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In a strategic step reflecting the Egyptian higher education system’s commitment to internationalization and enhancing its regional and global competitiveness, Ain Shams University, Ain Shams National University, and the UK’s University of Exeter signed the Heads of Terms for the partnership, paving the way for the completion of the final agreements related to the establishment of the University of Exeter’s first international campus in Egypt, to be hosted by Ain Shams National University.

The signing represents an important milestone in the trajectory of Egyptian-British academic cooperation and aligns with the Egyptian state’s direction and Egypt Vision 2030, which aim to develop the higher education system, enhance the internationalization of Egyptian universities, attract prestigious international academic institutions, and provide world-class education within Egypt. This contributes to building a knowledge-based economy and strengthening the country’s capabilities in education, scientific research, and innovation.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Acting President of Ain Shams National University, and Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter. The ceremony was attended by prominent higher education leaders, diplomatic representatives, and officials involved in international academic cooperation.

The signing of the document culminates an intensive process of collaboration and coordination among the three universities, aimed at establishing a long-term institutional partnership that goes beyond the traditional concept of academic cooperation toward an integrated model of transnational education. The model combines international academic and research expertise with national capabilities and the modern infrastructure of Egypt’s national universities.

The partnership is particularly significant in light of the state’s efforts to consolidate Egypt’s position as a regional hub for international higher education, research, and innovation, capable of attracting students and researchers from Africa and the Middle East while providing Egyptian students with distinguished international educational opportunities within their home country.

With this step, the University of Exeter becomes the first British university from the Russell Group to move toward offering its programs and degrees in North Africa through its international campus in Egypt, in cooperation with Ain Shams University, and Ain Shams National University. Starting in 2027, the initiative is expected to provide new opportunities for students in Egypt to study high-quality academic programs offered by the University of Exeter.

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen emphasized that signing the Heads of Terms represents a strategic step in Ain Shams University’s journey toward internationalization. He stressed that the partnership is not merely intended to make international degrees available, but rather to build a sustainable knowledge bridge for the exchange of talent, expertise, and opportunities between Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the wider region.

He noted that expanding international partnerships is consistent with Egypt Vision 2030, which places education, scientific research, and innovation at the heart of sustainable development. The vision seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the higher education system and connect its outputs with the needs of local, regional, and global labor markets, thereby contributing to the development of an innovation-driven knowledge economy.

The University President explained that the cooperation is based on an institutional vision that combines international quality standards with national capabilities and expertise, drawing on Ain Shams University’s longstanding academic and research excellence, Ain Shams National University’s modern infrastructure and advanced educational environment, and the international academic expertise and standards of the University of Exeter.

He added that the disciplines selected for the partnership include computer and data science, engineering, business and management, and health and life sciences. These fields are closely connected to the economies of the future, rapid technological transformations, and the evolving needs of labor markets.

He emphasized that reaching this stage represents the culmination of joint efforts that began in January 2025, expressing his confidence in the three universities’ ability to deliver a pioneering model of transnational education that contributes to enhancing higher education outcomes and strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional destination for international education.

For her part, Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, expressed her happiness at being in Egypt and returning to Ain Shams University, emphasizing the depth of the relationship and the ongoing cooperation between the two sides.

She stated that the signing of the Heads of Terms represents an important historic milestone and embodies a shared vision for long-term institutional cooperation. She noted that the partnership has been designed to deliver world-class education and provide students and researchers with outstanding academic and research experiences.

She highlighted Egypt’s civilizational and historical significance as one of the most important centers of education and scientific research in Africa and the Middle East. She explained that the partnership is founded on the complementary academic and research strengths of the three institutions, with the aim of preparing generations of leaders and researchers equipped to address global challenges in sustainability, artificial intelligence, engineering, and other future-oriented fields.

The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter concluded her remarks by expressing her optimism about the future of the partnership and extending her thanks to the leadership of the Egyptian and British universities and all the teams that contributed to reaching this stage.

For his part, Professor Mohamed Salehien, Vice President of Ain Shams National University for Academic Affairs, stated that the signing marks the culmination of nearly eighteen months of intensive work among the three universities. He explained that what is being established is not simply an academic program, but rather an integrated and sustainable educational platform and a long-term knowledge bridge connecting students in Egypt with global educational standards.

He explained that the strength of the partnership lies in the complementary capabilities of the three institutions. The University of Exeter contributes its global expertise and standing as a member of the Russell Group, while Ain Shams University, brings more than eight decades of academic and research excellence, and Ain Shams National University provides modern infrastructure and an advanced educational environment.

He added that the objective goes beyond offering international degrees to establish an educational pathway that connects academia with industry, society, and the labor market, preparing graduates to compete globally. It will also open broader horizons for cooperation in scientific research and innovation, the exchange of expertise, and capacity building among researchers and faculty members.

The signing ceremony was attended by Catherine Kerr, Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Cairo; Professor Hany Maqdoor, Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for National Projects; and Professor Mona Hegress, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities.

Also attending were Professor Ramy Maher Sadek Ghali, Vice President of Ain Shams University, for Education and Student Affairs; Professor Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Professor Suzanne El-Kalini, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Ain Shams National University; Professor Amr Abdel Salam Shaath, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Farid Moharam, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Prof. Rasha Mohamed Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmedy, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Collaboration Sector; Prof Samy Afifi; and Professor Shaimaa Abu El-Sadat, Assistants to the Vice President of Ain Shams National University for Academic Affairs, along with the university’s program directors.

Representing the University of Exeter, Professor Peter Clack, Director of Exeter Global, attended the ceremony. Dr. Heba El-Zein, Director of Education and Science at the British Council, was also present.

The signing of the document comes as a continuation of Ain Shams University’s strategy for internationalizing education and building sustainable global partnerships, while providing educational and research opportunities in accordance with international standards. This is consistent with the Egyptian state’s vision for developing higher education, enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities, and consolidating Egypt’s position on the regional and global map of education, knowledge, and innovation.