Minister of Higher Education chairs the meeting of the Supreme Council of Universities at Al-Azhar University

- The Council approves the timeline for the new academic year 2024/2025

- The new academic year of Universities and Institutes starts on 28 September.

- The first semester exams start on 4 January.

- Mid-year vacation starts on 25 January.

- The second semester starts on 8 February.

The end of the second semester is on May 29.

- The second-semester exams will be conducted in June 2025 according to the study and exams of each faculty.

The Council approves:

• The separation of the branch of the University of Southern Valley in Hurghada into an autonomous university called "University of Hurghada"

• Establishment of Penha Technological University at Penha University in Al-Obour

Minister of Higher Education directs:

- Readiness of university computer labs for electronic coordination at different stages.

- The continuation of the media campaign to sensitize students to different coordination stages.

Minister of Higher Education commends:

- Inclusion of 27 Egyptian universities in the US NEWS ranking for 2024.

- Inclusion of 15 Egyptian universities in the Dutch Liden classification in its 2024 new version.

- The inclusion of 51 Egyptian universities among the best international universities listed in the World Webometrics Citation Classification.

The Supreme Council of Universities held its periodic meeting, chaired by Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on Wednesday. It was attended by Dr. Mustafa Rafat, the Secretary of the Council and members of the Council, at the headquarters of Al-Azhar University.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Dawaini, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif undersecretary as the Vice-President of the Great Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb Sheikh Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Dr. Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Governor of Cairo, Dr. Salama Dawod, President of Al-Azhar University, Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Complex, and Dr. Mohammed Hussein Al-Mahrassawi, former President of Al-Azhar University, welcomed the Supreme Council of Universities meeting held at Al-Azhar University.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Dawaini, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif undersecretary, conveyed tributes of the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb Sheikh Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, to the members of the Supreme Council of Universities, thanking Dr. Ayman Ashour Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and members of the Council for holding the Council meeting at Al-Azhar University

Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, thanked and appreciated the Great Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb Sheikh Al-Azhar, appreciating the role of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif inside and outside Egypt, he stressed the importance of cooperation and integration between the Ministry of Higher Education and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, in implementation of the outcomes of the meeting held by the Grand Imam Sheikh Al-Azhar Al-Sharif with the Minister of Higher Education Research and Ministry Leaders recently.

Dr. Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Governor of Cairo, thanked Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for supporting universities in the efforts of community participation and the development of visual identity to develop the circular road, stressing the importance of future cooperation to achieve Egypt's Vision 2030.

The Council heard a speech by Dr. Salama Daoud, president of Al-Azhar University on the progress of Al-Azhar University in all disciplines. The Council saw a documentary film about the development of the University's performance in all fields and the progress of the University's ranking in international rankings.

The Council congratulated Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research on renewing the confidence of the political leadership in him, wishing him continued success. The Council also congratulated Dr. Hossam Osman on his appointment as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Innovation and Scientific Research wishing him continued success.

The Council thanked Dr. Yasser Rifat, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for his outstanding efforts in promoting scientific research and activating the role of research centers and institutes in serving the community and upgrading their classifications at the international level.

The Council also thanked the Presidents of Universities whose term of office expires on Wednesday 7/31 at the Presidency of their Universities for their outstanding efforts in improving the performance of their universities, advancing their role in the service of Egyptian society, and achieving significant progress in international classifications: they are Dr. Mohamed Othman Al-Khasht, Acting President of Cairo University, Dr. Ayman Mohamed Ibrahim, Acting President of Port Said University, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmad Zaki, President of Tanta University, Dr. Ayman Mahmoud Othman, President of Luxor University. The council wished them success and progress.

The Minister of Higher Education confirmed the readiness of the main coordinating office of Ain Shams University to begin its work, as well as the readiness of the computer laboratories of government universities; to assist students during the online coordination phase to join government universities and institutes, providing qualified guides to help students throughout the coordination phase.

The Minister also confirmed that the media campaign of the General Directorate of the Media Office and the Ministry's spokesperson continued throughout the coordination phase to develop student's awareness of how to complete electronic coordination at all stages and make available all information needed by students through the official website of the Ministry and the official pages of the Ministry on social media sites.

