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Public UniversityPublished: 11 May 2026Updated: 26 May 2026
Al-Azhar University

Study at Al-Azhar University for International Students 2026

Cairo, CairoEst. 1957
Al-Azhar University

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Overview of Al-Azhar University for International Students

Al-Azhar University was founded in 971 CE, making it one of the oldest universities in human history — predating the University of Bologna in Italy — and the second oldest Arab university after the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco. For over a thousand years, it has remained a beacon of knowledge attracting students from across the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Today, Al-Azhar combines its historic legacy with modern educational technology and advanced infrastructure, applying international quality standards across diverse academic and applied programmes spanning undergraduate through doctoral levels.

The university has a large number of faculties divided between male faculties and female faculties, with branches across various Egyptian governorates. All faculties welcome international students.

Important note: Some countries do not recognise degrees earned by students studying outside the main campus. Al-Azhar's main campus is located within Cairo Governorate.

Males' Colleges and Admission Rates for International Students

College Location Minimum Rate
Human MedicineCairo / Assiut / Damietta75%
DentistryCairo / Assiut75%
EducationCairo75%
Arabic and Islamic StudiesQena75%
MediaCairo70%
PharmacyCairo / Assiut70%
EngineeringCairo / Qena65%
Agricultural EngineeringCairo65%
AgricultureCairo / Assiut65%
ScienceCairo / Assiut55%
Sharia and LawCairo / Assiut / Tanta / Damanhour50%
Arabic LanguageCairo / Assiut / Girga / Zagazig50%
Languages and TranslationCairo50%
Fundamentals of Religion and Da'wahMansoura / Menoufia / Desouk50%
Islamic StudiesCairo / Aswan50%
CommerceCairo50%

Females' Colleges and Admission Rates for International Students

College Location Minimum Rate
Girls' MedicineCairo75%
DentistryCairo75%
PharmacyCairo70%
ScienceCairo55%
Islamic and Arabic StudiesCairo / Alexandria / Assiut / Mansoura / Port Said / Beni Suef / Sohag50%
HumanitiesCairo / Sadat City50%
CommerceCairo50%
Home EconomicsTanta50%
Al-Azhar Girls' College10th of Ramadan / Taiba50%

Tuition Fees at Al-Azhar University for International Students

Registration fee is $1,500 paid only once for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Annual tuition fees:

CollegeBachelor's ($/year)Postgraduate ($/year)
Human Medicine6,0006,000
Dentistry6,0006,000
Pharmacy5,0005,500
Engineering5,0005,500
Science4,0005,000
Agriculture4,0005,000
Media3,0004,500
Languages and Translation3,0004,500
Sharia and Law3,0004,500
Commerce3,0004,500
Education3,0004,500
Other Colleges3,0004,500

Postgraduate Studies at Al-Azhar University for International Students

All faculties of Al-Azhar University welcome international students for postgraduate studies:

  • For Master's: Bachelor's degree in the same specialization with at least a passing grade from an accredited university
  • For PhD: Master's degree in the same specialization with at least a passing grade from an accredited university

The university has vast academic libraries with unique paper and electronic resources, and advanced research centers that support students in preparing their theses under the supervision of an elite group of the most qualified academics in the Arab world.

Admission Requirements and Required Documents

General Requirements

  • The student must be Muslim and a non-Egyptian national
  • A high school certificate recognized by the Egyptian state
  • Approval from the student's country embassy in Egypt, specifying the faculty, year, and stage
  • A valid passport
  • A good level of English with an internationally certified document (TOEFL or equivalent)
  • Passing the Arabic language test at the student's country embassy
  • Applications open in May each year according to official deadlines
  • One-year internship certificate for medical specializations

Required Official Documents

  • The original academic certificate authenticated by the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
  • The original birth certificate or an official extract from it
  • A recent medical certificate
  • 6 recent personal photos
  • A copy of the passport with an entry visa to Egypt for study purposes
  • Arabic language test certificate
  • A pledge to comply with Egyptian laws and regulations
  • A notarized pledge to pay tuition fees (for self-funded students)
Want to apply to Al-Azhar University? Contact the Study in Egypt team now for a free consultation and full assistance with all admission and registration procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions — Al-Azhar University for International Students

When was Al-Azhar University founded?
It was founded in 971 AD, making it one of the oldest universities in human history and the second oldest Arab university after Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Is it required for international students to be Muslim?
Yes, international students are required to be Muslim to enroll at Al-Azhar University at all its stages.
What are the tuition fees at the Faculty of Medicine for international students?
Registration fees are $1,500 one-time, and annual fees are $6,000 for bachelor's and postgraduate studies.
Does Al-Azhar University accept international postgraduate students?
Yes, all faculties accept Master's and PhD students, provided that the previous qualification is in the same specialization with at least a passing grade.
Does Al-Azhar University require an Arabic language test?
Yes, students are required to pass the Arabic language test held at the embassy of the student's country to assess their Arabic language level.
When does the application period at Al-Azhar University begin?
Applications open in May each year according to the official deadlines designated for receiving international student applications.
Is there a difference between studying on the main campus and outside it?
Yes, some countries do not recognize the university degree if the student studied at branches outside the main campus. The main campus of Al-Azhar University is located in Cairo Governorate.
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