Under the gracious patronage of First Lady Entissar El-Sisi, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Tuesday attended the official launch of Egypt’s national initiative to support outstanding university students, known as the “Future Scholars Scholarship.” The landmark program is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Central Bank of Egypt.
The launch ceremony was held at Cairo University and organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the Central Bank, underscoring the state’s growing focus on investing in human capital and scientific excellence.
High-Level Attendance Reflects National Priority
The event brought together a wide range of senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar; Central Bank Governor Hassan Abdalla; Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mohamed Ayman Ashour; several cabinet ministers; former ministers of higher education; Cairo University President Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek; and a broad cross-section of public figures, media leaders, university presidents, banking executives, business leaders, civil society representatives, and students from across Egypt.
Investing in Youth and Scientific Excellence
The “Future Scholars Scholarship” initiative represents a major national milestone and reflects the political leadership’s commitment to supporting young talent and promoting sustainable scientific development. The program aligns with Egypt’s broader national vision of expanding access to high-quality higher education, ensuring equal opportunities for academic excellence, and preparing a generation capable of competing at the global level.
At its core, the initiative is founded on a clear principle: no financial obstacle should stand in the way of any Egyptian student’s ambition to excel or innovate. Through this framework, the Ministry of Higher Education and the Central Bank have jointly launched what officials describe as an “investment-oriented national initiative” aimed at funding scholarships for academically outstanding students, students with special abilities, and promising talents capable of contributing meaningfully to Egypt’s future development.
Prime Minister Meets Scholarship Beneficiaries
Upon arriving at Cairo University, Prime Minister Madbouly participated in a commemorative group photo with a number of high-achieving students who are among the first beneficiaries of the Future Scholars Scholarship.
He then proceeded to the university’s Grand Celebration Hall, where the formal program began with opening remarks by Cairo University President Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek.
Student Voices at the Center of the Initiative
The ceremony featured a panel discussion with several scholarship recipients, moderated by broadcaster Osama Kamal. Students shared their personal stories, academic ambitions, and how the scholarship has helped remove financial barriers and support their educational journeys.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education and the Central Bank for providing what they described as a transformative opportunity that opens doors to excellence and hope. One student with disabilities emphasized that students of determination are fully capable of achieving significant accomplishments in scientific and literary fields when given equal opportunities.
Government and Central Bank Commitments
In his remarks, Minister of Higher Education Mohamed Ayman Ashour outlined the initiative’s objectives, funding mechanisms, and long-term vision, emphasizing its role in strengthening Egypt’s higher education ecosystem and research capacity.
Central Bank Governor Hassan Abdalla also addressed the audience, highlighting the critical role of economic and financial institutions in supporting youth, education, and investment in human capital as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
Symbolic Venue for a National Message
The event concluded with recognition of the first cohort of scholarship recipients, marking the official start of the initiative. Hosting the ceremony at Cairo University—one of Egypt’s most historic academic institutions—added symbolic weight to the occasion, reinforcing the message that education and scientific achievement remain central pillars of national progress.
