Registering at Al-Azhar University for International Students 2026

Al-Azhar University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the third-oldest institution offering specialized higher education, combining religious and worldly sciences. When registering at Al-Azhar University as an international student, you don't just earn an accredited, recognized degree — you gain knowledge that strengthens your readiness for the job market. Studying at Al-Azhar offers international students numerous advantages related to the curriculum and career preparation, both inside and outside Egypt, and the degree earned opens broad career prospects after graduation.

Advantages of Studying at Al-Azhar University for Foreign Students

The university offers a unique educational environment blending academic and religious curricula, along with rich cultural exposure through interaction with students of many nationalities.

Study Requirements at Al-Azhar University

Before registering at Al-Azhar University, all international students must meet a set of standards and requirements the university has set out in a comprehensive admissions guide — requirements known for being straightforward rather than complicated:

Holding a certificate recognized and accredited by the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities.
Submitting Bachelor's-level certificates when seeking to pursue postgraduate studies.
Certificates must be certified by the relevant authorities in the student's home country, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian embassy.
Equating certificates submitted at registration through the Supreme Council of Universities.
Paying tuition fees in full and attaching required documents when deciding to study in Egypt.

Beyond these general requirements, Al-Azhar University sets additional standards for accepting an international applicant's request, varying by faculty, program, and department.

Required Documents for Registration

The original high school certificate.
The applicant's passport.
Six 4×6 personal photos.
Certificate equivalency through the Supreme Council of Universities.
Birth certificate, family record, and national ID.

Students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies must submit their Bachelor's degree and academic transcript when registering for a Master's, while PhD applicants must also attach their Master's degree, transcript, and thesis in PDF format.

Al-Azhar University Fees for International Students 2026

Al-Azhar University stands out for its low tuition costs — international students pay just USD 2,000 when enrolling in a practical (science-based) faculty, while the cost drops to half at USD 1,000 for a theoretical program, with low student housing fees as well.

Enrollment fee: USD 1,500, paid only at the start of the application.
Practical faculties (pharmacy, human medicine, nursing, dentistry, science, engineering): approximately USD 6,000.
Theoretical (literary) faculties (Sharia and law, commerce, media, humanities studies): approximately USD 5,000.

The university offers a discount of up to 70% for Sudanese students regardless of the issuing country of their certificate, full scholarships regardless of certificate origin, and a discount of up to 50% for Palestinian students.

How to Register at Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University provides comprehensive facilities for international students wanting to study in Egypt, through accredited offices offering specialized study consultations and simplifying registration procedures, including:

Presenting accredited, internationally ranked academic programs matching job market requirements.
Resolving obstacles and challenges international students face, proposing solutions and alternatives.
Providing academic programs meeting Arab and international accreditation standards and requirements.

Al-Azhar University Faculties and Admission Rates

Al-Azhar University offers diverse academic programs spanning medicine and its branches, engineering, media, education, agriculture, and many others. Approximate Bachelor's admission rates (postgraduate admission is a "Pass" or "Good" grade across all faculties) are as follows:

Faculty of Human Medicine: 75%.
Faculty of Dentistry: 70%.
Faculty of Pharmacy: 70%.
Faculty of Mass Communication: 70%.
Faculty of Engineering: 65%.
Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering: 65%.
Faculty of Science: 55%.
Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Holy Quran, Faculty of Physical Education, Faculty of Home Economics, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Languages and Translation, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Islamic Theology and Da'wah, Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies: 50%.

Advantages and Facilities for Foreign Applicants

Al-Azhar University is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the Islamic world, offering international students numerous opportunities and advantages:

International recognition of degrees, with programs spanning Islamic sciences, medicine, engineering, and social sciences.
Dedicated support for foreign students regarding admission and registration procedures.
Academic advising services for international students, and organization of cultural and social activities.
Simplified visa procedures and completing the paperwork needed for study.
Orientation programs for new students to help them adapt to Al-Azhar's system.

Scholarships and Financial Support

A 70% discount for Sudanese students.
Full scholarships or a 50% discount for Palestinian students.
Full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses in certain cases.
Support through Al-Azhar's "one-stop window" to simplify registration procedures.

International Recognition of Al-Azhar Degrees

Al-Azhar degrees are internationally recognized, giving graduates broad job opportunities in their home countries and abroad, particularly in Islamic and scientific specialties.

Master's and PhD Requirements for International Students

For Master's: a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field from a university recognized by the Supreme Council, with a minimum grade of "Good."
For PhD: a Master's degree in the field of study from an accredited university, with a minimum grade of "Good."
Proficiency in Arabic as a core requirement, alongside English, with proof such as a TOEFL certificate.
Passing a medical examination confirming freedom from infectious diseases and physical fitness.
Obtaining approval from the student's home country and the Egyptian embassy for registration.
Submitting an internship completion certificate if the postgraduate specialty is medical.
Equating the academic certificate through the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities.
Paying the fees due for registering in the academic program during the application period.

Master's Registration Fees

The core Master's program cost ranges from USD 4,500 to 6,000, plus additional fees:

File opening fee: USD 170.
Bachelor's degree equivalency fee: USD 300.
Coordination service for international students: USD 170.
International students club membership fee: USD 150.
Master's program enrollment fee: USD 1,500.

PhD Fees for International Students

PhD program costs range from USD 4,500 to 6,000 depending on specialty, plus a USD 1,500 enrollment fee paid only at the start of the first year, alongside:

File opening fee: USD 170.
Bachelor's degree equivalency fee: USD 300.
Master's degree equivalency fee: USD 400.
Coordination service for international students: USD 170.
International students club membership fee: USD 150.

Student Life in Egypt

Students joining Al-Azhar University enjoy an excellent educational environment thanks to the university's deep history, aiming to prepare qualified graduates across specialties including medical sciences, Sharia, and Islamic studies, alongside advanced academic programs and curricula deepening students' knowledge and skills, plus student activities and competitions.

In terms of living costs, housing, transportation, and food in Egypt are cheaper than in many other countries, with multiple options including university or private housing, and low-cost public transportation. On the recreational and cultural side, students can explore historic sites in Cairo and other cities, and experience an Egyptian environment hosting international students from around the world — helping build friendships and develop social skills.

Exact requirements and fees vary by faculty and academic degree, which makes careful follow-up essential to avoid delays. The StudyInEg team specializes in guiding international students step by step — from choosing the right faculty to completing admission and registration at Al-Azhar University. Reach out to us now on WhatsApp for a free consultation about your academic path.

Frequently Asked Questions about Registering at Al-Azhar University for International Students

How much does Al-Azhar University cost for international students?

International students pay just USD 2,000 for practical faculties, dropping to half that (USD 1,000) for theoretical faculties.

Does Al-Azhar University accept international students?

Yes, Al-Azhar University offers many opportunities for non-Egyptian international students, as it carries a mission to spread knowledge across Islamic and other countries.

When does registration open at Al-Azhar University?

International students can register and secure a seat year-round through an accredited office, with exceptional facilities particularly during July through September.

Can non-Azhar graduates study at Al-Azhar?

Yes, the university doesn't require an international applicant to be a graduate of an Al-Azhar-affiliated institution — the admission criterion is the overall grade and having an accredited, recognized certificate.

Does Al-Azhar University offer scholarships for foreign students?

Yes, discounts of up to 70% are available for Sudanese students, and full scholarships or a 50% discount for Palestinian students.