12/10/2025
36 Egyptian Universities Included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
• 9 Egyptian universities among the world’s top 1,000 universities
Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, praised the outstanding results achieved by Egyptian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, emphasizing that this accomplishment reflects the continuous development of Egypt’s higher education and scientific research system, as well as the significant efforts exerted by the state to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian universities at both regional and international levels.
The ranking results revealed a further increase in the number of Egyptian universities listed this year, reaching 36 universities, compared to 35 universities in 2025, reflecting the ongoing progress in the positioning of Egyptian universities within the international classification. This achievement aligns with the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which emphasizes international benchmarking as a key component.
Dr. Ashour highlighted that this progress is not merely a numerical achievement but represents a qualitative improvement in the academic and research performance of Egyptian universities. He noted that the continuous increase in Egyptian universities’ results in the THE rankings confirms the effectiveness of the Ministry’s policies supporting scientific research, internationalization, and global publishing.
Among the rankings, 9 Egyptian universities were placed in the top 1,000 globally:
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Category 601–800: The American University in Cairo, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), and Kafrelsheikh University.
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Category 801–1000: Ain Shams University, Al-Azhar University, Alexandria University, Cairo University, Future University, and Mansoura University.
The ranking also listed the following universities in the 1001–1200 category: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Aswan University, Beni-Suef University, Damietta University, Delta University for Science and Technology, Minia University, New Valley University, Suez University, Tanta University, Sadat City University, and Zagazig University.
In the 1201–1500 category: Assiut University, Benha University, Damanhour University, Fayoum University, Menoufia University, October 6 University, Port Said University, Sohag University, South Valley University, Suez Canal University, the British University in Egypt, and Zewail City of Science and Technology.
In the 1501+ category: Helwan University, Misr University for Science and Technology, Nile University, and October University for Modern Sciences and Arts.
Dr. Adel Abdel Ghafar, the Ministry’s official spokesperson and media advisor, explained that the advancement of Egyptian universities in the 2026 THE ranking reflects continuous improvement in academic and research performance and translates the concerted efforts of Egyptian universities. He emphasized that the Ministry’s policies supporting international rankings, along with careful monitoring of global standards in collaboration with universities, have directly contributed to this tangible progress.
He also noted the steady growth of Egyptian universities in the THE rankings over the years: 3 universities in 2016, 8 in 2017, 19 in 2019, 28 in 2024, 35 in 2025, and now 36 universities in 2026 — marking the largest presence of Egyptian universities in this ranking since their first inclusion.
The THE World University Rankings rely on 17 performance indicators across five key areas, covering all aspects of academic excellence:
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Teaching (learning environment): 29.5% of the total score, evaluating the quality of teaching, learning environment, and student support.
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Research environment: 29%, focusing on research reputation, productivity, and research funding.
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Research quality: 30%, measuring the strength, impact, and global influence of research outputs.
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International outlook: 7.5%, assessing international collaboration, student and faculty diversity.
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Industry income and innovation: 4%, reflecting universities’ contributions to knowledge transfer through partnerships and patents.
This framework provides a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of universities worldwide in terms of education, research, innovation, and international engagement.
This year’s rankings included 2,191 institutions from 115 countries.
The spokesperson highlighted the important role of the Egyptian Knowledge Bank in providing vast scientific resources for Egyptian researchers, which has strengthened scientific research in Egypt, enhanced the international standing of research institutions and universities, and contributed to clear progress in global rankings. This aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which aims to provide education and training that enable a new generation capable of driving transformation across various sectors in Egypt.