University of Exeter celebrates new milestone in pioneering Egypt partnership  

The University of Exeter, National Ain Shams University and Ain Shams University have marked a significant milestone in their strategic partnership by signing Heads of Terms at the historic Al Zaafaran Palace in Cairo. 

The agreement reinforces a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity, research excellence and innovation between the United Kingdom and Egypt. 

It also represents the next major step towards establishing the University of Exeter’s long-term educational presence in Egypt through a pioneering partnership with National Ain Shams University and Ain Shams University who sit among the largest and and highest ranked public universities in Egypt and the wider region. 

Developed through an International Collaboration Agreement, the initiative will create new opportunities for Egyptian students to study for globally recognised University of Exeter degrees in Egypt while strengthening research collaboration, knowledge exchange and engagement with industry. 

The ceremony brought together senior leaders from the University of Exeter, National Ain Shams University and Ain Shams University, alongside representatives from government and key strategic partners who have supported the development of the collaboration over the past year. 

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Today’s ceremony signing represents an important milestone in turning our shared vision into reality. Together with our partners at National Ain Shams University and Ain Shams University, we are creating new opportunities for talented students to access a University of Exeter education in Egypt while strengthening the global partnerships that are essential to addressing society’s greatest challenges. 

“The University of Exeter is the first Russell Group university to establish a teaching presence in Africa.  This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation and creating opportunities that will benefit students, researchers and communities in both the UK and Egypt for many years to come.” 

The milestone builds on an ambitious programme of cooperation developed in close partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, National Ain Shams University, Ain Shams University, the British Embassy in Cairo and the British Council, reflecting the strength of the wider UK-Egypt strategic relationship and a shared commitment to advancing higher education, research and innovation. 

Recognised as one of the University of Exeter’s most significant international education initiatives, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to develop an internationally connected academic environment that prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and global outlook needed to address the opportunities and challenges of the future. 

Students studying in Egypt will benefit from the University of Exeter’s research-intensive education, internationally recognised academic standards and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, employability and real-world impact, while remaining closely connected to the innovation, culture and opportunities of Egypt. 

The partnership is designed to support Egypt’s ambitions as a regional hub for higher education, research and innovation, creating new opportunities for collaboration with government, industry and employers, while contributing to the development of future talent capable of supporting sustainable economic growth across Egypt, the Middle East and Africa. 

Professor Dr Mohamed Diaa, President of Ain Shams University, said:  “This agreement is far more than a formal document. It is a bridge built between two world-class institutions, connecting distinct cultures, historical legacies, and academic strengths.” 

Professor Dr Mohamed Salheen, President of National Ain Shams University, said: “The signing of the Heads of Terms marks an important milestone in our partnership with the University of Exeter. Our ambition is to bring Exeter’s academic excellence and international standards to Egypt, while contributing to Egypt’s growing role as a regional hub for high-quality international higher education.”  

Professor Richard Follett, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at the University of Exeter, said:  “This landmark agreement demonstrates the power of international partnership to drive educational transformation and economic growth. Built on more than a year of collaboration and trust, it aligns directly with Egypt’s Vision 2030 ambitions to develop a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy. By combining academic excellence with strong industry and employer engagement, we will create new opportunities for students, strengthen workforce readiness, and help develop the future talent needed to support Egypt’s continued growth and innovation.” 

We are grateful for the vision, commitment and investment demonstrated by our Egyptian partners in creating the foundations for this collaboration. Together we are establishing an educational partnership that combines the University of Exeter’s academic strengths with our Egyptian partners’ deep understanding of the local context to create lasting opportunities for students, researchers and society. 

Catherine Carr, Chargé d’Affaires, British Embassy Cairo said: “We are delighted to welcome today’s signing. It marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and Egypt represented today in the signing between University of Exeter, National Ain Shams and Ain Shams Universities, and reflects the growing strength of our collaboration in higher education, research and innovation. 

We are particularly proud that this collaboration will pave the way for the establishment of the first prestigious Russell Group university campus in Egypt, creating new opportunities for students to access a world-class UK education closer to home. It also demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening ties between our people, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable economic growth and prosperity in both Egypt and the United Kingdom. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact this collaboration will have on students, institutions and communities in the years ahead.” 

This is one of the most important international partnerships in the University of Exeter’s history and demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions share a common ambition to deliver excellence through genuine collaboration.” 

Initially, students will be able to study a portfolio of University of Exeter undergraduate and postgraduate programmes delivered in Egypt, with further academic disciplines expected to be introduced over time in response to national priorities, employer demand and future research collaboration. 

Alongside teaching, the partnership will promote collaborative research, professional development, student mobility, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement with employers, creating opportunities for students to develop the practical skills, international perspective and professional networks needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy. 

The Heads of Terms signing builds on the Memorandum of Understanding originally signed between the University of Exeter and Ain Shams University in 2025 and represents another important milestone towards establishing one of the United Kingdom’s most ambitious and strategically significant higher education partnerships with Egypt’s Ain Sham University and National Ain Shams University. 

The partnership reflects a shared vision to strengthen educational excellence, foster innovation, deepen UK-Egypt collaboration and create lasting impact for students, researchers, employers and communities in both countries.