Egypt announces six new faculties at Kayan University ahead of 2027 opening

Egypt plans to establish six new faculties at Kayan University, covering medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, engineering, and computers and artificial intelligence, as the country prepares to open the institution in February 2027.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the planned expansion on Nov 8 while attending the opening session of the third medical conference of the Armed Forces Medical College in Egypt's New Administrative Capital.

The university is expected to accommodate around 25,000 students and is also expected to pursue partnerships with international institutions.

The announcement comes as the Egyptian government seeks to expand higher education infrastructure while placing greater emphasis on academic quality, professional training and international cooperation.

El-Sisi directed the Tahya Misr Fund to cover tuition fees for outstanding students admitted to Kayan University, provided they maintain a high level of academic achievement. The announcement did not specify the number of students who would receive financial support or the precise academic criteria for eligibility.

The president also instructed the prime minister and relevant ministries to develop a legal framework for educational endowments, aimed at encouraging institutional support for education through transparent funding mechanisms.

Egypt signs medical education cooperation agreement with Ireland

The medical conference also saw the signing of a cooperation protocol between Egypt's Armed Forces Medical College and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

The agreement was presented as part of Egypt's wider efforts to strengthen medical education and healthcare through international institutional partnerships. El-Sisi highlighted cooperation with international universities and hospitals as a way to build institutional capacity and facilitate the transfer of expertise.

The conference included presentations on developments in medical education and training, the Armed Forces' healthcare system and progress in Egypt's health sector since 2014.

However, the Egyptian announcement did not detail the specific activities covered by the protocol, including whether it will involve student exchanges, joint academic programmes, faculty training or research collaboration.

Egypt seeks to strengthen higher education and professional training

Speaking at the conference, El-Sisi described education and healthcare as key priorities for national development. He said government efforts should focus not only on expanding facilities and increasing graduate numbers but also on improving quality and academic standards.

The planned faculties at Kayan University span healthcare, engineering and computing disciplines, including artificial intelligence. Their establishment would add to Egypt's higher education capacity as the country prepares for the institution's opening next year.

The government has also highlighted international partnerships as a means of improving education and healthcare standards. The agreement between the Armed Forces Medical College and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is part of this broader approach, although its practical outcomes will depend on the implementation of the protocol.

Further details about Kayan University's academic programmes, admissions process, tuition fees and international partnerships are yet to be announced.