The Egyptian Study Abroad Market

Egypt’s education system is one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, serving a rapidly growing population. In 2023, approximately 3.6 million students were enrolled in higher education institutions, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Education projects this number to rise to 5.6 million by 2032, reflecting the country’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.

Quick facts

  • Population: 112,7 million (2023)

  • Education: 6 years compulsory

  • Academic year: September – August

Secondary education

  • Starting age: 12

  • Duration: 6 years ( 3 years prep. + 3 years secondary)

  • Enrollment numbers: 7,829,664 (2022)

Higher education

  • Duration: 4 – 7 years

  • Enrollment numbers: 3,6 million (2023)

  • Tertiary enrollment rate: 39.38% (2023)

  • Universities/ Institutions: 27 state universities – 27 private universities

Upcoming Education Fairs in Egypt

Discover the Cairo International Education Fair – Egypt's premier student recruitment event. Catering to students seeking studies abroad

15 NOVEMBER 2025

International Education Fair Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Explore the unparalleled International Education Fair in Cairo, Egypt 2025 – a premier student recruitment event offering comprehensive opportunities. Engage with a diverse audience.

€ 2,200

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Join the Boarding and Private School Fair in Egypt to meet students from Cairo’s finest international schools.

15 NOVEMBER 2025

Boarding and Private School Fair Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Join the Boarding & Private School Fair in Egypt in 2025 to meet students from Cairo’s top international schools. Recruit students for your college, international high school or IB program

€ 2,950

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Join the Undergraduate Fair in Egypt to expand your network with the country’s leading public and private institutions, enriching your undergraduate recruitment outreach

16 NOVEMBER 2025

Undergraduate Fair Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Participate in the 2025 Undergraduate Fair Egypt and broaden your connections with the foremost public and private institutions in the country, enhancing your outreach for undergraduate recruitment.

€ 2,200

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Trends in Higher Education

Private Sector Growth
The private education sector in Egypt has experienced significant growth over the past five years, with the share of private school students doubling during this period. This expansion is attributed to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% in private school enrollments, compared to a 3.6% growth rate in public schools. Despite this rapid growth, private school students still constitute only 10.6% of the total student population, indicating substantial potential for further development in the private education market.

Study abroad numbers of the rise
The trend of Egyptian students pursuing education abroad has seen a notable increase. The number of Egyptians studying overseas grew from 8,800 in 2000 to 50,815 in the 2023-2024 academic year, a more than five-fold increase over two decades. This surge aligns with the government’s internationalization strategy, emphasizing the importance of global educational exposure (Unesco data).

Conclusion
Egypt’s education sector is undergoing significant transformation, characterized by increasing enrollments, a burgeoning private sector, and a growing number of students seeking education abroad. These trends present opportunities for educational institutions and service providers aiming to engage with a dynamic and expanding market.

Latest Egyptian Higher Education study abroad stats

Egypt has an outbound student mobility ratio of 5.6. According to UNESCO, a total number of 50,815 tertiary level students are studying overseas. The three most popular destinations are the Germany, Turkey and Jordan.

50,815

Egyptian students studying abroad

UNESCO study abroad data

Scholarships for Egyptian students

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