There’s just something about Egypt that makes it one of the most interesting study abroad locations on Earth. Maybe it’s the ancient atmosphere, or maybe it’s the long list of natural wonders students get to see during their visit. Maybe it’s everything!
Students that join a summer study program should visit the site of Abu Simbel, a famous archaeological site where two temples where carved into the side of the mountain during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Egypt.
Study in Egypt for an entire semester abroad and be sure to visit the Valley of the Kings. If you’re a history buff or you just like to uncover hidden treasures, this valley is the perfect place to find mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Wherever you decide to study abroad in Egypt you’ll find amazing natural wonders and ancient artefacts, so don’t forget to take your phone and visit as many places as you can during your stay.
Best Universities in Egypt for International Students
You can study the Arabic language, learn about the history of Egypt or meet other international study abroad students when you join a study abroad program at an accredited university in Egypt.
One of the most popular study abroad Egypt universities is located in the capital of Cairo. The American University in Cairo offers international students a variety of classes for their undergraduate degrees, including Accounting, Egyptology, Computer Engineering, Middle East Studies and more.
Located in Assiut City, which is south of Cairo, is Assiut University. This higher education institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Art, Science and Technology. Not only does the university provide a library with over 4,000 reference books, but it also has an “Olympic Village” with an indoor arena and swimming compound.
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers environmental teaching and research programs to students interested in environmental studies. Students can take classes such as Environmental Study, Environmental Law, Water Management and Sustainable Development.
Guide to Studying in Egypt
Scholarships
For ideas to help pay for your experience see our study abroad loans page or study abroad grants.
Transportation Options
Egypt is a bustling country that provides many different modes of transportation to its inhabitants and visitors.
Egypt has over 5,000 miles of railroads, making the railway one of the most popular ways to travel within the country. Even though the Egyptian Railway is one of the oldest in all of Africa, passengers find it to be fast and convenient.
The northern section of the Nile River flows through Egypt, so another popular mode of transportation is by ferry. You can choose to ride a high-speed ferry or a passenger ferry, both of which will take you within Egypt or to neighboring countries.
Riding the bus is another way to get around Egypt, though it may not be the most enjoyable. Egyptian buses are often crowded and dirty, but there are more luxurious buses you can ride if you have the extra money.
You can always hail a taxi in Egypt, which is never a problem because taxis are everywhere. Just make sure that you aren’t in a taxi with a broken meter and a driver who wants you to pay a high are.
All of the major car rental agencies offer car rental services in Egypt, but you must be safe when you drive in the overcrowded and hazardous streets!
Make sure that whatever form of transportation that you choose to use will be safe. Read our page on Study Abroad Health Safety Info for more information.
Money and Budget
Egyptian currency is known as the pound, or gineih. It is divided into 100 qirsh.
Here’s what you need to know about the pound:
Coins = 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 qirsh; 1 gineih
Bills = 5, 10, 25 and 50 qirsh; 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 gineih
Best Locations to Visit in Egypt
When you study abroad in Egypt there are literally hundreds of different amazing places that you can visit to get a feel of Egyptian culture:
Located near Cairo along the Nile is the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the oldest structures in the history of mankind. With its human head and lion-like body, the Sphinx is truly an amazing sight that continues to be a popular tourist attraction.
If you’re interested in taking a nice swim after a long day of classes then the Siwa Oasis, which is over 50 miles long, is the best place to visit.
Students interested in getting in some shopping or enjoying local seafood can visit Aswan, the third largest city in Egypt. During the day you can visit local markets and watch sailboats along the Nile, and at night you can watch local musicians and dancers perform.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the best place to see over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, most notably, the treasures of King Tutankhamen. With over 107 halls full of huge statues, mummies, papyrus scrolls and other Egyptian wonders, this is THE museum for Egyptian enthusiasts.
One of the strangest and most intriguing places you can visit when you study abroad in Egypt is the ancient burial ground known as Saqqara, or Sakkara. Known as “The City of Dead,” this burial ground is not only the home to ancient tombs, but it’s also the site of the world’s oldest step pyramid.
Important Information
When you study in Egypt you should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency.