Studying at Al-Azhar and Other Egyptian Universities as an African International Student

Why African Students Choose Al-Azhar and Egypt

Al-Azhar University, founded around 970 CE in Cairo, is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most recognised centres of Islamic scholarship globally. It draws Muslim students from across Africa for Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Sharia programs, and has expanded into medicine, engineering, and other modern science faculties over the decades. Beyond Al-Azhar, Egypt's broader public university system, including Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and Alexandria University, attracts African students for degrees in medicine, pharmacy, and engineering, often at a lower cost than equivalent programs in Europe.

How Admission Works at Al-Azhar

International applicants apply through Al-Azhar University's international students portal , which handles admissions, visa support, and housing guidance for students arriving from outside Egypt. Because Al-Azhar teaches primarily in Arabic, most non-Arabic-speaking applicants first complete a preparatory Arabic language year at one of Al-Azhar's language institutes before starting their chosen degree program. Requirements typically include your secondary school certificate, transcripts, a passport copy, and in many cases a recommendation or nomination from your home country's Islamic or educational authority, since a large share of Al-Azhar's African student intake arrives through government or religious-body coordination rather than purely individual applications.

Scholarship Routes

Two main funded routes exist for African students. Al-Azhar's own scholarship program , aimed at students from countries with significant Muslim populations, can cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for admitted students, prioritising students who could not otherwise afford to study in Egypt. Separately, Egyptian government scholarships administered through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and coordinated abroad via Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureaus, extend funded places to African students at Al-Azhar and other public universities. Because both routes are typically coordinated through official channels rather than fully open online applications, start by contacting your home country's Ministry of Education or the nearest Egyptian embassy's cultural bureau to check current nomination quotas and deadlines for your country.

Visa and Arrival Requirements

Once admitted, you apply for an Egyptian student visa through your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate, which typically requires your acceptance letter, passport, passport photos, and proof you can support yourself financially, alongside any scholarship award letter if you hold a funded place. Al-Azhar's international student office and the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in your home country can confirm the exact current document list and any medical or vaccination requirements, since these are updated periodically and enforced at the point of visa application.

Living in Cairo as a Student

Cairo hosts most of Al-Azhar's campuses along with Cairo University and Ain Shams, and has an established, decades-old community of African international students, including dedicated dormitories for foreign (wafedin) students at several institutions. Living costs in Cairo run below major Western European cities, though rents and food prices have risen in recent years, so budget with a current cost-of-living estimate rather than an outdated figure before you travel.

Checklist Before You Apply

• Confirm whether you need an Arabic preparatory year before your intended degree program.

• Check whether your country has an existing scholarship nomination quota with Al-Azhar or the Egyptian government.

• Get your secondary or prior degree certificates authenticated and, where required, translated before you apply.

• Contact your nearest Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau early, since funded places are often allocated well before the academic year starts.