The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

For many Egyptian students, studying abroad or accessing quality higher education can be challenging due to financial constraints. Scholarships offer an excellent opportunity to ease the financial burden and access top universities worldwide. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD funding, this guide will help you navigate the process of finding and applying for scholarships.

Government-Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are fully or partially funded by governments to support international students, including Egyptians, in pursuing higher education abroad. They often cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance.

1- Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The UK government funds this one and offers full financial support for Egyptian students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. 

2- Fulbright Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. government, provides Egyptian students with funding for master’s and doctoral programmes in the U.S., covering tuition, living stipends, and health insurance.

3- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

DAAD offers multiple scholarships for Egyptian students, including master’s, PhD, and research funding in Germany, often with a focus on development-related fields.

4- Erasmus+ (EU)

Erasmus+ (EU), the European Union programme, funds Egyptian students for master’s degrees at European universities, promoting academic exchange and cross-cultural collaboration. 

5- University-Specific Scholarships

Many top universities worldwide offer scholarships to attract outstanding international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific fields of study.

Private and NGO Scholarships

Numerous private foundations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provide scholarships for Egyptian students, often focusing on leadership, community impact, and financial need.

1- Sawiris Foundation for Social Development

The Sawiris Distinction Scholarship is offered to Egyptian students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at top universities abroad, particularly in development-related fields.

2- Ford Foundation

Ford provides funding for postgraduate studies in social justice, human rights, and economic development, helping students from underrepresented backgrounds.

3- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships

It supports Egyptian students in undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes in STEM, health sciences, and development studies at leading universities worldwide.

Corporate Scholarships

Some multinational and local companies offer scholarships as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aiming to develop skilled professionals in key industries.

1- BP Egypt Scholarship

BP Egypt provides funding for Egyptian students to study energy-related fields such as petroleum engineering, renewable energy, and environmental sciences at top universities.

2- Orascom Construction Scholarships

Orascom supports Egyptian students pursuing master’s degrees in engineering, business, and economics, with a focus on contributing to Egypt’s development.

3- Coca-Cola Scholarship Programme

It offers exchange opportunities and entrepreneurship training for Egyptian university students, focusing on business and leadership development.

How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application

To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, start early with research and prepare your documents months in advance. Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

Clearly explain why you deserve the scholarship, what your academic achievements are, and what your future goals are. Ask professors, mentors, or employers for letters of recommendation. Note that many scholarships require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Increase your chances by applying to different opportunities.