Egypt’s convention membership enables students with certificates from Egyptian universities to gain recognition for their degrees within the Arab states that are signatories to the convention, as per the cabinet’s statement.
Egypt’s convention membership enables students with certificates from Egyptian universities to gain recognition for their degrees within the Arab states that are signatories to the convention, as per the cabinet’s statement.
Egypt’s Cabinet has given its nod to the country’s membership in UNESCO’s “Revised Convention on Recognition of Studies, Diplomas, and Degrees in Higher Education in Arab States.” This move, approved on Sept. 27, aims to facilitate the recognition of degrees earned by Egyptian graduates in countries that are part of the convention.
The revised convention, adopted in Paris in February 2022, encompasses several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Yemen, as per UNESCO’s official website. The convention reflects a response to the evolving landscape of higher education systems, policies, and international collaboration, including the mobility of students.
Fostering international cooperation
Egypt’s participation in this convention not only simplifies the recognition of certificates from Egyptian universities within fellow Arab signatory states but also promotes international cooperation in higher education, particularly in the context of degree recognition. This aligns with the strategic goals of regional governments, according to the statement from the cabinet.
Furthermore, the enhanced recognition of higher qualifications is expected to attract a larger number of international students to pursue their higher education in Egypt, thereby fostering its position as a hub for global learning.
Surge in international student applications
Recent statistics from the Ministry of Higher Education indicate a substantial 33 percent increase in international student applications for undergraduate programs at Egyptian universities during the 2022/2023 academic year compared to the previous year. The total number of international students for the 2022/2023 academic year has risen to 34,407, up from 25,701 in the preceding year.
On International Literacy Day 2023, observed on Sept. 8, UNESCO Cairo partnered with the Adult Education Authority and the Regional Centre for Adult Education Sirs El Layyan in Egypt. Their collaboration aims to create educational opportunities, particularly targeting underserved populations. Egypt is also distinguished as the inaugural nation among five pilot countries for the Global Education Coalition and Global Alliance for Literacy initiative, underscoring its commitment to advancing learning and literacy.
