Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, participated in the regular meeting of the Supreme Council of Universities, held this morning (Saturday) at Damietta University. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and attended by Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Council, along with university presidents and council members. The meeting addressed a number of strategic topics related to the upcoming academic year.

Dr. El-Minshawy stated that the Council discussed the key preparations of public universities for the start of the university admission process. Dr. Ayman Ashour confirmed that the main coordination office at Cairo University is ready to commence its work. He also emphasized that computer labs across all universities are fully prepared to receive students and assist them with online registration, with qualified guides available to support students throughout the coordination period.

The meeting also highlighted the significant achievements of Egyptian universities on the international stage. The Minister praised the inclusion of 20 Egyptian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025 (General Edition), 27 universities in the U.S. News & World Report Global Rankings 2025–2026, and 51 universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, which evaluates universities’ contributions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals . These accomplishments serve as international recognition of the progress of higher education in Egypt and its success in meeting standards of quality and excellence.

The minister was keen to direct the universities to complete the required maintenance work for laboratories and facilities before the start of the academic year 2025/2026, to ensure the quality of the educational process. He also stressed the importance of continuing student sports, artistic and cultural activities during the summer vacation period, with the aim of developing the spirit of national belonging among students and investing their creative energies.

In alignment with the state’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and injured personnel, the Council approved the minutes of the Minister’s meeting with university secretaries regarding the implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic. This includes full exemption from tuition fees for children of martyrs and those with full disabilities, and at least a 50% exemption for children of those with partial disabilities, at all universities and institutes. Universities will cover these fees on their behalf, and the students will also be exempt from all service and activity fees.

The Council also approved opening the registration for diploma and technical institute exams starting from August 1, 2025, for admission to the faculties of Commerce, Engineering, Law, Agriculture, and Computer & Information Sciences, in accordance with the schedules published on the official website of the Supreme Council of Universities:
🔗 https://scu.eg/
Registration will close five days before the start of the exams.

In a related context, the Council approved the formation of the Higher Coordination Committee for the upcoming academic year. It also approved the issuance of coordination codes for new faculties: the Faculty of Education (Primary Education) at Luxor University, and the Faculty of Applied Arts at Damanhour University (Nubaria Branch), in preparation for receiving their first cohorts of students.

The Council reviewed efforts to promote Egyptian universities through digital content on official platforms and discussed progress in implementing the national strategy for the internationalization of higher education, which aims to establish effective international partnerships, support competitive scientific research, and enhance the global standing of Egyptian universities.

Additionally, the Council reviewed a report on the results of the Egyptian Student Engagement Survey up to June 2025, which reflected the levels of university participation in various activities, reflecting the vitality and interaction within the university student community.