In an impressive demonstration of academic progress, Egyptian universities have secured significant positions in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, a milestone reflecting the country’s growing prominence in global higher education. For the first time in history, 35 Egyptian institutions are featured in the prestigious rankings, a notable increase from the previous year’s 28 universities. This rise signals the country’s efforts to reform and enhance its academic infrastructure in line with international standards.
Leading the Pack: E-JUST and Mansoura University
The standout performer in Egypt’s higher education landscape is the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), which has earned a spot in the 501-600 range globally. This marks a significant leap from its previous rank of 601-800, underscoring the university’s rapid progress and its growing reputation in the global academic community. E-JUST’s rise is a testament to Egypt’s growing collaboration with international academic institutions, particularly those in Japan, and its strategic focus on scientific research and technological innovation.
Mansoura University, another leading institution, also made remarkable strides in the 2025 rankings. Ranked within the 601-800 range, Mansoura University climbed 200 positions from the previous year, making it one of the most rapidly improving universities in Egypt. The university’s ascent is attributed to its focused approach on research output, academic partnerships, and continuous investment in its educational infrastructure.
Cairo University and Al-Azhar: Maintaining Their Legacy
Long-established institutions like Cairo University and Al-Azhar University, two of Egypt’s most iconic universities, also maintained strong positions in the 2025 rankings, both securing spots within the 801-1000 range. While these universities have held steady in the global rankings, their sustained presence on the list is a reflection of their enduring influence in the region and their continued efforts to improve the quality of education and research.
Specializing in Key Disciplines
One of the most notable developments in this year’s rankings is the growing recognition of Egyptian universities in specialized fields. Mansoura University, in particular, has excelled in a range of disciplines, achieving impressive rankings in multiple areas of study:
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Business and Economics: Ranked in the 301-400 range globally, Mansoura University has emerged as the leading Egyptian institution in this critical field, underlining its growing academic strength in social sciences and management studies.
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Social Sciences: With a global ranking of 501-600, the university has cemented its status as a regional leader in social science research, contributing significantly to global scholarship in areas such as sociology, political science, and economics.
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Engineering: Mansoura University’s engineering faculties have made a strong impact, securing a spot in the 501-600 range globally, ranking second in Egypt for this critical area of study.
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Medical and Health Sciences: The university has also made strides in medical and health sciences, securing a ranking of 501-600 globally, positioning it as a key player in this essential sector, second only to Cairo University.
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Physical Sciences: With a global ranking of 401-500, Mansoura University leads the charge in the physical sciences, further demonstrating its broad academic strength across a variety of disciplines.
These developments reflect not only the improvement in the universities’ research output but also their strategic investments in infrastructure and international collaboration, helping to elevate the status of Egyptian higher education globally.
A National Vision for Educational Reform
The surge in Egypt’s university rankings is a direct result of the country’s ongoing efforts to reform and improve its higher education system. The government has placed a strong emphasis on scientific research, innovation, and international collaboration as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance Egypt’s global competitiveness in various sectors, including education.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and an advocate for educational reform, emphasized the importance of these achievements. He noted that Egypt’s universities are increasingly becoming integral players in the global academic and research community, thanks to their growing focus on quality education, technological development, and sustainable practices.
“We are witnessing the results of our strategic investments in higher education. The rankings reflect the hard work of both students and faculty members, and these advancements are crucial to Egypt’s future,” Dr. Khaled said.
A Global Perspective: Egypt’s Role on the International Stage
The improved rankings of Egyptian universities also highlight their increasing role in global academia. With a greater number of Egyptian institutions entering the Times Higher Education rankings, Egypt is gradually becoming a hub for academic excellence in the Middle East and North Africa region.
For institutions like Cairo University and Al-Azhar, the recognition serves as validation of their long-standing academic influence. Meanwhile, universities like E-JUST and Mansoura University are capitalizing on global research trends and building partnerships with top-tier institutions worldwide to foster innovation and intellectual exchange.
Egyptian universities are also increasingly focusing on interdisciplinary research, offering diverse academic programs, and strengthening their presence in international academic collaborations. These strategies are helping to ensure that Egypt’s higher education institutions remain competitive on the world stage, producing graduates equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy.
