Institute of African Research and Studies Egypt for International Students 2026

Africa is the world's second-largest continent — covering approximately 20.4% of the Earth's total land area and encompassing 54 countries — a rich investment market with a pivotal influence on the global economy and international political life. This makes African studies specialists highly sought after by international organisations, regional bodies and global job markets.

The Institute of African Research and Studies at Cairo University, founded in 1947, stands as the world's first and most comprehensive academic institution specialising in African studies — covering geography, history, politics, economics, languages and natural resources.

Why Study at the African Research and Studies Institute?

• The oldest and most prestigious institution specialising in African studies in the Arab and African world (since 1947)
• Internationally and regionally recognised degrees opening doors to international organisations, embassies and government agencies
• Egypt's strategic position as a civilisational bridge between the Arab and African worlds
• Academic environment bringing together students from 54 African countries and the Arab world
• Low tuition costs compared to Western institutions specialising in African studies

Institute Departments

• Geography, History, Politics and Economics, Anthropology
• African Languages, Natural Resources, African Legal Legislation
• African Media and Administrative Sciences in Africa

Available Study Programs

Geography Department:

• Diploma in Nile Basin Studies — Master's in Physical Geography — PhD in Physical Geography

History Department:

• Diploma in Crisis and Conflict Management (African and Arab applications) — Master's and PhD in Ancient History — Master's and PhD in Islamic History — Master's and PhD in Modern and Contemporary History

Politics and Economics Department:

• Diploma in African Human Development — Diploma in Egypt-Africa Relations — Master's and PhD in Politics and Economics — Diploma in International Development and Economic Cooperation

Anthropology Department:

• Diploma in African Civilisations — Master's in Physical, Social and Cultural Anthropology — PhD in Anthropology

African Languages Department:

• Diploma in African Languages and Literature — Diploma in Specialised Translation — Master's and PhD in Languages (Literary and Linguistic Studies)

Natural Resources Department:

• Diploma in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources — Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment in Africa — Master's and PhD in Plant, Animal, Land and Water Resources

Newly Established Programs

• GIS Applications Diploma and Master's and PhD
• Population and Human Development programs
• Sustainable Development of Economic Resources in Africa
• Afro-Asian programs in Geography, Languages and Anthropology
• Sustainable Energy in Africa
• Bioarchaeology
• Specialised Translation (Master's and PhD)

Admission Requirements

Diploma level:

• Bachelor's or Licence degree from an accredited university — Duration: one academic year

Master's level:

• Bachelor's/Licence from a recognised university + Diploma in African Studies after first degree — Thesis duration: 1–3 years (extendable by one year)

PhD level:

• Master's in African Studies or equivalent with at least Good grade — Thesis duration: 2–5 years (extendable by one year)

Career Opportunities for African Studies Graduates from Egypt

• International organisations focused on Africa (African Union, UN, World Bank)
• Diplomacy and embassy work across African countries
• Academic research in African studies centres worldwide
• Investment and economic development consulting in Africa
• Teaching in universities specialising in African studies
• Government institutions dealing with African affairs

Want to join the Institute of African Research and Studies at Cairo University? Contact the studyineg team now for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions