation that addresses global challenges.

A Vision for the Future

The University of Exeter’s expansion into Egypt is more than just a campus launch—it represents a bold vision for the future of international education. Ain Shams University President Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abidine called the partnership a transformative moment, not just for his institution but for the entire African higher education sector.

University of Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor Lisa Roberts reaffirmed the university’s commitment to global partnerships, stating:

“We are excited about this collaboration with Ain Shams University, which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality education and address global challenges through research and innovation.”

This partnership is expected to lead to more international collaborations, potentially inspiring other Russell Group universities to establish campuses in Egypt and across Africa.