Al-Azhar University
Cairo, Egypt • Founded 1961 • World Rank #1673
Overview
Founded in 1961, the Al-Azhar University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Cairo (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
This institution also has branch campuses in Assuit, Tanta, Mansoura, Alexandria, Zaqaziq, Qena and Shebin-Elkom. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Egypt, Al-Azhar University is a very large-sized coeducational Egyptian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion.
Al-Azhar University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Al-Azhar University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Al-Azhar University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Al-Azhar University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Al-Azhar University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 13 items
- Centre for Heart Diseases and Surgery
- College of Islamic Studies for women
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Arabic Language
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Commerce for women
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education and Instruction
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Islamic Studies
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
Degrees
Also General Diploma Degree in Education; Special Diploma Degree in Education
Master's 23 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Arabic
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Botany
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Education
- English
- Entomology
- French
- Geology
- German
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Persian
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Zoology
Doctoral 22 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arabic
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Botany
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Education
- English
- Entomology
- French
- Geology
- German
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Persian
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 36 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Anatomy
- Arabic
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Entomology
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Food Science
- Geology
- Government
- Health Administration
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Tourism
- Transport Management
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education of Egypt.
Heart Diseases and Surgery (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cardiology
- Surgery
Islamic Studies (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Islamic Studies
Agriculture (Faculty) 24 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Equipment
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Botany
- Dairy
- Entomology
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Genetics
- Horticulture
- Meat and Poultry
- Microbiology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Plant Pathology
- Rural Studies
- Sericulture
- Soil Conservation
- Soil Management
- Soil Science
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arabic Language (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- History
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
Commerce (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Health Administration
- Hotel Management
- Insurance
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Tourism
Commerce (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Statistics
Dentistry (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Stomatology
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- For Women
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Art Education
- Chemistry
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- English
- French
- Geography
- History
- Islamic Studies
- Library Science
- Mathematics
- Pedagogy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Power Engineering
- Structural Architecture
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Islamic and Arab Studies (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
Islamic and Arab Studies (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Islamic Studies
Islamic Call (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
Islamic Jurisprudence and Law (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Law
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Islamic Theology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages and Translation (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Arabic
- Classical Languages
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Islamic Studies
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Persian
- Spanish
- Translation and Interpretation
- Turkish
- Urdu
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 22 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Histology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Surgery
- Toxicology
- Urology
- Venereology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Horticulture
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Physiology
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Childhood Disabilities (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
Genetic Engineering (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Genetics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Islamic Commercial Studies (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Islamic Law
Mycology and Biotechnology (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Population Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Al-Azhar University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
Bachelor's Degree
23 programmes
Al-Azhar University delivers 23 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Mass Communication الإعلام والاتصال Communication Studies
