Cairo University
A respected university offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Features modern facilities, diverse programs, and strong connections with industry and community partners.
- Acceptance Rate
- 42.7%
- SAT Range
- 1180–1380
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.65
- Size
- Large (20,525 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:25
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 84.0%
- Retention Rate
- 88.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $1,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $5,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Cairo University reflects both Egyptian culture and the realities of an urban commuter campus. Most students live with family throughout Cairo and commute daily, creating a different social dynamic than residential universities provide. Student organizations cover political, cultural, religious, and academic interests, with activity levels varying depending on the political climate at any given time. The student union has historically been a training ground for political leaders, though government oversight has increased at various periods. Sports facilities serve students interested in athletics, with football being particularly popular. Social mixing between male and female students occurs within Egyptian cultural norms, which differ from Western expectations. Coffee shops and gathering spots near campus provide informal meeting spaces. Political activism has episodically transformed campus life, with Cairo University students playing visible roles in Egyptian political movements. The scale of the student body and the limitations of campus facilities mean that personal connections often form within departments rather than across the university. Graduate student life differs considerably, with smaller cohorts and more focused academic communities.
Location & Surroundings
Cairo is simply overwhelming: a metropolitan area of over 20 million people that sprawls across both banks of the Nile and into the surrounding desert. The university's Giza campus sits on the west bank, with the pyramids visible from certain vantage points as a constant reminder of Egypt's ancient civilization. The neighborhood surrounding campus includes residential areas, commercial districts, and the endless traffic that defines Cairo life. The Nile provides the city's primary geographic feature, with bridges connecting the riverbanks and islands dotting the water. Climate delivers hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and mild winters that can occasionally feel cold, especially in poorly heated buildings. Air quality remains a significant concern, with pollution from vehicles and industry affecting daily life. Public transportation includes the metro system, buses, and the informal minibus networks that actually move most people. Taxis and ride-sharing services provide door-to-door options. Cost of living is modest by international standards but challenging for many Egyptian students given local incomes. Cultural offerings span from ancient monuments to contemporary galleries, with Cairo functioning as the cultural capital of the Arab world.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Cairo University charges minimal tuition as a public institution, with annual fees that seem negligible by international standards. This accessibility is central to the university's mission of serving Egyptian society regardless of family income. However, the hidden costs of Egyptian higher education, including private tutoring, books, transportation, and lost income during study years, accumulate to meaningful amounts for many families. Living costs in Cairo have risen but remain modest by global standards, with students often continuing to live at home throughout their studies. Career services connect students with Egyptian employers, though the country's economic challenges mean that employment is not guaranteed for graduates. Professional degrees in medicine, engineering, and law lead to relatively clear career paths, while other fields may require more navigation. Government employment remains significant in Egypt, with university degrees often necessary for civil service positions. The Cairo University credential carries substantial weight within Egypt, opening doors that other institutions cannot. International career opportunities exist for graduates with language skills and connections, with the Gulf countries absorbing many Egyptian professionals. Graduate study abroad, particularly in Europe and North America, provides advancement opportunities for top students.
Campus Location
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