Qatar Approves 3 Egyptian Universities for Postgraduate Study

Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has expanded academic opportunities for Qatari students by adding three Egyptian universities to its list of approved institutions for postgraduate study abroad.

The move, announced on Thursday, January 29, allows students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at these respected Egyptian institutions.

The newly approved universities are Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and The American University in Cairo, all recognised for their academic standards and research strength. This approval applies strictly to full-time, on-campus postgraduate programmes undertaken at the student’s own expense.

The annual update to Qatar’s list of recognised overseas universities is part of the ministry’s ongoing effort to regulate international academic pathways and ensure quality education outcomes for students who choose to study abroad. It also aligns with internationally recognised academic ranking criteria and Qatar’s strategic development goals.

Students wishing to study at these approved institutions must secure prior approval from the ministry, a requirement that remains essential whether they are self-funded or sponsored by an employer. This approval is also necessary for the recognition and equivalency of academic degrees upon completion of studies.

The ministry has outlined several academic conditions tied to this approval:

• Students must begin in-person study within six months of approval, or the approval becomes invalid.
• Only one prior approval is permitted per academic degree, and any changes to the country, university, specialisation, or degree level require a new approval.

• All coursework and examinations must be completed at the university’s main campus to maintain eligibility.

The updated list now includes 19 approved Arab universities across seven countries, broadening the range of recognised institutions for Qatari postgraduate students.

This expansion supports Qatar’s broader educational priorities under Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasises human development and the cultivation of national talent.

By diversifying recognised academic destinations and maintaining rigorous evaluation standards, Qatar aims to strengthen its human capital and global academic engagement.

The inclusion of these Egyptian universities, known for their historic legacy and strong academic programmes, underscores Qatar’s commitment to ensuring its students have access to quality postgraduate education opportunities across the region.