Sharia and Law الشريعة والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law
Arabic Language اللغة العربية Linguistics & Language Studies
Islamic and Arabic Studies الدراسات الإسلامية والعربية Islamic & Quranic Studies
Human Studies الدراسات الإنسانية Humanities & Cultural Studies
Islamic Call الدعوة الإسلامية Islamic & Quranic Studies
Artificial Intelligence الذكاء الاصطناعي AI & Machine Learning
Holy Quran and Its Sciences القرآن الكريم وعلومه Islamic & Quranic Studies
Languages and Translation اللغات والترجمة Translation & Interpreting
Home Economics الاقتصاد المنزلي Economics
Islamic Sciences for Foreigners العلوم الإسلامية للناطقين بغير العربية Islamic & Quranic Studies
Agricultural Engineering هندسة زراعية Agriculture
Dentistry طب الأسنان Dentistry
Pharmacy الصيدلة Pharmacy
Nursing التمريض Nursing
Engineering الهندسة General Engineering
Medicine الطب Medicine
Agriculture الزراعة Agriculture
Science العلوم Natural Sciences
Education التربية Education & Teaching
Physical Education التربية الرياضية Education & Teaching
Commerce التجارة Business & Management
Theology and Islamic Propagation أصول الدين والدعوة Islamic & Quranic Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
16 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Al-Azhar University runs 16 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Sharia and Law - Master's الشريعة والقانون - ماجستير Shariah & Islamic Law
Arabic Language - Master's اللغة العربية - ماجستير Linguistics & Language Studies
Islamic and Arabic Studies - Master's الدراسات الإسلامية والعربية - ماجستير Islamic & Quranic Studies
Theology and Islamic Propagation - Master's أصول الدين والدعوة - ماجستير Islamic & Quranic Studies
Mass Communication - Master's الإعلام والاتصال - ماجستير Communication Studies
Artificial Intelligence - Master's الذكاء الاصطناعي - ماجستير AI & Machine Learning
Languages and Translation - Master's اللغات والترجمة - ماجستير Translation & Interpreting
Islamic Sciences for Foreigners - Master's العلوم الإسلامية للناطقين بغير العربية - ماجستير Islamic & Quranic Studies
Graduate Studies الدراسات العليا
Medicine - Master's الطب - ماجستير Medicine
Dentistry - Master's طب الأسنان - ماجستير Dentistry
Pharmacy - Master's الصيدلة - ماجستير Pharmacy
Engineering - Master's الهندسة - ماجستير General Engineering
Science - Master's العلوم - ماجستير Natural Sciences
Education - Master's التربية - ماجستير Education & Teaching
Commerce - Master's التجارة - ماجستير Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
Al-Azhar University's 6 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Theology and Islamic Propagation - Doctorate أصول الدين والدعوة - دكتوراه Islamic & Quranic Studies
Sharia and Law - Doctorate الشريعة والقانون - دكتوراه Shariah & Islamic Law
Islamic and Arabic Studies - Doctorate الدراسات الإسلامية والعربية - دكتوراه Islamic & Quranic Studies
Graduate Studies - Doctorate الدراسات العليا - دكتوراه
Medicine - Doctorate الطب - دكتوراه Medicine
Dentistry - Doctorate طب الأسنان - دكتوراه Dentistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, Al-Azhar University runs 4 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Judicial Assistants معاونو القضاء Shariah & Islamic Law
Nursing - Diploma التمريض - دبلوم Nursing
Science - Diploma العلوم - دبلوم Natural Sciences
Management Information Systems نظم المعلومات الإدارية Information Systems & Technology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Al-Azhar University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Al-Azhar University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Al-Azhar University offers 49 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Al-Azhar University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Al-Azhar University's online portal at www.azhar.edu.eg. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +20 (2) 262 3274. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azhar University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Al-Azhar University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did Al-Azhar University open?
Al-Azhar University traces its founding to 1961 (approximately 65 years ago).
What city is Al-Azhar University in?
Al-Azhar University operates from Cairo, Egypt.
What is Al-Azhar University's control type?
Al-Azhar University operates as a public institution.
How big is Al-Azhar University's student body?
Al-Azhar University serves approximately over-50,000 students.
Where does Al-Azhar University stand in university rankings?
Al-Azhar University holds rank #1673 globally and #16 in Egypt.
What degrees does Al-Azhar University offer?
Programmes at Al-Azhar University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Does Al-Azhar University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Al-Azhar University is affiliated with Islam.
How many faculties does Al-Azhar University have?
Al-Azhar University is organised into 13 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Al-Azhar University officially recognised?
Al-Azhar University is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Al-Azhar University?
You can find Al-Azhar University online at www.azhar.edu.eg.
Top-Ranked Universities in Egypt
Alumni network strength of Egypt's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.
Other Egyptian Universities Affiliated with Islam
Religious-tradition student associations are typically active at Islam institutions. Joining one at the peers below often connects you to alumni networks within the tradition.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If Al-Azhar University's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.
Where Else to Study Islamic & Quranic Studies
Programme delivery mode varies across the Islamic & Quranic Studies programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Often Compared with Al-Azhar University
Students considering Al-Azhar University frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
