Prof. Ahmed El-Kassed, President of Menoufia University, participated in the regular meeting of the Supreme Council of Universities on Saturday, chaired by Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and attended by Prof. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Council, and members of the Council. The meeting was held at Damietta University.
Prof. El-Kased noted that the Minister of Higher Education confirmed during the meeting the readiness of the main coordination office at Cairo University to begin its operations, as well as the readiness of computer labs at public universities to assist students in applying to the electronic coordination website for admission to public universities and institutes. He added that qualified counselors were available to assist students throughout the coordination period. He added that the Minister also emphasized the need to complete the maintenance work required by university labs and facilities before the start of the new academic year 2025/2026 to ensure the quality of the educational process. He also emphasized the need for universities to continue implementing sports, artistic, cultural, and social activities, and to support sports and artistic talents during the summer vacation to harness the energies of young people and develop a sense of belonging and loyalty among them. In addition, plans were developed to intensify awareness campaigns for students to combat misconceptions.
El-Kased added that the Minister praised the achievements made in international university rankings and directed universities to continue providing support to researchers to increase scientific publication in prestigious scientific journals, thus raising the rankings of Egyptian universities in major international rankings.
Prof. Ahmed El-Kased also noted that the Council heard a report on the most prominent activities of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research during the month of June. The Council also approved the formation of the Higher Coordination Committee for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The envoy stated that the Council approved opening registration for diploma and technical institute exams for students who have obtained diplomas from technical secondary schools (three-year system), technical secondary schools (five-year system), and technical institutes (two-year system after high school) for admission to the faculties of commerce, engineering, law, agriculture, and computer science and information at public universities for the 2025/2026 academic year, starting August 1, 2025. This will be in accordance with the exam schedules announced on the Supreme Council of Universities website for the relevant faculties via the following link: https://scu.eg/. Applications will close five days before the exams.
Prof. Ahmed El-Kased noted that the Council approved the minutes of the meeting between Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the secretaries of the councils of public, private, national, and technological universities, in implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic. To determine the method and mechanisms for exempting children of martyrs, victims, missing persons, and those injured in war, terrorist, and security operations, and their families, from various tuition fees at public, private, private, and technological universities. The meeting concluded with a 100% exemption for children of martyrs and those with total disabilities at all public, private, private, and technological universities, as well as private and public higher institutes. The exemption also includes course registration fees for paid programs at public universities. The meeting also concluded with a 50% exemption for children of those with partial disabilities at all public, private, national, and technological universities, as well as private and public higher institutes. The exemption also includes course registration fees for paid programs at public universities. The university is committed to paying the fees set by the funds for the children of martyrs and those with total and partial disabilities enrolled at the university. Students are exempt from all services and activities, in accordance with the specifications set by each university council. The exemption must be granted by an official letter from the Fund for Martyrs, Victims, Missing Persons, and Injured in War, Terrorist, and Security Operations and Their Families.
The council also followed up on the efforts of the committee formed to implement the measures taken by the Ministry of Higher Education to promote Egyptian universities through various official platforms, by producing diverse digital content targeting target audiences at home and abroad.
The Council also followed up on the efforts of the committee formed to prepare a comprehensive study on the internationalization of higher education and scientific research, supporting the state's efforts to achieve global leadership, and establishing effective international partnerships to support cross-border education and competitive scientific research.
The Council reviewed a report on the Egyptian Student Participation Survey through June 2025, presenting data on the percentage of university participation.