The Minister commended the achievements at the international university classification such as the inclusion of 27 Egyptian Universities among the best international universities listed as US.NEWS in its 2024 new version, the 15 Egyptian Universities with Leiden Dutch ranking were also included in its 2024 new version, and the 51 Egyptian Universities were also included among the best international universities listed as Wipometer World Citations in July 2024. The Minister pointed out that universities should continue to support researchers to increase scientific publishing in prestigious scientific journals to upgrade the rankings of Egyptian universities in the world's largest rankings.

The Council heard a report on the most important activities of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in July, in which it presented the opening of a workshop by the Minister of Higher Education and the Minister "Operationalizing the role of regional Alliances", within the presidential initiative "Alliance and Development" to explore mechanisms for operationalizing regional alliances with an international perspective through the project "Partnership for Education", funded by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by the American University in Cairo. The importance of funding the "Partnership for Education" project, one of the largest higher education projects in partnership with the Agency, was emphasized, and is supported by $85 million, indicating the scale of significant cooperation and support for the goals of supporting education and scientific research as part of Egypt's development support. In addition, the availability of the electric vehicle in the Egyptian markets was announced at a 60% local component, especially since work to produce a homemade electric vehicle was one of the research projects that the Ministry has been working to convert into a real exit and its implementation is a product of the Ministry's efforts to link scientific research to industry and the needs of the community.

A shareholders' agreement was also signed between the Egypt Sovereign Fund for Investment and Development, the Misr Fund for Support and Development of Education, and the Ahli Serra Educational Services Company to establish a new company to develop four new international university models in Egypt which combine a unique mix of branches of international universities and technological universities in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister. The new universities will be established in collaboration with several prestigious global educational institutions in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States of America through partners that will be announced once the terms of the relevant cooperation agreements have been signed.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, and Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, also witnessed the signing of an agreement to establish an international green hydrogen center between the University of the Nile and GH2 to strengthen the state's efforts in the field of renewable energy and the green hydrogen economy, building capacity in this promising area and contribute to the provision of technical assistance to Egypt and African countries, as well as accelerate the financing of renewable energy projects and green hydrogen, thereby contributing to Egypt's becoming a center for the production of green hydrogen and a leading destination for foreign direct investment.

Dr. Ayman Ashour chaired the "Preparatory Meeting to support cooperation between Egyptian and French Universities". The meeting included the signing of the largest framework agreement for international partnership between Egyptian and French universities to award dual degrees in 15 scientific disciplines that vary between academic and technological disciplines. These programs will offer unique opportunities for Egyptian students to study in French, obtain double degrees and joint diplomas, and to exchange students and teaching staff between Egyptian and French universities, as well as to launch several initiatives to promote academic and research cooperation between the two sides.

The Cabinet also approved the permission for Alexandria University to contract with the Egyptian Finnish Company for Educational Facilities and Services, to obtain the license to utilize a concrete building and allocated land with a total area of 20 acres of the University land in the new city of Burj Al Arab, to establish a university institution to host a branch of the Finnish University "Tampere".

On one hand, Dr. Ayman Ashour delivered a statement to the House of Representatives on the new government program to the Special Committee to study the government program. On the other hand, the Minister reviewed the priorities of the Ministry's work in the coming period, which is in line with the achievement of the objectives of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The Minister chaired the first meeting of the Executive Council of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research to develop a specific action plan for the implementation of the Strategy's themes and principles; To develop Egypt's higher education and scientific research system and make it more efficient and effective, in line with the requirements of the times and the needs of the labor market.

The Minister of Higher Education held an extensive meeting with the heads of institutions of foreign university branches to develop a road map for cooperation between the Ministry and the branches of foreign universities during the coming period, as well as holding a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education of private and private universities and branches of foreign universities; To discuss developments in international cooperation and partnerships with major educational institutions in various countries of the world, especially in view of the increasing interest in cooperation with universities and prestigious international institutions to benefit the development of Egypt's educational and research system.

Dr. Ayman Ashour also met the International Consultant for Capacity-Building and Policy Organization in the United Kingdom and the Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Office in Cairo; To examine mechanisms for cooperation in the development of intersessional programs; To contribute to enhancing students' level and supporting their level of knowledge in their disciplines and related close and influential disciplines.

