Scholarships in Egypt for Pakistani Students 2025

Egypt is often called the gateway between Africa and the Middle East, and it is just as important in the world of higher education. For Pakistani students, the country offers a rare combination: internationally respected universities, affordable tuition, deep Islamic cultural ties, and multiple scholarship opportunities.

Every year, hundreds of Pakistani students travel to Egypt to pursue studies in Islamic theology, medicine, engineering, business, and the social sciences. Scholarships make this journey even more achievable, and in 2025, more options are opening up for international learners.

Why Pakistanis Choose Egypt for Higher Studies

• Historic Universities – Cairo University, Al-Azhar University, and Alexandria University are centuries old yet globally relevant.
• Strong Muslim Identity – For Pakistani students interested in Islamic studies, Al-Azhar remains one of the most prestigious choices worldwide.
• Affordable Education – Even without scholarships, tuition fees are significantly lower than in Western countries.
• Government-to-Government Links – Pakistan and Egypt share strong diplomatic and educational ties, which translates into more scholarship quotas.
• Gateway to MENA – An Egyptian degree is recognized in both Africa and the Middle East, opening job markets in multiple regions.

Major Scholarships in Egypt for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students can apply for three main categories of financial support:

• Egyptian Government Scholarships
  • Announced annually through the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
  • Covers tuition fees, accommodation in student hostels, and sometimes a monthly stipend.
  • Often focused on Arabic language, Islamic studies, and cultural exchange.
• Al-Azhar University Scholarships
  • One of the oldest and most sought-after programs for Pakistani students.
  • Covers tuition and basic living costs.
  • Mostly available for theology, Arabic, and Quranic studies.
• University-Based Scholarships
  • Cairo University: Merit-based partial fee waivers.
  • Alexandria University: Postgraduate grants for research students.
  • American University in Cairo (AUC): Scholarships for international students in STEM, business, and humanities.
• International Programs
  • Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) fully funds talented students from Pakistan.
  • Erasmus+ exchanges available for master’s and PhD students.

Tuition Fee Overview in Egypt

Even without scholarships, Egypt’s tuition fees are manageable compared to Western countries.

With a scholarship, many Pakistani students pay less than half these amounts.

Cost of Living in Egypt for Pakistani Students

Living costs in Egypt are similar to or slightly lower than Pakistan.

This makes Egypt one of the most affordable study destinations for Pakistani families.

Eligibility for Scholarships in Egypt

Pakistani students must usually meet these requirements:

• For Bachelor’s: FSC/A-levels completed with at least 60%.
• For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.5 GPA.
• For PhD: Master’s degree with research background.
• Language Skills: IELTS/TOEFL may be required for English programs; Arabic for Islamic studies.
• Documents: Passport, transcripts, CV, SOP, reference letters.

Application Process

• Choose a University – Research available scholarships on the official websites.
• Check Scholarship Type – Decide whether to apply for government, Al-Azhar, or university-based aid.
• Prepare Documents – Attested transcripts, passport, language certificate, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
• Submit Application – Apply online or through the Pakistani Higher Education Commission (HEC) if part of a government exchange program.
• Wait for Offer Letter – Successful applicants receive confirmation and scholarship package.
• Apply for Student Visa – Present admission/scholarship letter, proof of funds, and medical certificate.

Life in Egypt as a Pakistani Student

• Community: A large number of Pakistani students are already in Egypt, especially at Al-Azhar University.
• Cultural Experience: Mosques, historic sites, and Arabic language immersion enrich the academic journey.
• Food & Lifestyle: Pakistani food is available in Cairo and Alexandria, but Egyptian cuisine is affordable and similar.
• Travel: Students can explore the pyramids, Red Sea, and Nile River during breaks.

Career Opportunities

• After graduating from Egypt, Pakistani students can:
• Return to Pakistan with an internationally recognized degree.
• Pursue jobs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
• Apply for higher studies abroad using Egyptian qualifications.

FAQs – Scholarships in Egypt for Pakistani Students

Q1. Is Egypt affordable for Pakistani students without a scholarship? 
Yes, Egypt is one of the cheapest destinations compared to Europe and the US.

Q2. Do I need to know Arabic to study in Egypt? 
For Islamic studies, yes. For STEM or business, many universities offer English-taught programs.

Q3. How can I apply for Al-Azhar University scholarships? 
You must apply directly through Al-Azhar’s international student office or via the Egyptian embassy.

Q4. Can Pakistani MBBS students get scholarships in Egypt? 
Yes, but medical scholarships are competitive. Some universities offer partial fee reductions.

Q5. Are Egyptian scholarships fully funded? 
Some, like Al-Azhar and IsDB, are fully funded; others are partial tuition waivers.

Final Thoughts

Egypt remains one of the most practical and culturally meaningful study destinations for Pakistani students. With options like Al-Azhar scholarships, Egyptian government awards, and international funding through IsDB, Pakistani students can access quality education at an affordable cost.

If you plan to study in 2025, start preparing documents early, apply before deadlines, and explore multiple scholarship options to maximize your chances.