Egypt is one of the easiest and cheapest places to study in Africa and the Middle East. It has a lot of scholarships just for African students, such as fully funded government scholarships, university fellowships, and partnerships with schools around the world.
Egypt offers a strong mix of things that many African students want:
- Education that doesn’t cost a lot
- Familiarity with culture
- Arabic and English study options
- Government-sponsored scholarships
This guide tells you everything you need to know about getting a scholarship to study in Egypt, such as the best programmes, who can apply, the benefits, and how to do it right.
Why Study in Egypt as an African Student
Egypt has long been a hub for education in Africa, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, Islamic studies, and business.
Some of the main benefits are:
- Tuition costs are lower than in Europe and the Middle East.
- Scholarships that are only for African students
- Strong academic institutions in a variety of fields
- Cultural and geographical closeness to Africa
- Programmes taught in Arabic and English are available.
The Egyptian government and universities work hard to get African students to go to school by offering scholarships and forming partnerships.
Best Scholarships in Egypt for Africans
1. Scholarships from the Egyptian government (EGYAID Programme)
The Egyptian government’s Ministry of Higher Education runs programmes like EGYAID that give out scholarships.
What It Covers
- No tuition fee
- Help with housing
- Stipends every month
- Getting into public universities
You can get these scholarships for:
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctorate
They accept students from other countries, including Africans, and are one of the most accessible options.
2. American University in Cairo’s African Graduate Fellowship
For African students, the American University in Cairo has one of the best scholarships.
What It Covers
- Help with tuition
- Funding for graduate school
- Access to top-notch facilities
Level of Study
- Master’s degrees
This fellowship is very competitive and is meant for exceptional African students who want to go to graduate school.
3. Fully Funded E-JUST TICAD African Scholarships
The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) gives out scholarships as part of TICAD programmes.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Housing
- Funding for research
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
This is one of the best fully funded options for African students who want to study science and technology.
4. Scholarships for Alexandria University
Alexandria University gives scholarships to African students, especially those from countries in the Nile Basin.
Pros
- Help with tuition
- Getting into graduate school
These scholarships are usually given for:
- Master’s
- Doctorate
They are competitive, but many African applicants can get them.
5. Nile Basin Scholarships from the German University in Cairo
African students from Nile Basin countries can get scholarships to study at the German University in Cairo.
What It Covers
- Help with tuition
- Access to good engineering and science programmes
Important Requirement
- Must come from a country in the Nile Basin
- Must pass tests to get into college
6. Scholarships for college students in Egypt
A lot of Egyptian universities offer scholarships to students from other countries.
For example:
- The American University in Cairo
- University of Misr in Egypt
- The Future University in Egypt
What They Have
- Full or partial waivers of tuition
- Funding based on merit
- Scholarships paid for by donors
Depending on how well you do in school, some programmes can pay for all of your tuition.
7. Bilateral and Exchange Scholarships
Egypt participates in educational agreements with African countries.
What It Covers
- School fees
- Housing
- Sometimes they give stipends
These scholarships are usually given out through:
- Government partnerships
- Nominations for the ministry
Under these kinds of agreements, Egypt has historically given hundreds of scholarships to African students.
Different kinds of scholarships in Egypt
Most scholarships in Egypt can be put into one of three groups:
1. Scholarships that pay for everything
These include:
- School fees
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- Travel (sometimes)
For example:
- E-JUST TICAD Grants
- Some programmes that the government pays for
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
These include:
- Only tuition costs (partially or fully)
This is where most university scholarships fit.
3. Programmes for Fellowships
These are:
- Fellowships for graduate students
- Funding for research
- Programmes for exchange
Requirements for Eligibility
Even though requirements differ, some common ones are:
Requirements for School
- Good grades in school
- Minimum GPA (depends on the programme)
Age Restrictions
- Undergraduate: 22 to 25 years old
- Master’s: less than 35
- PhD: less than 40
Other Things You Need
- Must not be a citizen of Egypt
- Passport that is still good
- Being healthy
Documents Needed
You need the following to apply successfully:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Copy of your passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
For people who have already finished college:
- Proposal for research
Is it possible to study in Egypt without taking the IELTS?
Yes, a lot of universities in Egypt let students apply without taking the IELTS.
Other options are:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
- Language test at the university
Some programmes, especially at private universities, may still need IELTS, though.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick Your Scholarship
To begin:
- Scholarship from the Egyptian government
- The E-JUST TICAD Scholarship
- Fellowship from AUC
Step 2: Choose a School
Pick universities that offer the course you want.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- Being great in school
Step 4: Send in your application
Send in your application:
- Portal for the government
- Portal for college
Step 5: Interview (If Necessary)
Some programmes might have interviews.
Step 6: Wait for the Results
Usually, results come out within a few months.
Timeline for Applications (2026 Intake)
A normal timeline:
- Applications are open from May to September.
- Deadlines: September (for government programmes)
- Results: late 2026
For instance, some Egyptian government scholarships end around September each year.
Living expenses in Egypt
Egypt is one of the cheapest places in the world to study.
Monthly costs on average:
- Low accommodation
- Food: very cheap
- Cheap transport
You can still afford to live even if you don’t get a full scholarship.
Advantages of Studying in Egypt
Studying in Egypt gives you:
- Education that doesn’t cost a lot
- Strong school programmes
- Different cultures
- Getting into networks in Africa and the Middle East
Egypt is very good at:
- Medical
- Building
- Farming
- Studies in Arabic and Islam
Things You Shouldn’t Do
A lot of students miss out because:
- Putting off applying
- Weak personal statement
- Documents that aren’t complete
- Not applying for more than one scholarship
Last Words
Egypt is one of the best places for African students looking for scholarships that people don’t talk about enough. It offers a realistic way to study abroad without putting a lot of strain on your finances, with a mix of fully funded and low-cost options.
To do well:
- Pay attention to scholarships from the government and universities.
- Apply to more than one programme
- Get ready for strong academic papers
- Get going early
You can get a scholarship in Egypt and get a good education for very little money if you do the right things.