In addition, the Minister of Higher Education and the Italian Ambassador in Cairo witnessed the signing of a joint quadripartite memorandum of understanding between the New Cairo Technological University and the Higher Technical Institute of New Technologies for Manufacturing in Italy, the Daniele Company of Italy, and the Don Bosco Institute in the Mechatronics Technology Program on the sidelines of the Egyptian-European tian Investment Conference. This conference was hosted under the theme "Egypt and the European Union". It was under the auspices of Abdelfattah el-Sisi, the President of the Republic, and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission.

Dr. Ayman Ashour also witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the International University of Alamein and the American University of Louisville to strengthen cooperation between the two universities; The Minister also witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Delta University of Science and Technology and the English University of Plymouth to provide dual certificates of (2 + 2) system in the fields of bioengineering and computer science, incorporating new disciplines including civil engineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering; To promote academic and scientific cooperation between the two universities in the fields of education and research, and cooperation in joint academic programs.

Moreover, Dr. Ayman Ashour held a meeting with representatives of the QS World Classification; To exchange ideas with Egyptian university presidents and to improve the ranking of Egyptian universities in the classification. The presidents and representatives of the 15 universities that were included in this classification were also honored.

The Minister held an extensive meeting with elite Egyptian Knowledge Bank partners from global publishing and production companies and specialized expertise houses participating in the Knowledge Bank; To explore ways of cooperation. Cooperation between the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, international publishing and production companies, and specialized expert houses was discussed during the coming period, and a road map for their joint work was developed.

Dr. Ayman Ashour participated in the Second International Youth Nuclear Forum " Obninsk New 24", through a speech by the Minister (remotely) in the plenary of the Forum on "Sustainable skills for an equitable transition of energy and clean energy techniques". The Minister also witnessed the closing session of the International Design Studio held at the Faculty of Engineering at Ain Shams University, via video conference. Furthermore, the Minister witnessed the opening of the annual scientific conference of the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University, as well as participating in a recorded speech at the closing ceremony of the Sixth Olympics of the Computer and Information Science Sector 2024 at Tanta University.

Dr. Ayman Ashour attended several student events organized for Egyptian university students who participated in the “Al-Alam Alamein” festival in the new city of Alamein. The minister also witnessed the eighth graduation ceremony in the Scientific Track (Faculty of Science) and the seventh instalment in the Engineering Track (Faculty of Engineering), from the University of Science and Technology in Zewail City for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2024.

The report noted that many meetings had been held with foreign officials; To explore mechanisms to promote joint scientific and research cooperation.

Dr. Adel Abdelgfar, Media Adviser and Spokesperson of the Ministry stated that the Council approved the timeline for the new academic year 2024/2025, which begins Saturday, 28 September 2024. The first semester will continue for 14 weeks ending on Thursday, 2 January 2025. The first-semester exams start on Saturday, 4 January 2025, and end on Thursday 23 January 2025. The mid-year vacation starts on Saturday 25 January 2025 and ends Thursday 6 February 2025. The second semester starts on Saturday 8 February 2025, and the study lasts for 16 weeks and ends on Thursday 29 May 2025 while the second-semester exams take place during June 2025 according to the nature of the study and exams of each faculty

The spokesperson added that the Council had approved the opening of registration for diploma and technical institutes examinations for students with a diploma in technical secondary schools "three-year system" and technical secondary schools "five-year system" and technical institutes "two-year post-secondary system" for admission to faculties (Commerce - Engineering - Law - Agriculture) at government universities for the academic year 2024/2025 starting Thursday 1/8/2024, according to exam schedules announced on the website of the Supreme Council of Universities for the relevant faculties through the following link: https://scu.eg/.

The Council approved the formation of the Supreme Coordination Committee for the academic year 2024/2025.

The Council approved the separation of the South Valley University branch of Hurghada in Hurghada to become an independent university called "Hurghada University" with the necessary legislative action in this regard.

The Council also approved the establishment of Penha Technological University on the University's land in Al-Obour, based on the decision of the Penha University Council and taking the necessary legislative actions in cooperation between the Council of Technological Universities and the University of Penha.

The Council as well approved the commencement of the study of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at the branch of the University of South Valley in Hurghada.

The Council approved the commencement of the study at the Faculty of Education at Luxor University.

The council also approved the adoption of internal regulation and the commencement of the study of the academic master's program in specializations (procurement supply chains - project management), at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Islaska.

General Directorate of the Media Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry